To celebrate Root & Rise's one year anniversary, we're using this space to share accomplishments and gratitude.

By The Numbers

Click the headings below for more info.

Māmaki Collaborative

• Since our product launch in October 2021, we’ve harvested, processed, and sold over 10 pounds of dried māmaki tea. 
• Our tea is available at 4 local gift and coffee shops, in addition to our online shop

Nature & Art as Therapy

• We’ve hosted 4 sessions since September 2021 with a total of 18 participants
• Nearly 35% of participants have a current or previous mental health diagnosis/challenges.
• 25% of participants are mental health professionals or social services providers.
• Roughly half of participants identify as an interested community member or someone with a friend/family member impacted by mental health challenges.

Pāpā Forest Project

• In the past year, we’ve outplanted about 40 mamaki plants.
• Spotlighted in our small nursery are over 50 native trees, including kōlea, kōlea lauli`i (small leaf kolea), `ōhiʻa lehua, alahe`e, kopiko, and lama.
• We’ve mapped ~900 feet of fencing needed to protect our Pāpā Forest. The proposed fence will eliminate wild pigs, which (over time, and along with outplantings and weed removal) will help the forest recover to its native biodiversity.

Weller House Transitional & Therapeutic Housing

• Our first official residents moved in last month – 3 people seeking stability, support, and affordable housing, all over 62 years old. 
• This week, we had our 1st therapeutic horticulture session!  We cleaned and planted `olena (turmeric) and `ōhelo papa (endemic, shade-loving, high-elevation Hawaiian strawberry).

Other highlights include:

• 2 virtual presentations: “Nature: The Great Equalizer” (Ku’ikahi Mediation Center) and “Guided Forest Meditation” (Vibrant Hawai’i)
• Grounding Arts 4-part series, which drew a total of 23 participants from keiki to kupuna
• Collaboration with Men of PA’A, who have joined us at Pāpā Forest on 3 occasions

Mahalo nui loa

 This first year of Root & Rise would not have been possible without the support and guidance of so many people and organizations. An overflowing amount of thanks:

• To my artistic muses in Ocean View, Lindy Hirst and Melse Kraft, who have imparted techniques and wisdom, as well as supplies, to help create Root & Rise sessions. I appreciate you both more than you know.

• To those who have taught me what I know about plants, which is just a tiny sliver of all there is. This includes Doug & Sabina Pittman of Kona Hawk Farms; Art & Moira Kurtz of Lindentree Farm; and Chauntelle & Peter Vellos of Lost Monarch Gardens.

• To Maggie Kahoilua of Ke Ala O Ka Lā for setting an example of an eco-and-socially-minded, creative, sharp, and empowered business woman. Thank you for the many formal and informal consultations that have helped paved the way for Root & Rise. 

• To Ronit Fahl for my professional headshot.

• To my mentors and colleagues in the mental health field who have taught me to navigate systems and relationships with clients. This includes Liz Lehman, Heather St. Louis, Darya Mangeym, and Mona Maynard. You all inspire me.

• To Mona Maynard again, who has continually held the light to our vision, and done the work tirelessly, to offer holistic, person-centered support and empowerment for underserved people in our community with mental health diagnoses.

• To Izzi Murphy for the Root & Rise logo, and my son, Aveo, who is the sprouting and glowing source of inspiration for the image.

• To Iopa Maunakea, and all of the Men of PA’A, for gracing our land with your presence, full of spirit, strength, and knowledge. 

• To Vibrant Hawai’i and Regina Weller of 808 Homeless Task Force for providing opportunities and a place for Root & Rise’s work to flourish.

• To those who have avidly supported 'Nature & Art as Therapy' by showing up, especially Susan, Rosemary, Kathlyn, Katie, Cody, Mary Lou, and Amy. 

• To my talented and creative dear friends on island, Gwyn Griffiths, Amanda Griggs, and again Chauntelle Vellos, who keep my cup full.

• To my mother-in-law, Fely, whose presence has enabled me to take time for Root & Rise endeavors. 

• To my mother, Emily Fern, for putting me into nature since I was a child and teaching me about forest-bathing (even though we didn’t have a word for it). And thank you for endlessly and meticulously editing my proposals and writings.

• To my dad, John, for showing up in my present life unexpectedly as a rainfall or a passing cloud, and for making our stewardship of land in Hawai’i possible.

• To my husband Lester, who has unwaveringly supported my dreams, who has helped me cultivate my connection to all living forms and elements of this island, and who should be a paid employee for the amount of work he’s done to help build Root & Rise programs.

• To friends, family, and people I’ve never met who have purchased tea, crafts, and plants, and have donated funds to run our programs. 

And thank YOU for following our newsletter and being a part of our growth.  

Photo descriptions

#1: Weller House residents getting their hands dirty

#2: Taro, aka kalo, in our garden

#3: Māmaki tea launch at WannaBee Pono Honey Emporium