Students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy (WHEA) High School learn through a project-based curriculum, so school gardening fits neatly within that framework. There have been some gardening projects at the school for several years, but during the last two years the gardening projects have really been expanded. Students participate in projects involving native plants, medicinal herbs, mushrooms, ipu, a butterfly garden, vegetable gardens, a vertical garden, and experiments with cold agriculture using deep ocean water pumped up by NELHA to chill the soil. There is also a school nursery run by students that services all of the above projects.

In many of these projects students follow the scientific method and collect data to learn how to better grow in our dry coastal environment. Students have been working on projects to improve soil fertility through vermicomposting, mulching, and composting including the use of kelp from the nearby abalone farm.

There are more than 40 students who are actively involved with gardening projects at WHEA. Many of these students present their projects to over 1,000 students, teachers, and community members that tour the campus as part of our Aloha Kai tours. Much of the produce that students grow is taken home by them or eaten at school.

For more information, contact Benny Duke.