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Restoring Kohala

On Kohala Mountain’s leeward side is a 13-acre preserve aimed at restoring the native Hawaiian dry forest that once graced its slopes. At the Koaia Tree Sanctuary, native koaia, iliahi, mamane and other flora have taken root, providing a glimpse of the native forest that existed before the Hawaiian woods were harvested, pastures created and nonnative species, including cows and plants, introduced in the 1800s.

Garden-based nutrition workshop for teachers

KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—October 26, 2012—Hawai‘i Island educators who teach or participate in school garden programs are invited to attend a workshop on garden-based nutrition from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 10, at the Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Science in Pahoa. This professional development workshop for school garden and class teachers is part of […]

Eight farmers markets on Hawai‘i Island now accept EBT

KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—October 26, 2012—Eight Hawai‘i Island farmers markets now accept EBT cards. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps) recipients can use their EBT cards at the Maku‘u Farmers Market in Puna, Hilo Coffee Mill Farmers Market in Mountain View, Kino‘ole Farmers Market in Hilo, Volcano Farmers Market in Volcano, Keauhou Farmers Market […]

USDA grants to train, support next generation of farmers

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced $18 million in federal funding to support new farmer training and education programs in 27 states. The Kohala Center received a $562,000 grant to create and deliver Kū I Ka Māna, a beginning farmer training initiative. The County of Hawaii is providing the necessary matching funds to secure the USDA grant.

The Kohala Center announces beginning farmer training program

KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—October 25, 2012—United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced $18 million in federal funding to support new farmer training and education programs in 27 states. The Kohala Center received a $562,000 grant to create and deliver Kū I Ka Māna, a beginning farmer training initiative. The County of Hawai‘i is […]

Farm diversity offers more choices at local markets

With pests cutting into profits on single-crop farms, many farmers are starting to diversify. By growing a variety of crops, farmers can harvest throughout the year and, if pests get one crop, they’ll have others to rely on.

Learn why and how to save seed at weekend workshop

KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—October 11, 2012—Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook is the site for the annual West Hawai‘i seed exchange and a weekend workshop on seed production and seed saving methods coming up in November. The 10th Annual West Hawai‘i Community Seed Exchange will be from 3–5 p.m. Friday, November 2, at the garden. Attendees […]

Seed basics for life

It doesn’t matter if you “eat to live” or “live to eat,” plants make up one of the three or four essential parts of our existence. Over millennia of civilization, we have learned to nurture plants in order that we may have some control over our destiny. Seeds, whether for vegetables, ornamentals or fruits provide ways to restart our garden plantings season after season. And if “seeds” is loosely defined, we can include cuttings and other forms of vegetative planting material.

Lecturer speaks of ancient Kona breadfruit plantation

KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—September 7, 2012—Environmental resource specialist Noa Kekuewa Lincoln discusses the past, present, and future of breadfruit in an upcoming Eia Hawai‘i presentation in Hilo and a Puana Ka ‘Ike lecture in Kona. His lectures will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, September 27, at the University of Hawai‘i Hilo, Campus Center (CC) 301, […]

Seven Big Island Farmer’s Markets Now Accepting EBT

Locally grown food has just gotten more affordable and accessible on Hawai‘i Island with seven farmers markets now accepting EBT. EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) it is what SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps) recipients use to buy food.