KE‘AAU, Hawaii — Volunteers and conservationists gently planted saplings representing the last wild nanu plants (Gardenia brighamii) on Oahu coordinated by the Hawaii Plant Extinction Prevention Program (PEPP) in partnership with the Hawaiian Springs Preserving Paradise Initiative, government and private agencies in April. The 30 saplings were grown and nurtured for over two years at the State’s Pahole Nursery.
“In order to recover or proliferate the nanu again in the wild, it is vital that we plant seeds from a diverse genetic stock and not from a domesticated nanu which may no longer be adapted for wild conditions. This effort is a life’s work and labor of love and will require our continuing commitment and we thank our volunteers, cooperating state agencies and Hawaiian Springs,” said Susan Ching, Oahu Island Coordinator of the Plant Extinction Prevention Program.
The project marks the second major undertaking of Preserving Paradise, the Hawaiian Springs company’s conservation initiative dedicated to preserving Hawaii’s unique natural flora, fauna and ecosystems. Hawaiian Springs contributed money to construct barrier fencing around the last wild nanu on State Forest Reserve land on Oahu two years ago which protects it from animal threats and providing the PEP Program the opportunity to collect material from the plant to be used for out-planting and restoration. The nanu, endemic to Hawaii, is on the federal critically endangered species list.
Wild Hawaiian Gardenia (Nanu) saved from Extinction by Partnership of Hawaii Plant Extinction Program and Hawaiian Springs
“We feel a special connection to the nanu, it’s one of the native, endangered plant species featured on our bottles, and the planting is especially significant,” says Rick Hadley, Chairman and CEO of Hawaiian Springs. “The dedication of the expert botanists in the PEP Program is impressive and we’re honored to have a part in the next step to preserve the nanu in the wild for future generations.”
Hawaiian Springs Water, a premium natural artesian bottled water produced on Hawaii Island, added the Preserving Paradise emblem to its labels in August 2011, in hopes of raising awareness with consumers about the ecosystems of Hawaii, Hawaiian Springs’ conservation efforts and partnerships, and how consumers can support these partnerships in preventing the extinction of dwindling indigenous species.
About Hawaiian Springs
Hawaiian Springs began bottling its natural, artesian water in 1995 from a single, highly sustainable aquifer at the base of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Each year, hundreds of inches of clean, arctic rain filters naturally through 13,000 feet of lava rock to the Kea‘au aquifer. At the facility on the Big Island of Hawaii, the distinctively shaped bottles of Hawaiian Springs are created then filled directly from the source. One of the finest natural waters available today, Hawaiian Springs delivers a moment of what makes Hawaii special with a fresh, slightly sweet taste. Hawaiian Springs Water was selected “Best of Hawaii 2012” by HAWAII Magazine and best local beverage brand in HONOLULU Magazine’s Reader’s Choice poll for 2012 and 2013. Hawaiian Springs is available throughout the Hawaiian Islands, as well as the U.S. Mainland, Canada and Asia, at leading supermarkets and natural food retailers such as AJ’s Fine Foods, BevMo!, Bristol Farms, Gelson’s Markets, Lucky Supermarkets, Mollie Stone’s, Mother’s Market, New Seasons Markets, SaveMart Supermarkets, Sprouts Farmers Market, Super Supplements, The Fresh Market, Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers and Whole Foods Market.