People protect what they feel connected to, and part of what we do in the forest is remind people how amazing it feels to connect with nature.
This forest is filled with endless lessons, reminding us each day of the divine intelligence, harmony, and wisdom that lives in every plant and organism. Earth Day is not just about reassessing our actions, it’s also an opportunity to come home to a true relationship with the earth in our hearts: one rooted in listening, observing, and remembering that we, too, are nature.
Here are five powerful lessons the forest offers us this Earth Month, and we hope that they’ll guide you on your own journey!
Growth Happens Quickly
In the forest, some of the strongest trees grow the slowest. Roots deepen out of sight. Fungi weave underground webs. Nothing rushes, but everything moves forward.
The takeaway: Sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency. One small swap, one planted seed, one mindful habit at a time.
Everything is Connected
Epiphytes grow on branches. Rain nourishes moss. Even fallen logs become nurseries for new life. Nothing is wasted in the forest—it all belongs.
The takeaway: Our choices ripple. Choosing reef-safe sunscreen doesn’t just protect corals—it honors the life that depends on them. When we care for the parts, we heal the whole.
Diversity = Strength
The cloud forest thrives because of its biodiversity. Tall canopy trees shelter delicate ferns. Insects, birds, and mushrooms coexist in harmony. No two beings are the same—and that’s its greatest strength.
The takeaway: Just like in nature, every person has a unique role to play in protecting the Earth. Your voice, your values, your culture—they matter in this movement.
Rest is Part of the Cycle
Some trees go dormant. Certain animals rest through the wettest months. Even sunlight filters differently at different times of year. The forest knows when to pause.
The takeaway: Caring for the planet includes caring for yourself. Rest, reconnect, and remember—you don’t have to hustle to be helpful.
The Forest Is a Mirror
When you walk in silence among the trees, you start to notice your own breath, your own heartbeat, your own stillness. The forest reflects what we often forget: we are not separate from the Earth. We are it.
The takeaway: The more time we spend in nature, the more naturally we care for it. Earth Month isn’t just about doing—it’s about remembering who we are.
This Earth Month, Come Listen to the Forest
Join us for a guided walk at Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, where the plants, birds, and stillness whisper truths we all need to hear. Whether you’re planting a tree, or just pausing to feel the mist that gives this forest its name, know this: the Earth is already rooting for you!
