Malama i ka Aina Award — Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

Duane Sparkman Receives 2021 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Duane Sparkman, Chief Engineer at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, is the 2021 recipient of the Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award. The award is given each year to recognize the efforts in the landscape and agricultural community towards stopping the spread of invasive species in Maui County. The award is presented by the Maui Invasive Species Committee, the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and the County of Maui.

With his roots in landscaping, Sparkman worked his way up to become part-owner of a large landscape company that maintained 65 acres of resorts along Maui’s coastlines before coming on board with the Maui Westin Resort and Spa. Along with his day job, Sparkman has pursued his passion of learning about Maui’s unique environment. He has volunteered with over a dozen conservation organizations, removing invasive species and planting endangered plants in some of Maui’s most pristine places. In 2012, he worked at Haleakalā National Park with their resource management team, which drastically changed his view of landscape maintenance. Through his experience, Sparkman came to a realization: “If I don’t have to fertilize a native forest, why do I need to fertilize urban landscapes?” He then proceeded to transform the landscape practices at the Maui Westin Resort and Spa’s 12-acre oceanfront resort to organic practices.

*Duane Sparkman, 2021 recipient of the Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award.* *Photo: MISC*

Additionally, Sparkman sits on the board of directors of Maui Cultural Lands as their botanist and is the project manager for a 72-acre Hawaiian cultural reserve called Kīpuka Olowalu. He also has a consulting company called Edaphic Perspective, where he assists homeowners, landowners and municipalities transition to organic landscape practices, and has recently partnered with the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council to assist them with their organic land management division

Sparkman’s nomination stems from his passion in seeing thriving and healthy ecosystems from mauka to makai. He has affected not only the industry he works in, but countless other organizations throughout Maui, by sharing his knowledge and skills with community members, respecting and promoting Hawaiian culture and practices, working with local non-profit organizations, and continuing to improve sustainable landscape practices within Hawaii’s resort industry.

*The 2021 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award features a glass sculpture of a Maui Parrotbill on a koa branch, made by glass artist Jupiter Nielsen, and mounted on a koa wood plaque.* *Photo: MISC*

Due to Covid-19, the award was presented in a small, socially distanced award ceremony in West Maui and filmed by videographer Spencer Hyde of Dgtl Film. The presenters included Allison Wright, President of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and Adam Radford, Manager of the Maui Invasive Species Committee. This year’s commemorative plaque featured a sculpture of a Maui Parrotbill perched on a koa branch by glass artist Jupiter Nielsen. The Mālama i ka ʻĀina award is a part of the 2021 Maui Arbor Day Garden Expo and Tree Giveaway held November 2-6. This year, local experts will offer tree and plant care lectures and webinars and the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will host a nursery open house in addition to giving away more than 1,000 Hawaiian trees. More information on Arbor Day can be found at arbordayexpo.org.

Mark Blietz Receives 2020 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Posted on November 25, 2020 by Lissa Strohecker

Mark Blietz, owner of Northshore Tropicals in Haʻikū, is the 2020 recipient of the Mālama i ka ʻĀina. The award is given each year to recognize the efforts of individuals in the landscape and agricultural community towards stopping the spread of invasive species in Maui County. The award is presented by the Maui Invasive Species Committee, the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and the County of Maui.

Blietz is a well-known nursery owner who has led by example throughout his career, both in the landscaping community and throughout Maui. He and his family have been in the nursery business for over 30 years and throughout that time, he has been active locally in the Maui Orchid Society and nationally as a judge in the American Orchid Society. Blietz has been proactive in dealing with invasive species and urges others to do the same. When the stinging nettle caterpillar arrived to Maui in 2008, he started controlling it around his nursery himself to keep from spreading it – he continues to control invasive species, currently working to keep coqui and ivy gourd out of his nursery.

