In honor of Joseph Rock:
Joseph Rock was one of the early botanists in Hawaii, in the Linnaean tradition. In 1913 he published, Indigenous Trees of Hawaii. The book, although out of print, is considered to be the bible of Hawaiian botany. In it he describes not only individual species of endemic Hawaiian plants, but he also described the ecosystems in which they were found. This is very important today because 100 years later many of the ecosystems are altered to such an extent that we use the book to inform our present-day restoration work.
Rock was also a wonderful photographer. He photographed the trees and plants of Hawaii. This is invaluable because it shows the stature of trees that no longer exist and species that are so rare today that it is difficult to imagine them thriving in their natural habitats.
This garden is named after Rock as a way to honor him and to always remember the beginnings of botanical work in Hawaii.
Jill Wagner, Founder of JRA, Forester, Seed bank specialist:
As the founder of Future Forests Nursery on Hawaiʻi Island, and the founding director of the Hawaiʻi Island Seed Bank; reforestation and seed banking are my life’s work, which involves a deep commitment to supporting the health of our planet. I believe that communities should lead their forestry projects and receive the support they need to nurture new forests and keep existing forests standing for future generations. I have been doing native forest restoration in various ecosystems for several decades.
I help international forestry partners create the foundation for their projects that will serve them as they build on their aspirations to heal the planet. It is important that we protect the biodiversity of our region, and we need to know the principles and practices to achieve success on a professional level. This way we will achieve the results of establishing healthy ecosystems that will endure for the next generation and beyond. The work can be conducted with joy, stimulation, learning, and collaboration. This approach heals us, and heals the planet.
I cultivate key strategic partnerships to grow and strengthen the movement that affirms all life. This includes Governments, non-profits, and private landowners to develop strategies for conservation planning, including gender equity concerns and climate justice. I have developed projects in Vietnam, South America, Africa, Central Asia, India, and the United States. My focus is on biodiversity conservation, economic integrity, and sustainable development.
Justin Tripp, has deeply rooted respect for native forests, natural farming and restoring native ecosystems. He is a restoration and seed bank specialist, and trainer for people throughout the world. He resides with his family in their off grid homestead where they farm food, flowers, and natural dye. He is an artist, musician, and alchemist working with natural indigo and natural dyes.
Nathalie Westerberg, is a horticulturist, nursery technician and conducts native Hawaiian forest restoration. She also runs her own business in permaculture and organic gardening. She studied Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Will Cape Volunteer: Will Cape has been supporting the efforts of Future Forests Nursery for many years, and now the Joseph Rock Arboretum. A retired school teacher, he enjoys to be active and care for nature. He sets the standard as a volunteer and is happy to share his work ethic with others who want to learn.
We partner with leading organizations:
Phoenix Conservancy
One Tree Planted
Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests – Hawaii Island Seed Bank
Future Forests Nursery, LLC
Plant Extinction Prevention Program
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Hawaii Forest Industry Association
and many other awesome organizations!!