Life has a way of persisting through ecological disturbance in small protected places and then radiating outward. In Hawaii, those places are called “kipukas.” But biological life is not the only thing that can grow and thrive in the refuge of a kipuka.

In this episode we hear the story of three places where people are caring for the land. At the base of the Ko’olau mountains in Oahu, a church is setting out to bring 246 acres back to the community and back to health. Down by the sea, the restoration of an ancient fish pond has become an educational opportunity for thousands of children. And over the ridge, into the next valley, the growing of kalo provides a place for people to reconnect with old traditions and knowledge.

These stories reveal an important truth: that as we care for and find connection with the land, the land cares for and supports us. And it leads us to ask, can our relationship with God be complete without a healthy relationship with the rest of creation?

Learn more about the organizations in the episode: A Rocha USA Hakuhia Ho’okua’aina Taro Farm Waikalua Loko Fish Pond

Thanks to Herb Lee and Dean Wilhelm for sharing their songs with us. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, Harpo Marks, Cosmo Lawson, and Sarah Chapman, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.