‘Āina After School
(Kapa‘au, Hawai‘i Island)

Kohala Middle School Garden 53-4155 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaau, HI, United States

April 14–May 26, 2017—The Kohala Center’s free ‘Āina After School program takes place at Kohala Middle School Garden every Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. throughout the fourth quarter and offers middle school students opportunities to learn about gardening. Participants will learn to identify common garden plants and their uses, understand the environments in which they grow, and engage in scientific field research. Students will enjoy hands-on workshops, ‘āina-based activities, and healthy snacks. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the fourth quarter.

Free

KWP Volunteer Day: Wildfire Preparedness in the Koai‘a Tree Sanctuary
(Waimea, Hawai‘i Island)

The Kohala Center 65-1291A Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI, United States

May 6, 2017—May is Wildfire Preparedness Month! Join The Kohala Center’s Kohala Watershed Partnership crew on Community Wildfire Preparedness Day (Saturday, May 6) from 8 a.m. to noon as we remove fountain grass and lantana in the Koai‘a Tree Sanctuary on Kohala Mountain. Both of these non-native weeds increase the risk of wildfires and impede the growth of native vegetation that is essential to capturing and retaining moisture. Hundreds of volunteers have helped us plant thousands of native trees over the years, so let’s protect these precious plants by reducing the risk of wildfires this summer!

Free

Kū ‘Āina Pā Summer Intensive: Navigating the Hawai‘i School Garden Curriculum Map and Creating a Standards-Based Garden Program for Your Classroom
(Pāhoa, Hawai‘i Island)

Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Science 15-1397 Homestead Road, Pāhoa, HI, United States

June 5–8, 2017—This year we’re offering two sessions of our Kū ‘Āina Pā School Garden Teacher Training Program Summer Intensive: one on Hawai‘i Island and one on O‘ahu! Navigating the Hawai‘i School Garden Curriculum Map and Creating a Standards-Based Garden Program for Your Classroom is a four-day workshop for Hawai‘i’s K–8 teachers to connect school garden activities to federal and state education standards. Visit our Kū ‘Āina Pā program page for full details and to apply online. Teachers interested in attending the Hawai‘i Island session must submit their applications by May 12.

$200

Full STEAM Ahead! Summer 2017
(Waimea, Hawai‘i Island)

Waimea Middle School 67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI, United States

June 5–23, 2017—Waimea Middle School is offering a three-week “Full STEAM Ahead!” exploratory program this summer for incoming middle school students across Hawai‘i Island that will celebrate “Mālama Honua” – caring for the planet. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each weekday, students will explore the North Hawai‘i watershed and ocean with lessons that blend environmental science with ‘Ike Hawai‘i—hands-on lessons in technology, art, personal wellness, and the health of their island home.

$60

Hawai‘i Island New Farmer Expo

Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, Gates Performing Arts Center (Upper Campus) 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Rd, Kamuela, HI, United States

June 17, 2017—The Hawai‘i Island New Farmer Expo will bring together emerging and experienced farmers with non-profit, private, and government resource organizations. The Expo will provide participants with an understanding of the challenges and prospects of establishing a viable farm business on Hawai‘i Island, including a pragmatic, step-by-step overview on how to get started.

$25

Sustainable Agriculture Program for High School Students
(Honoka‘a, Hawai‘i Island)

The Kohala Center's Demonstration Farm 45-434 Lehua St, Honokaa, HI, United States

June 19–30, 2017—Hey high school students and recent grads! Want to learn how to grow your own food, take field trips to Hawai‘i Island farms and ranches, experience traditional Hawaiian land management systems—and earn a scholarship for it? Apply for our one- and two-week Sustainable Agriculture programs, in which the ‘āina is your classroom!

Free

Agricultural Business Workshops: Cooperatives and Funding
(Honoka‘a, Hawai‘i Island)

North Hawai‘i Education & Research Center 45-539 Plumeria St, Honoka‘a, HI, United States

June 24, 2017—An introduction to cooperatives and financing your farm operation, including Farm Service Agency loan program opportunities. Taught by Hanna Bree, Rural Business Development Specialist, The Kohala Center; Teresa Young, Rural Cooperative Business Development Specialist, The Kohala Center; and Linda Kow, Assistant Manager of Farm Loan Programs, Farm Service Agency.

Free