Max Griesenbeck, project leaderfor Goodfellows Brothers earthmoving company shows the site to a GF volunteer. Looking down on the greener grass slopes toward the ocean view that the gorillas will have at the new sanctuary.

While awaiting additional funds to complete the construction of the new sanctuary, the Gorilla Foundation decided it was important to invest in the ongoing maintenance of the site grounds. In particular, the graded site was experiencing some erosion from seasonal rains, especially along the slopes, for which the best solution is the planting of a robust grass.

As recommended by Maui Pineapple Company's Plantation Superintendent, we opted for "Puerto Rican Star Grass" which has a great track record on this side of the island (West Maui) for being lush, hearty and not requiring much watering or fertilization.

The new grass was planted and fertilized in April 2003, and the photos at left show the status about 8 months later (February 2004). Notice that the grass is doing quite well, and has not required water since the start of the 2003/2004 rainy season. .

While watering is usually not a concern during the rainy season (October through March), there are still many weeks of the year for which it is important. The irrigation system for this watering is already in place, and draws off of a 1-million gallon reservoir about 500 feet further up the hill from the gorilla site. This reservoir is shared with the Maui Land and Pineapple Company, has been maintained in pristine condition since its installation.

This million-gallon reservoir, shared with the Maui Land and Pineapple Company handles the needs of the gorilla site.