Pineapple grower Doug MacCluer received the 2012 Malama I Ka Aina Award during a ceremony at the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals' Lawn and Garden Fair held Nov. 3 at Maui Mall.
The award is presented annually to recognize an individual or business working within the landscape or agricultural community to keep invasive species out of Maui County. It is sponsored by the Maui Invasive Species Committee, the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals and the County of Maui.
MacCluer was formerly a plantation manager and vice president of ag development with the Maui Pineapple Co. While there, he helped to fence out and remove invasive pigs to create the Pu'u Kukui Preserve in West Maui, among other contributions.
Article Photos
DOUG MacCLUER, pineapple grower
"As a young farmer at Maui Pine, I was constantly reminded by Doug, my boss and my mentor, of the extreme importance of remaining vigilant and being very proactive when it comes to weed control," said Haleakala Ranch Vice President and General Manager Scott Meidell.
He added, "In retrospect, I am very thankful for his emphasis on weed management during those years, as it has shaped my own perspectives on land management."
After Maui Pine ceased its operations on Maui, MacCluer returned to farming and became a founding member of Haliimaile Pineapple Co. He runs his own nursery, MacCluer's Tree Farm, and a consulting business. MacCluer also participates in Maui County Farm Bureau's Ag In The Classroom program to educate future generations on the role of agriculture in daily life. In his spare time, MacCluer volunteers to control fireweed and gorse on Haleakala and Kaonoulu ranches.
For more information about the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, visit www.malp.org.
