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The D.T. Fleming Arboretum is Hawai`i's oldest and largest native arboretum. Planted in 1952 by David Thomas Fleming, the pioneer of native Hawaiian plant preservation and Maui's watershed restoration, the Arboretum is a seven-acre enclosure within the 16.88 acre cinder cone Pu`u Mahoe, on Haleakala's southern slope.
MVM photo
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May Moore of Kula holding the fragrant Hibiscus
waimeae on hike with Kaunoa Senior Citizens.
October begins the flowering season for the
Arboretum’s native hibiscus, its nectar attracting
the native `Amakihi bird (Loxops virens).
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Five years ago the Fleming Arboretum was a botanical collection of old trees in need of preservation. Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum at Pu`u Mahoe (FOFA) was created in 2002 to help restore and preserve the Arboretum and its rare plant species. FOFA's mission: Preservation thru Protection, Propagation and Distribution.
In five years, the work of FOFA has transformed the Fleming Arboretum from a museum of old trees to a viable seed resource and plant recovery reserve for the preservation of Maui's mid- elevation, dry-land species. FOFA actively distributes seed contributing to private and public out-planting, botanical collections and nurseries, reforestation projects for native habitat and watershed restoration throughout Hawai`i.
With the creation of FOFA, the Fleming Arboretum has been maintained for the community rather than lost to the effects of tourism. Supported by State, Federal and Foundation grants, individual donations and volunteers, community involvement in Arboretum activities is encouraged. FOFA sponsors free educational programs for the public: volunteer workdays with professional ISA-certified instruction, propagation workshops, school and community group events, and monthly tours available to interested groups and individuals.
An arboretum for Hawai`i, with botanical, historical and cultural significance, the D. T. Fleming Arboretum is a conservation and educational resource for Maui and all of Hawai`i, involving Hawai`i's people through community projects and activities. A community minded man, I can only imagine my grandfather would be proud.
The potential for the Arboretum is great. Exciting projects continue to evolve as the Arboretum progresses, committed to the preservation of old Hawai`i, strong for future generations. Thank you for your continued support.
Martha Vockrodt-Moran, FOFA President
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