Sunset Ranch is excited to announce that we’ll be hosting the 2011 benefit for the North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT) on Saturday, November 5 at 5:00 pm.  This is going to be an awesome event with great food and some of Hawaii’s very best musicians.  The NSCLT will also be sharing with guests recent land conservation successes, current projects and efforts to prioritize future projects through their “Greenprint” intiative.  Please join us on this special evening and support one of the great organizations working hard to protect Oahu’s North Shore.  BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE!

2011 BENEFIT

NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

SUNSET RANCH

Saturday, November 5, 2011, 5:00 PM

Featuring:
 
BLA PAHINUI
KAWIKA KAHIAPO
JOHN CRUZ
HENRY KAPONO &
 OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS
 

As a reminder, the  NSCLT played a critical role in the permanent protection of Sunset Ranch, Pupukea-Paumalu (~1129 acres north of Sunset Ranch) and Waimea Valley (~1875 acres south of Sunset Ranch).  NSCLT is an incredible organization comprised of exceptional individuals who have nothing but the very best interests of the North Shore community in mind.  For more information, contact Sunset Ranch at (808)638-8333 or NSCLT at (808)638-0338.  Mahalo nui loa!

 

The mission of the North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT) is to protect, steward, and enhance the natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and rural character of ahupua‘a from Kahuku Point to Ka‘ena.

Those of you familiar with our mission at Sunset Ranch know that we’ve been working on an Environmental Learning Center (“ELC”) now for quite some time.  We wish we could move faster, but permitting takes time and of course we want to make certain we do this right.  All that said, we do have some good news to share:  our use permits for our proposed farming efforts at Sunset Ranch have been approved.  We are now in the process of finalizing the design and build out of the facility.  Once our building permits are received, we will be well on our way.  The current design of the ELC includes:  (i) a welcome center, (ii) a Native Hawaiian Nursery (a separate section of the ELC, and discussed in a previous blog), and (iii) an aquaponics facility.  So as it relates to Farming at Sunset Ranch, aquaponics is where our primary focus will be.  A highly productive method of farming for any resident in Hawaii

The primary objectives for the aquaponics facility at Sunset Ranch are threefold: 

(i) Education 

We want to educate the local community and Hawaii’s visitors on what aquaponics is, why it is a viable farming method, how it really works, and how best to use it to supplement existing food intake.  We will also go so far as to say that we hope, for some, aquaponics will become a primary food source.  As we’ve stated in the past, we believe Hawaii has a five to six day food supply in the event of any natural disaster or economic crisis.  The fact of the matter is, we need to be better prepared.  We simply rely too much on those ships arriving into Honolulu harbor each and every day.  This dialogue has been on-going for quite some time now.  We understand that.  But the truth is, for the most part, we continue to just talk about it and go on living as we always have.  Times are a changing.  We need to take more proactive steps towards addressing this problem, and making sure we’re prepared to take care of ourselves in the event of a crisis.  It’s about paving the road to self-sustainability.  At Sunset Ranch, we simply want to be a part of that road. 

(ii) Product 

While our primary focus is on education; we also plan to develop an aquaponics system that can be purchased and easily transported and assembled in an urban setting.  This is critical to our mission at Sunset Ranch.  The pictures you see on this blog are of a large facility.  Believe it or not, however, there are small backyard systems, and even balcony systems, that can provide you with a significant amount of food.  We want to create a system that you can fit in your car, you can assemble at home, and get busy making food.  In our opinion, knowledge is quickly lost if not put to regular use.  We want you to actively put to work what you learn at Sunset Ranch.  On a daily basis.  Better yet, we want it to be part of your daily routine.  Yes!  Brush your teeth, and then go check on the tilapia before you run off to work!  When it comes to taking care of ourselves and the community in which we live, there is nothing more important than getting actively engaged and beginning to contribute in ways that help make a difference.  Again, we’re hopeful that our product offering will enable visitors to take what they learn at Sunset Ranch and put it into active use.

