Welcome to the latest edition of the Greenleaf

Source: Edward_Clifford_(1844-1907)

"The Outdoor Circle is delighted to release this issue of the Greenleaf highlighting some of the events for this Spring planned by the state organization and its branches, showcasing two new branches, The Next Generation and Greater Waikiki Branch, and inform you of other news of interest from The Outdoor Circle. 

At our state office headquarters on King Street, we have had two new additions to the staff. Jackie Wah has taken over as Operations Director, and runs many of the needed daily office functions, as well as coordinates with other staff, volunteers, branches and board members. Jackie brings a wealth of experience to this position and has been a long-time resident of Hawai‘i. Myles Ritchie, our Exceptional Trees map creator and with TOC for two years continues to take on other initiatives and works with outreach with branches and schools as well. I have been fortunate to have been offered the position Executive Director and have been becoming much more familiar with all of the facets and history of the organization, its current issues and challenges, and had the pleasure of working with an incredible staff, board, volunteers, and members.

The excellent reputation of The Outdoor Circle and its amazing legacy of over 100 years of protecting and enhancing Hawai‘i's beauty is a main reason I wanted to work here, and that has been confirmed many times over by members of our community who relay their thanks for all that TOC has done over the years and the respect they have for the organization. 

That said, our work is never complete, and we have new initiatives and projects coming up, which include enhancing our Exceptional Trees map into apps for smartphones, working on walking tours of those trees and other heritage trees, following environmental legislative proposals, and working to increase public awareness of the organization and all that it does.

We have an exciting "Sunset in the Forest Concert” fundraiser scheduled in Honolulu on Saturday, May 7th, at a beautiful rainforest venue, the historic Nutridge Estate, home to Hawai‘i’s oldest macadamia nut plantation. The concert will feature three Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning artists: Sean Na‘auao, HAPA, and Waipuna. Please come support the good work TOC does by attending this concert. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit outdoorcircle.org.

April events at a few of our branches include the Waimea Outdoor Circle, which will had its Educational Pavilion Blessing Ceremony for the Waimea Nature Park on April 9th. The Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle will have its annual "I Love Kailua" Town Party on April 24th, from 11 am - 4 pm and, on the same day, the Manoa Outdoor Circle will have its "1000 Tree Giveaway" from 8 am - 12 pm. Please help support these branches by attending these wonderful events.

Finally, thanks to you, The Outdoor Circle members, friends and supporters--without you, our work could not continue. Please get involved with your local branch in whatever capacity you can, join or renew your membership with TOC, gift a membership, "like us" on Facebook, and please remember The Outdoor Circle in your planned giving, leaving a legacy that will help Hawai‘i to remain clean, green and beautiful for years to come.

Mahalo,

Winston Welch
Executive Director