But it was his generosity over the last year that led to his nomination for the award. The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) needed temporary storage and facilities to keep their crews working after they lost access to the facility they had been in for over a decade. Blietz shared his property and barn, keeping MISC operational until a new baseyard became available. “Mark saved the day for MISC…MISC couldn’t have kept working to protect Maui County from invasive species without his help” said Adam Radford, MISC Manager, in acknowledgement of Blietz’s efforts.

In accepting the award, Blietz encouraged community action. “There’s so much that we, as stewards of the land, can do to protect our ʻāina from invasive species. Simply being able to identify them and letting them [MISC] know” he said.

Mark Blietz, recipient of 2020 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award, pictured at his Haʻikū nursery.

Due to Covid-19, the award was presented In a small, socially distanced award ceremony in Haʻikū. The presenters included Makaleʻa Ane, Resilience Officer with the County of Maui, Allison Wright, President of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and Adam Radford, Manager of the Maui Invasive Species Committee. This year’s commemorative plaque featured a sculpture of an ʻiliahi branch (the native sandalwood) by glass artist Jupiter Nielsen.

Know a landscaper helping prevent the spread of invasive species? Nominate him/her for the 2019 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Lissa Strohecker

The Mālama i ka ʻĀina recognizes the proactive efforts of those working within the landscape community to address the threat of invasive species. The award is sponsored and presented by the County of Maui (Rob Parsons -L), the Maui Invasive Species Committee (Adam Radford), and the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals (Allison Wright). Also pictured is the 2018 recipient, Anna Palamino, owner of Hoʻolawa Farms (holding award), and past awardee Martha Vockrodt-Moran of D.T. Fleming Arboretum on far right.

Nominations are now being accepted to honor invasive species prevention efforts within Maui County. The Malama i ka Aina Award is presented annually to a landscaper, plant provider (retail and wholesale nurseries and garden shops), or commercial/agricultural property owner/manager to recognize their efforts to keep invasive species out of Maui County.

The award is a cooperative effort of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and the County of Maui.

The 2018 award featured a sculpture of an iʻiwi feeding on an endangered koliʻi by glass artist Jupiter Nielsen

The winner will be announced Saturday, November 2nd at the Arbor Day Garden Expo and Hawaiian Tree Giveaway at the Maui Nui Botanical Garden. The winner will receive a plaque, a glass sculpture by artist Jupiter Nielsen, a one-year free membership with the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals and local media recognition.

Applicants are requested to explain how the nominee’s activities or decisions have contributed to keeping Maui free from invasive species. Examples include: not selling or using invasive plants, steps taken to learn about invasives, and efforts to reduce the use of invasive species by customers.

Applications are due by Friday, October 18th, 2019 and are available on the event website, www.arbordayexpo.com or here: 2019 Malama i ka Aina Award Nomination Form. You may submit completed nominations via email to miscpr@hawaii.edu, fax to 573-6475, or mail to MISC at P.O. Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768. There is no fee to apply. Self-nominations are welcome. For more information, call 573-MISC (6472), or e-mail miscpr@hawaii.edu. Past Malama i ka Aina Award recipients were recognized for meaningful steps taken to prevent the spread of invasive species, including incorporating codes-of-conduct in business practices, educating the public and clients about invasive species, and encouraging the use of native species in landscape design. Actions of award recipients are steps in the right direction!

Celebrate invasive species prevention: nominate a Maui County landscaper for the Malama i ka Aina award

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Lissa Strohecker

2017 Award Ceremony: Allison Wright of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, Teya Penniman of the Maui Invasive Species Committee, Joe Imhoff, Henry Imhoff, Sara Tekula, and Jeremiah Savage of the County of Maui. Photo by Bryan Berkowitz/Maui Invasive Species Committee.

The award is a cooperative effort of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and the County of Maui.

The winner will be announced Saturday, June 16th at the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals’ Maui Garden and Landscape Expo at the Maui Mall. The winner will receive a plaque, a glass sculpture by artist Jupiter Nielsen, a one-year free membership with the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals and local media recognition.