(iii) Excitement 

As many are aware, there are a lot of farmers doing aquaponics throughout Hawaii.  And many are VERY good at it.  In fact, many of them are responsible for introducing us to, and getting us excited about, this great farming method.  A farming method that has been around for quite some time.  At Sunset Ranch, we want to create real excitement around aquaponics.  We understand.  People can only get so excited about growing fish and vegetables, right?  Wrong.  We want to make it cool!  We want to make it the next hot trend not only for the farming community, but for every resident in Hawaii.  A bit ambitious, yes.  But possible.  Our hope is that our facility experience, combined with our product offering, will make this vision a reality.  Again, the ultimate goal is to help start creating that path towards self-sustainability for the residents of Hawaii.

So what do you know about aquaponics?  At Sunset Ranch, we truly believe it is the way to a sustainable future in Hawaii.  As we continue to work towards finalizing our Environmental Learning Center, please contact us to discuss any and all ideas and thoughts you may have to make this facility like no other.  We appreciate any and all feedback.   Mahalo nui loa for your continued support!


Sunset Ranch has teamed up with the Boy Scouts of America’s Aloha Council to offer Scouts the opportunity to obtain their Horsemanship Merit Badge.  Programs are offered to individuals and troops throughout the year  and during summer camps.

Shortly following their arrival at Sunset Ranch, Scouts go out to the lower pasture, catch their equine partners for the day and begin theexciting, hands-on learning process.  Each day Scouts practice the skills covered in the Horsemanship Merit Badge Handbook, including: grooming, saddling, riding, and over-all care.  Other topics covered in this exclusive program include equine health, anatomy, nutrition, breeds, and tack.

Daily rides focus on obtaining the mounted skills required for the Horsemanship Merit Badge.  Mounted skills learned include:  walking, trotting, turning, stopping, and backing.  One unique aspect to our program at Sunset Ranch is that Scouts are encouraged to try both English and Western style riding.

The Horsemanship Merit Badge at Sunset Ranch is arguably one of the more exciting, challenging, and rewarding merit badges that your Scout will obtain.  Here are some comments from recent Scout participants:

“I’m so grateful for your time and attention with the boys; Nic is just thrilled and asked if he could skip Boy Scout camp and just pitch his tent on your lawn by the barn!  He is very interested in community service at Sunset Ranch and taking riding lessons in the near future! “

“We ran past our time because we were having so much fun and learning a ton!”

“Sunset Ranch is right next to Camp Pupukea and the view there is beautiful. We all really enjoyed being at the ranch and working with the horses.”

“(At Sunset Ranch), we (not only achieved) our Horsemanship Merit Badges, but had so much fun and learned a great deal of valuable information.”

Please contact us at (808)638-8333 for more information regarding our Horsemanship Merit Badge offering, or any other riding programs at Sunset Ranch.  Mahalo nui loa!

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Sunset Ranch is pleased to announce that we’re now working with a well known local Chef to provide exceptional food at a very reasonable cost.  While clients are welcome to bring in the caterer of their choice for Events at Sunset Ranch; we offer these menus in the spirit of helping clients maximize the value of their event budgets.  From fundraising events to corporate and non-profit retreats, and Hawaiian luaus, weddings, birthday parties and other local gatherings, these menus are available for any occassion.

We have menus priced at $18 per head, $20 per head, $30 per head and $50 per head.  Below please find the details of our Signature Menu: Hawaiian Luau at $18 per head.  You can find the details of our other menus here.  We’re confident that these menus will provide the best value on the island for our clients.  Please e-mail us at admin@sunsetranchhawaii.com or call us at (808)638-8333 for more information.  Mahalo nui loa!

Sunset Ranch is very excited to announce that we’re now officially hosting:  Sunset Ranch Horse Parties!  Guests are provided exclusive access to this private, thirty acre estate for an experience like no other in Hawaii.  Enjoy breathtaking ocean and island views while you spend special time with family, friends and members of our Sunset Ranch horse family!  As with all of our efforts at Sunset Ranch, we’re offering these Horse Parties in the spirit of land conservation and self-sustainability in Hawaii.  Sunset Ranch Horse Parties are available to all Hawaii residents and visitors and include the following:

1.  Exclusive Access to Sunset Meadow:  Sunset Meadow is a five acre grassy area at Sunset Ranch that has spectacular ocean and island views of the entire North Shore of Oahu.  We provide you with exclusive access to this special venue for up to 50 guests.  You can find pictures of Sunset Meadow here;

2. Guided Horseback Rides:  Sunset Ranch will stage horseback rides adjacent Sunset Meadow for guided tours around the property.  We’ll provide up to two horses for your family and friends to interact with, feed and ride at their leisure.  Meet our Sunset Ranch horse family here;

3. Food, Snacks and Refreshments:  While guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages; Sunset Ranch offers a full lunch menu for your special Horse Party.  Everything from light snacks and water to a full Hawaiian luau menu.  Let us know what you’d like and we’ll be sure to provide it;

4. Tables, Chairs and Restrooms:  Prior to your arrival at Sunset Ranch, our staff will set up tables and chairs for your Horse Party.  Set-up is near our signature eucalyptus tree in Sunset Meadow where guests can enjoy beautiful views and gentle breezes in the shade.  We also provide an air conditioned restroom trailer for your guests.

5. Games:  Sunset Ranch staff will also set-up various outdoor games in Sunset Meadow for your guests to enjoy.  Games include:  (i) horse shoes, (ii) croquet, (iii) bocce ball and more!

6. Land Conservation:  As we do with all of our events at Sunset Ranch, our staff will provide guests with some background on how this special property was perpetually protected, and the importance of private conservation easements to the future of land conservation in Hawaii.  Please check out our About tab and the link within to learn more about these important programs now. 

Sunset Ranch is offering Horse Parties any day of the week, and at various times.  Please call us for more detailed information and pricing at (808)638-8333.  You can also e-mail us inquiries here.  Finally, ‘Like’ us on Facebook for a chance to win a FREE Sunset Ranch Horse Party and Sunset Ranch memorabilia!  Mahalo for your interest and support!

The City and County of Honolulu established its own land conservation fund in 2007 subsequent voter approval of a charter amendment in 2006 (Revised Charter of Honolulu (ROH), Section 9-204(a)).  Specifically, Charter Question 3 was voted on and approved by Honolulu residents in November 2006.  The City Council  then created the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund (“CWNLF”) (Ordinance 07-18) and the Clean Water and Natural Lands Commission (“CWNLFC”) (Reso. 07-355 CD1) in 2007.  Similar to the State’s Legacy Land Conservation Fund (“LLCF”), Honolulu’s now established CWNLF has two notable elements that enable the thoughtful and systematic funding of land conservation projects:

(i) An Expert Commission

A nine member commission, the CWNLFC was established in 2007 and comprises natural, cultural and agricultural resource experts.  The commissioners are volunteers appointed by the Honolulu City Council.  The CWNLFC reviews projects submitted for funding and advises the City Council on annual project selections.  The projects are then subject to the City’s annual budget process, and submitted for final approval and funding by the City Council and the Mayor.

(ii)  o.5% of Property Taxes

Honolulu voter approval of Charter Question 3 established a dedicated funding source for land conservation projects.  Specifically, the charter amendment (Revised Charter of Honolulu (ROH), Section 9-204(a)) requires that 0.5% of all property taxes be set aside for land conservation projects in the City and County of Honolulu.   Further, the charter amendment explicitly states that funds be used to “acquire real estate or any interest therein for land conservation within the City and County of Honolulu for the following purposes: (i) protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply, (ii) preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas and agricultural lands, (iii) public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches and mountains, (iv) preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites, (v) protection of significant habitats or ecosystems, including buffer zones, (vi) conservation of land in order to reduce erosion, floods, landslides, and runoff, and (vii) acquisition of public access to public land and open space”.

Sunset Ranch was blessed to have been recommended and approved for funding by the CWNLF in 2009.  As stated in the LLCF blog, the project was also fortunate to recieve state and federal funding.  Federal funding came from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (“NRCS”), a division of the United States Department of Agricultural (“USDA”), and the State of Hawaii funding came from the Legacy Land Conservation Fund (“LLCF”).  The USDA contributed 50% to the project; the LLCF, 25%; and the CWNLF, 25%.  The importance of financial leverage to land conservation projects cannot be overstated.  In the case of Sunset Ranch, the CWNLF committed 25% of what otherwise would’ve been required without the financial leverage provided by the federal and state programs.

