Day 5: Kiholo Bay and Coconut Trees! by Alexis Clarke

Renewing the Earth by planting coconuts was truly an inspiring experience. We started the day by splitting into two groups, one assigned to rebuilding a wall of rocks and the other assigned to planting coconut tree saplings. In total, eight saplings needed to be planted, and our group was able to plant six of them. We created the hole by measuring it with a bucket two times the size of the bucket itself. The hole was also supposed to be three times the depth of the bucket that the sapling was in. Yet, the employees had felt that the sapling was ready to be planted if groundwater filled the hole. This whole process was strenuous and exhausting, but it was so refreshing to work with the Earth and not against it. 

When we finished planting all the coconuts we could, we surrounded it with the fence that the Americorps group made to protect the saplings from any wildlife and any weather that may come to harm their growth. This experience made me feel closer to nature and that I could make a difference in the world. I felt very empowered; it was the opposite of helplessness regarding the Earth and creating a sustainable planet. The culture of the Hawaiian people is to work with the Earth and give back to the mother that gives us everything, including the ability to live and breathe every day. Today may have been exhausting, but it was also a day for personal growth. 

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