Applicants are requested to explain how the nominee’s activities or decisions have con

The awardee will receive a glass sculpture by local artist Jupiter Nielsen. A Kamehameha butterfly adorned the 2016 award.

tributed to keeping Maui free from invasive species. Examples include: not selling or using invasive plants; steps taken to learn about invasives; and efforts to reduce use of invasive species by other customers.

Applications are due by Friday, June 1st, 2018 and are available here: 2018 Malama i ka `Aina Award On-line Application

You may submit completed nominations via email to miscpr@hawaii.edu, fax to 573-6475, or mail to MISC at P.O. Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768. There is no fee to apply. Self-nominations are welcome. For more information, call 573-MISC (6472), or e-mail miscpr@hawaii.edu.

Past Malama i ka Aina Award recipients were recognized for meaningful steps taken to prevent the spread of invasive species, including incorporating codes-of-conduct in business practices, educating the public and clients about invasive species, and encouraging the use of native species in landscape design. Actions of award recipients are steps in the right direction!

Plant a Wish founders receive 2017 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Lissa Strohecker

Allison Wright of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, Teya Penniman of the Maui Invasive Species Committee, Joe Imhoff, Henry Imhoff, Sara Tekula, and Jeremiah Savage of the County of Maui. Photo by Bryan Berkowitz/Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Sara Tekula and Joseph Imhoff were the 2017 recipients of the Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award, presented June 17th in a ceremony at the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals’ Maui Garden Expo held at the Maui Mall.

The annual award recognizes an individual or business working within the landscape or agricultural community to keep invasive species out of Maui County. It is sponsored by the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, the County of Maui, and the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Joe Imhoff, Sara Tekula, and their son Henry. Photo by Bryan Berkowitz/Maui Invasive Species Committee

Tekula and Imhoff are co-founders of “Plant a Wish,” a Maui-based native tree planting and stewardship project. Their mission is to encourage people to plant trees indigenous to the places they live and in doing so, bring communities together.

Plant a Wish began when Tekula and Imhoff married in 2007. At their wedding they asked friends to write down

wishes for them on slips of paper and deposit them into the earth. There, they planted a tree — in Upper Kula.

This one act grew into a project – people asked them to plant a wish tree for baby showers and birthdays. They began growing and promoting native trees as alternatives to importing Christmas trees on Maui, and then they decided to plant trees in all 50 states — species native to each place. They spread the word about their work as they traveled, explaining what has happened in Hawaii and how it is a microcosm for the rest of the world. They have become messengers in our community and across the United States about the importance of using native species.

“We believe that each individual has the power to make a difference,” said Imhoff in his acceptance speech. “We want to inspire others.”

“What is special about their story is that neither Joe nor Sara had any formal background in conservation. They learned of a need, developed a passion for protecting the place they love, and took action,” said Teya Penniman, presenting the award on behalf of the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Outside of their Plant-a-Wish project, Tekula works as the communications and outreach director for The Merwin Conservancy, home to one of the most extensive palm collections in the world, and Imhoff is the program manager for Skyline Eco-Adventures conservation initiative.

Award presenters included Allison Wright from the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals and Jeremiah Savage for the County of Maui.

The award featured a sculpture of an ʻōlapa, a tree native to the rainforests of Hawaiʻi, by artist Jupiter Nielsen (http://jupiternielsenflameworking.com/).

This year’s commemorative plaque featured a glass sculpture of an olapa branch, a native tree found in the rainforests of Hawai’i, by local artist Jupiter Nielsen.

Honor an invasive species savvy landscaper

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Lissa Strohecker

Tamara Sherrill , director of the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, was the recipient of the 2016 Malama i ka Aina Award. From left, Rob Parson, Tamara Sherrill, Allison Wright, and Adam Radford.