This section was included as part of the LLCF blog, but it is worth repeating:  Private conservation easements reduce land conservation project costs to state and local agencies even further.  How?  With a private conservation easement, the agency is no longer buying a fee simple interest in the fair market value of the land.  Instead, the agency is purchasing a conservation easement that legally enforces the landowner to never subdivide.  Said differenlty, the development rights of the property are stripped away in exchange for payment.  Generally speaking, the value of a conservation easement (development rights) is typically between 40% to 50% of the value of a fee simple interest in the developable land.  The obvious result here is that the agency is able to accomplish the objective of land conservation at a fraction of the price.   Further, the responsiblilties of ongoing maintenance, management and liability remain with the land owner, and the property remains a revenue source to the county as the landowner is still required to pay property taxes.

Factoring the benefits of financial leverage together with the structure of a private conservation easement, the CWNLF committed approximately 10% of what it otherwise would’ve had to commit to protect Sunset Ranch.  This calculation does not consider the ongoing costs required to manage and maintain the property.  This is why it is so important for Hawaii residents to be aware of these programs.  Especially during these times when our state and county governments have limited financial resources.

Sunset Ranch remains focused on its mission of helping advance land conservation in Hawaii through: (i) events, (ii) farming, (iii) a nursery, and (iv) horsemanship.  Among other things, we believe these efforts will allow us to establish Sunset Ranch as a platform to effectively educate  landowners, the local community and visitors on the importance of federal, state and county land conservation programs.  Please contact us with any questions regarding the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund.  You can also learn more about the application and award selection process for the CWNLF here.

CWNLF Project Awards:

The Honolulu City Council has approved funding for the following land conservation projects through the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund:  (i) Kukaniloko, (ii) Sunset Ranch, (iii) Honouliuli Preserve, (iv) Kunia Agricultural Research Station, and (v) the Fong Plantation.  It is our understanding that, to date, Sunset Ranch remains the first and only project to have received funding from the CWNLF.

As Hawaii residents are well aware, many of the State’s natural, cultural and agricultural resources are lost when certain lands are sold and developed.  A “Land Conservation Fund” was established by the State of Hawaii in 1973 for the purpose of funding the protection of such lands.  Unfortunately, the fund sat dormant until 2005 when the Hawaii State Legislature passed the Legacy Lands Act, and Governor Linda Lingle signed it into law.  The Legacy Land Act legislation had two notable elements that enabled the State to  thoughtfully and systematically fund land conservation projects in Hawaii:     

(i) An Expert Commission

The Legacy Land Act created a nine-member commission, the Legacy Land Conservation Commission (“LLCC”), composed of natural, cultural and agricultural resource experts representing each county in the State of Hawaii.  The LLCC reviews every project submitted for funding and advises the State’s Board of Land and Natural Resources on annual project selections.  The projects are then subject to additional levels of review before they finally make their way to the Governor for the final decision on project funding.

(ii)  10% of Conveyance Taxes

Perhaps most importantly, the Legacy Land Act created a dedicated funding source for the newly named Legacy Land Conservation Fund (“LLCF”) by allocating 10% of all State conveyance taxes (taxes imposed on the transfer of all commercial and residential real estate) to land conservation projects in Hawaii.  The law explicitly states that the LLCF be used “for the acquisition of interests of rights in land having value as a resource to the State for the preservation of agricultural lands, among other conservation purposes”.  Funds can be used to acquire land at fair market value, or for conservation easements, including but not limited to projects with the following characteristics: (i) watershed protection, (ii) parks, (iii) coastal areas, (iv) habitat protection, (v) agricultural sites, (vi) culturally significant sites, and (vii) open space.  The LLCF awards grants to counties, local organizations and other agencies.  Grant recipients are required to provide matching funds of at least 25% of total project costs.

