April 13, 2017—Free and open to the UH community and general public. Sponsored by the UH Hilo Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center as part of the Eia Hawai‘i Lecture Series, a lecture series part of developing a Hawaiian world view at UH Hilo.
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.
April 22, 2017—This Earth Day join The Kohala Center for a day of giving back to our island planet. Choose from six different volunteer projects in Kohala, Waimea, Honoka‘a, Pelekane, Kealakehe, and Kahalu‘u. Bring your ‘ohana, friends, and neighbors!
April 29, 2017—Taught by Diana Duff, Business Specialist, Farm Works
Learn how to write a business plan for a farm operation including production planning, marketing and farm financial statements.
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!
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.
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.
June 10, 2017—Learn all about food safety regulations, fair trade, how to become an organic certified farm and all requirements to certify like record-keeping. Taught by Maile Woodhall, Agricultural Outreach Specialist, The Kohala Center.
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.
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!