Tamara Sherrill , director of the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, was the recipient of the 2016 Malama i ka Aina Award. From left, Rob Parsons, County of Maui; Tamara Sherrill, Allison Wright, Maui Association of Landscape Professionals; and Adam Radford, Maui Invasive Species Committee.

The award is a cooperative effort of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and the County of Maui.

The awardee will receive a glass sculpture by local artist Jupiter Nielsen. A Kamehameha butterfly adorned the 2016 award.

The winner will be announced Saturday, June 17th at the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals’ Maui Garden and Landscape Expo at the Maui Mall. The winner will receive a plaque, a glass sculpture by artist Jupiter Nielsen, a one-year free membership with the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals and local media recognition.

Applicants are requested to explain how the nominee’s activities or decisions have contributed to keeping Maui free from invasive species. Examples include: not selling or using invasive plants; steps taken to learn about invasives; and efforts to reduce use of invasive species by other customers.

Applications are due by Friday, June 2rd, 2017 and are available here: 2017 Malama i ka `Aina Award On-line Application

Nominate a landscaper for the Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Lissa Strohecker

Dr. Angela Kepler, receives the 2015 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award, presented by MISC Manager Teya Penniman, and Maui County Environmental Coordinator Rob. Parsons. Photo by Brian Lieberman.

Dr. Angela Kepler, receives the 2015 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award. The annual award is presented by MISC Manager Teya Penniman, Maui County Environmental Coordinator Rob Parsons, and MALP President Allison Wright (not pictured). Photo by Brian Lieberman.

Nominations due May 29th, 2016.

Nominations are now being accepted to honor invasive species prevention efforts within Maui County. The Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award is presented annually to a landscaper, plant provider (retail and wholesale nurseries and garden shops), or commercial/agricultural property owner/manager to recognize their efforts to keep invasive species out of Maui County.

The award is a cooperative effort of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and the County of Maui.

The winner will be announced Saturday, June 18th at the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals’ Lawn & Garden Fair at the Maui Mall. The winner will receive a plaque, a glass sculpture by artist Jupiter Nielsen, a one-year free membership with the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals and local media recognition.

Applicants are requested to explain how the nominee’s activities or decisions have contributed to keeping Maui free from invasive species. Examples include: not selling or using invasive plants; steps taken to learn about invasives; and efforts to reduce use of invasive species by other customers.

Applications are due by May 29th, 2016 and can be downloaded here: 2016 Malama i ka `Aina Award On-line Application or from the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals at www.malp.org You may submit completed nominations via email to miscpr@hawaii.edu, fax to 573-6475, or mail to MISC at P.O. Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768. There is no fee to apply. Self-nominations are welcome. For more information, call 573-MISC (6472), or e-mail miscpr@hawaii.edu.

Past Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award recipients were recognized for meaningful steps taken to prevent the spread of invasive species, including incorporating codes-of-conduct in business practices, educating the public and clients about invasive species, and encouraging the use of native species in landscape design. Actions of award recipients are steps in the right direction!

Applications due by May 29th, 2016: 2016 Malama i ka `Aina Award On-line Application

Now accepting nominations for the 2015 Malama i ka Aina Award

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Lissa Strohecker

The award is a cooperative effort of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and the County of Maui.

The winner will be announced Saturday, June 20th at the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals’ Lawn & Garden Fair at the Maui Mall. The winner will receive a plaque, a glass sculpture by artist Jupiter Nielsen, a one-year free membership with the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals and local media recognition.

Applicants are requested to explain how the nominee’s activities or decisions have contributed to keeping Maui free from invasive species. Examples include: not selling or using invasive plants; steps taken to learn about invasives; and efforts to reduce the use of invasive species by other customers.

Applications are due by May 30th, 2015 and are available via this link: 2015 Malama i ka `Aina Award On-line Application-2

Flower grower who detected little fire ant in December 2013 receives award

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Lissa Strohecker

Masako Cordray, 2014 Malama i ka Aina Award Winner

Farmer and flower grower Masako Cordray was the 2014 recipient of the Malama i ka Aina Award, presented Saturday June 14th in a ceremony at the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals’ Lawn and Garden Fair held at the Maui Mall.