Sunset Ranch was blessed to have been recommended and approved for funding by the LLCF in 2009.  The project was also fortunate to recieve federal and county funding.  Federal funding came from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (“NRCS”), a division of the United States Department of Agricultural (“USDA”); City and County of Honolulu funding came from the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund (“CWNLF”)(we will be blogging about the CWNLF in the near future).  The USDA contributed 50% to the project; the LLCF, 25%; and the CWNLF, 25%.  The importance of financial leverage to land conservation projects cannot be overstated.  In the case of Sunset Ranch, the LLCF committed 25% of what otherwise would’ve been required without the financial leverage provided by the federal and county programs.

Private conservation easements reduce land conservation project costs to state and local agencies even further.  How?  With a private conservation easement, the agency is no longer buying a fee simple interest in the fair market value of the land.  Instead, the agency is purchasing a conservation easement that legally enforces the landowner to never subdivide.  Said differenlty, the development rights of the property are stripped away in exchange for payment.  Generally speaking, the value of a conservation easement (development rights) is typically between 40% to 50% of the value of a fee simple interest in the land.  The obvious result here is that the agency is able to accomplish the objective of land conservation at a fraction of the price.   Further, the responsiblilties of ongoing maintenance, management and liability remain with the land owner, and the property remains a revenue source to the county as the landowner is still required to pay property taxes. 

Factoring the benefits of financial leverage together with the structure of a private conservation easement, the LLCF committed approximately 10% of what it otherwise would’ve had to commit to protect Sunset Ranch.  This calculation does not consider the ongoing costs required to manage and maintain the property.  This is why it is so important for Hawaii residents to be aware of these programs.  Especially during these times when our state and county governments have limited financial resources.

Sunset Ranch remains focused on its mission of helping advance land conservation in Hawaii through: (i) events, (ii) farming, (iii) a nursery, and (iv) horsemanship.  Among other things, we believe these efforts will allow us to establish Sunset Ranch as a platform to effectively educate  landowners, the local community and visitors on the importance of federal, state and county land conservation programs.  Please contact us with any questions regarding the Legacy Land Conservation Fund.  You can also learn more about the application and award selection process for the LLCF here

LLCF Project Awards: 2010 

In 2010, the Legacy Land Conservation Fund conveyed over $3 million for land conservation projects in Hawaii.  These funds were matched with approximately $9.5 million in federal, county and private funds, and used to acquire and protect approximately 752 acres of threatened or unique natural, cultural, recreational, and agricultural resources.  The following is a brief summary of the projects protected in 2010, as communicated by the LLCC:

1. County of Hawaii and the Trust for Public Land: $945,000 for the acquisition of approximately 10.61 acres on the Island of Hawaii, coastline lot within Paoo ahupuaa, North Kohala District, to protect over 27 cultural sites from development and maintain the natural landscape and scenic views of the Kohala coastline.

2. Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Wildlife: $500,000 for the acquisition of a conservation easement over approximately 614 acres on the Island of Molokai to protect critical watershed and prevent erosion damage to near-shore coral reef ecosystems and historic Hawaiian fishponds.

3. Kauai Public Land Trust and the County of Kauai: $800,000 for the acquisition of approximately 0.74 acre on the Island of Kauai, on Hanalei Bay, to be held by the County of Kauai, to enhance and protect the heavily used Black Pot Beach Park area for Hawaii’s residents and visitors.

4. Kona Historical Society: $255,592 for the acquisition of approximately 2.11 acres on the Island of Hawaii, South Kona, to provide a scenic buffer for the historic H.N. Greenwell Store and additional space for preservation of the farming and ranching heritage of Kona.

5. The Trust for Public Land and Oahu Land Trust: $500,000 for the acquisition of a conservation easement over approximately 107.73 acres on the Island of Oahu, ahupua‘a of Kaalaea, in the Koolaupoko District, to be held by the Oahu Land Trust, to protect agricultural production and maintain a portion of the rural character of windward Oahu.

6. Malu Aina Center for Non-Violent Education and Action and the Hawaii Island Land Trust (HILT): $231,788 for the acquisition of approximately 11.14 acres on the Island of Hawaii, Puna District; with a conservation easement to be held by HILT, to maintain agricultural production on lands with kipuka deep soil and abundant rainfall.

7. HILT: $35,000 for the acquisition of conservation easements over approximately 6 acres on the Island of Hawaii, Puna District; to preserve an intact native ohia forest canopy that allows native birds, insects and plants to travel and propagate.

