David and Martha Moran and Friends of D.T. Fleming Arboretum were presented with the 5th Annual Malama i ka 'Aina Award.

The award, which recognizes efforts to keep invasive species out of Maui County, is sponsored by the county, the Maui Invasive Species Committee and the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals.

The Maui Garden Club, on its own, decided to recognize the D.T. Fleming Arboretum and provided a $2,000 cash award during a recent ceremony.

The arboretum covers seven acres within the Pu'u Mahoe cinder cone in 'Ulupalakua. Its collection of 145 species serves as a seed source for restoration projects and includes the last reproductive tree of the alani (Melicope knudsenii).

In addition to active invasive species control on the property, the Friends group has worked to protect wiliwili trees from the Erythrina gall wasp. Members include landscape managers, horticulturists, native-plant propagators, conservationists, certified arborists and garden enthusiasts.

David and Martha Moran were honored for their physical labor and contributions of tools and equipment. Martha Moran's grandfather, David T. Fleming, founded the arboretum.

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