The person nominating her said “Masako’s passion for land stewardship extends beyond the boundaries of the land she farms to the entire island.

On December 23, 2013, Cordray tested plant material she had recently purchased for little fire ants. After finding small orange ants on peanut-butter coated sticks she contacted MISC. Confirmation of the detection by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture set off a chain of events that resulted in the discovery of little fire ants at other garden shops and nurseries on Maui and Oahu and has sparked a statewide response “The 45 minutes she took to sample plant material has had immeasurable consequences. This is truly an example of the contributions one person can make” said MISC manager Teya Penniman.

Cordray has influenced invasive species prevention efforts for many years. She was part of grass roots efforts to incorporate an improved biosecurity facility when the Kahului airport was being expanded–actions that led to the completion of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s state of the art inspection facility completed in 2007. In addition to being a farmer, Cordray is an award-winning photographer and videographer and donated much of her time to helping educate the public about invasive species. She worked to create a film about miconia in 2006 and when little fire ants were discovered on Maui n 2009, she approached MISC about creating a film about this devastating species. A true artist, her attention to detail and uncompromising standards are evident in the quality of her work, both

(L-R) Allison Wright, MALP; Masako Cordray; Teya Penniman, MISC; Rob Parsons, County of Maui. MISC file photo

in her photographs and floral arrangements.

The Malama i ka Aina Award is presented annually to recognize an individual or business working within the landscape or agricultural community to keep invasive species out of Maui County. The award is sponsored by the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals (MALP), the County of Maui, and the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC).
This year’s award featured a glass sculpture of an endemic Hawaiian damselfly, or pinao, by local artist Jupiter Nielsen. Award presenters were MALP Vice-President Allison Wright, Maui County Environmental Coordinator Rob Parsons, and Penniman.

Press Release – 2014 MIKA awardee Masako Cordray_final

Nominations now being accepted for the Malama i ka Aina Award

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Lissa Strohecker

Christina Chang of Lokelani Ohana, a farm in Waihee, Maui, accepts the Malama i ka Aina Award. Presenters from left to right are Teya Penniman of MISC, Cas Vanderwoude of the Hawaii Ant Lab. and Rob Parsons with the County of Maui. Chang was recognized for her efforts to stop the spread of the little fire ant on Maui.

Do you know a landscape professional making a significant effort to stop the spread of invasive species in Maui County?

Nominations are now being accepted to honor efforts invasive species prevention efforts within Maui County. The Malama i ka Aina Award is presented annually to a landscaper, plant provider (retail and wholesale nurseries and garden shops), or commercial/agricultural property owner/manager to recognize their efforts to keep invasive species out of Maui County.The award is a cooperative effort of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and the County of Maui.The award will be presented June 14th at the Maui Association of Landscape Professional’s Lawn & Garden Fair at the Maui Mall.

Nominations are due May 30th, 2014. Nominations (form available through this link:2014 Malama i ka Aina award-on-line fillable nomination) can be submitted via email to miscpr@hawaii.edu, through regular mail, MISC, PO Box 983, Makawao HI 96768, or faxed in: 808.573.-6475

Please call the Maui Invasive Species Committee if you have any questions, 808.573.6472.

Duane Sparkman Receives 2021 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Mark Blietz Receives 2020 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Know a landscaper helping prevent the spread of invasive species? Nominate him/her for the 2019 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Celebrate invasive species prevention: nominate a Maui County landscaper for the Malama i ka Aina award

Plant a Wish founders receive 2017 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Honor an invasive species savvy landscaper

Nominate a landscaper for the Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Now accepting nominations for the 2015 Malama i ka Aina Award

Flower grower who detected little fire ant in December 2013 receives award

Nominations now being accepted for the Malama i ka Aina Award

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