LLCF Project Awards:  2009

In 2009, the Legacy Land Conservation Fund conveyed over $3 million for land conservation projects in Hawaii.  The State funds leveraged approximately $6.6 million in matching federal funds and $1.5 million in private and county funds towards the protection of land.  The following is a brief summary of the projects funded in 2009 as communicated by the LLCC:

1. State of Hawaii: $982,956.50 for the acquisition of approximately 3,582 acres in Honouliuli Preserve, Waianae Mountain Range, Island of Oahu, for its natural habitat, watershed, and recreational values;

2. State of Hawaii: $450,000 for the acquisition of approximately 65.56 acres in Hamakua, Kailua, Island of Oahu, for its natural habitat, watershed, scenic, and open space values;

3. State of Hawaii: $7,000 for the acquisition of approximately 7 acres in North Kohala, Island of Hawaii, for its cultural, historic, and scenic values;

4. State of Hawaii: $1,250,000 for the acquisition of approximately 17.05 acres in Lapakahi, Kohala, Island of Hawaii, for its coastal, cultural, and natural values; and

5. Maui Coastal Land Trust: $609,425 for the acquisition of an agricultural conservation easement over approximately 27.44 acres, in Pupukea, North Shore, Island of Oahu, to be held by the North Shore Community Land Trust, for its agricultural and open space values.

Kaunala Loop Trail is a hidden gem in the mauka regions of Pupukea-Paumalu on the North Shore of Oahu.  If you enjoy a fun, challenging hike, Kaunala Loop Trail is for you.  The trail head starts near the very end of Pupukea Road, between Sunset Ranch and Camp Pupukea (Boy Scouts).  An interesting fact on Sunset Ranch?  Kaunala and other trails in this region are a big reason why the State of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu were so excited about protecting Sunset Ranch from development.  Why?  Sunset Ranch provides a buffer to this region, which includes over 30 miles of trails throughout Waimea Valley and Pupukea Paumalu. 

Kaunala Loop Trail is a trail for every outdoor adventurer.  It is about a five mile loop that has a little bit of everything, including:  panaramic views of the north and northwest side of Oahu, spectacular mountain and valley views, stream crossings, paper tree forests and various ridge climbs.  The one recommendation we have if you’re going to set out on this adventure is to start your hike in the morning, or in the early afternoon, latest.  Why?  On occassion hikers start a bit late and they underestimate the time it takes to complete the loop.  As a result, night falls and sometimes they require assistance getting back!

One of our many goals at Sunset Ranch is to establish our Nursery as a staging area to work with Hi’ipaka (owner and operator of Waimea Valley) and the State of Hawaii to help maintain invasive species and reintroduce native Hawaiian species in these mauka regions of Oahu.  This includes areas in and around Kaunala Loop Trail.  We want to create a fun, educational experience for school children, local residents and all visitors to Sunset Ranch.  We hope to also develop a short film documentary that shares the history of the area, including the cultural significance of the region. 

We hope you get out and explore the Kaunala Loop Trail!  As you start your hike, you’ll see Sunset Ranch on your right.  Where the property ends is where our Nursery will be built.  Eventually it will be a great place for visitors to stop in, get educated and continue on their adventure to Kaunala Loop Trail.  We can’t wait!  If you want more information on Kaunala Loop Trail, you can find it here.  A hui hou!

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Sunset Ranch has dedicated a large portion of the property to botanical gardens.  We have a wide variety of native and non-native flora and fauna all around the property.  Sunset Ranch is also continuing to work on plans for an interactive nursery on-site.  The nursery will be located on the southeast portion of the property.  The primary objectives of the nursery at Sunset Ranch are to:  (i) establish a satellite nursery for native Hawaiian flora and fauna in partnership with Hi’ipaka; (ii) educate the local community and other visitors on native versus non-native plants, and (iii) establish a staging area at Sunset Ranch to conduct local hikes into the mauka regions of the valley in an effort to maintain invasive species and to reintroduce native species, where appropriate and able.

