Summary
Join us for Forest Talk, a virtual gathering where we talk story about the plants and animals and connections we have to our native ʻōhiʻa forests.
Join us: Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM HST
This Forest Talk story will go behind-the-scenes with author/illustrator Erzsi Kuba Palko to learn about the inspirations for “Under the ‘Ōhi’a Tree”—a newly-released picture book–for children and adults, too–that invites a sense of personal connection with our beloved ʻōhiʻa trees and the native species they nurture. Inspired by a rigorous native plant botany class at U.H. Mānoa, countless hikes with her dog, Ohia, and the realization that we have lost at least two-thirds of our native forest bird species, “Under the ʻŌhiʻa Tree” gives voice to the precious forest species we have left to save.
Born and raised on Oʻahu, with a background in studying plants and teaching science and performing arts, Erzsi has authored and illustrated Under the ʻŌhiʻa Tree (published by Bess Press) and a coloring book of rhymes, Enchanting Creatures of Hawaiʻi Island (published by Petroglyph Press). Her artwork has been exhibited at the annual Hawaiʻi Nei art show in Hilo, the Gallery of Great Things in Waimea, and the ʻŌlena Gallery in Hāwī.
Registration required.
This event will be held via Zoom. Registration is required. Register here: https://hawaii.zoom.us/meeting/register/sdpLyA59QXCCdFupLLCQRg
Have you missed any? Catch up on our previous episodes.
To view our nine previous Forest Talk stories, visit the KISC YouTube page here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjKdfZn_qKYZ26jOrO0QAor8ONAEC0__f&si=jv1LD1JvquFWRw8h
