Design to Rewild

An Upcountry Maui Story

Jenny Pell, our Publisher, met with Janine Holstein back in July at her upcountry Maui 24-acre property, where she’s digging into a permaculture, comprehensive agroforestry design. Janine is at the beginning stages of her project and Jenny talks with her about the big vision.

Jenny has been working with Janine on the agroforestry design and the hydrology of the site. What they’ve learned about this site, in particular, is that, like many places in the world, it now experiences extended periods of drought, which lead to fire danger. This is then followed by large rain events. One of the key strategies is passive water harvesting, and then a really deep-rooted diversity of agroforestry plants.

When one looks at a property that’s this dry, particularly in the prolonged drought, we really want to think about redundant water systems. Walking the land earlier in the year, Jenny and Janine found a dry pond. Quickly they recognized that it was dug some generations ago by earlier farmers on the land. One of the things they are looking at is putting in a sizable lined pond with a series of smaller, ephemeral ponds across the property.

Over time, Janine is looking for a forest that sustains itself. She looks to a forest that does not need any human intervention whatsoever. One that can be able to withstand climate issues and be an example for others. Janine is excited to have a place for habitat for wildlife and diversity of plant life.

Watch the video above to see some of the property and its permaculture plans.

The CBG Story

In this video, Jenny Pell, our Publisher, talks with Janine Holstein at her 24-acre property located upcountry Maui and featured in Growers Magazine. Janine has been a leader in Maui on licensing, growing, and processing hemp since its legalization began in Hawaii. Janine has her Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a licensed clinical social worker and she shares about her experience with CBG and her patients. Watch the video to learn more!