(i) satellite nursery

Hi’ipaka is the owner and operator of Waimea Valley.  Waimea Valley  is an 1875 acre sacred Hawaiian preserve that is located just south of Sunset Ranch and home to over 5000 tropical and subtropical plants.  Sunset Ranch and Hi’ipaka see two primary reasons for a strategic partnership:  (i) a satellite nursery at Sunset Ranch provides a facility away from the threat of landslides in the valley, and (ii) the higher elevation at Sunset Ranch provides for a more productive nursery for certain native Hawaiian species.  Sunset Ranch is excited about this partnership, and committed to the benefits this site will bring to Waimea Valley and the community.

(ii) education

Sunset Ranch is excited about using the nursery as a tool to educate the community on native versus non-native plants, and the importance of land conservation and self-sustainability in Hawaii.  The design of the nursery will be interactive in nature and allow children, students, families and visitors to see native plants up close.  Visitors will also be able to learn about invasive species and the history of the surrounding area.

(iii) staging area

Sunset Ranch is also interested in establishing the nursery as a staging area to lead community efforts to maintain invasive species and reintroduce native species, where appropriate and able.  Our vision is for visitors to educate themselves on native versus non-native plants, and then take their newly acquired knowledge into the valley.  We also hope to work with schools and organizations such as the Boy Scouts to organize these efforts into meaningful and effective programs.

We truly believe that the Nursery at Sunset Ranch can be a meaningful tool to advance the causes of land conservation and self-sustainability on the North Shore of Oahu. If you’re interested in our Nursery efforts at Sunset Ranch, or you have any thoughts or feedback, please feel free to contact us through our Contact tab, or call us at (808) 638-8333.  Mahalo!

As many are now aware, the North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT) played a critical role in the protection of Sunset Ranch and now manages the stewardship fund that will insure its permanent protection.  That said, it is also important to recognize the significance of the NSCLT’s broader role regarding land conservation on Oahu’s North Shore.  For example, did you know that the NSCLT played a significant role in the permanent protection of Pupukea-Paumalu (~1129 acres north of Sunset Ranch)?  This was a parcel that was otherwise subject to significant commercial and residential development that would have negatively impacted the North Shore in so many different ways.  And how about Waimea Valley?  Did you know that the NSCLT was instrumental in the protection of Waimea Valley (~1875 acres south of Sunset Ranch)?  This culturally significant parcel was also threatened by development.  Thanks to the NSCLT and other local organizations, all of this important land on the North Shore has been permanently protected.  The bottom line?  NSCLT is an incredible organization comprised of exceptional individuals who have nothing but the very best interests of the North Shore community in mind.  If you’re interested in land conservation on the North Shore of Oahu, the NSCLT is an organization that you need to know about.  Here is their stated mission:

The mission of the North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT) is to protect, steward, and enhance the natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and rural character of ahupua‘a from Kahuku Point to Ka‘ena.

So how can you learn more about land conservation in Hawaii? And how can you get involved?

1.  The NSCLT holds ‘talk story’ events to get the word out and explain not only their efforts, but various land conservation programs available to the community and to land owners.  We highly recommend that you get in touch with the NSCLT and inquire about their next ‘ talk story’ event.  Not only will it be informative, it will get you excited about land conservation in Hawaii.

2.  The NSCLT is currently developing a thoughtful strategy to prioritize land conservation efforts on the North Shore through their “Greenprinting Project”.  Given the amount of land that is currently for sale on the North Shore (through Dole, Continental Pacific and others), it is important to understand the significance of this project.  The NSCLT has a new fundraising campaign called “7 FOR 7” that will assist with raising money for this effort.  Check out the “7 FOR 7” video on our drop down menu on the Event page.

3.  For additional information, or if you want to get actively involved with land conservation on the North Shore of Oahu, contact Sunset Ranch at (808)638-8333 or NSCLT at (808)638-0338.  We also suggest you visit the NSCLT’s web-site at www.northshoreland.org to learn more.

So please get involved with the important cause that is land conservation in Hawaii.  While monetary donations to the NSCLT are great (you can now easily donate via Crowdrise here); we also encourage you to donate your time.  There are many ways to get involved, and the time to get involved is now.  Mahalo!