Making Earth Ovens

On May 25th, 2013 MLC worked with Ka'ala Farms to continue making an Earth Oven that we had started at the farm.  We had created the base at a previous workshop and added the top to it in this one.  Participants used sand to create the mold and then mixed together dirt, cinder, and straw to create the surrounding top.  We got very messy and learned how hard work can really pay off!

WOW- Building Lo'i Workshop

On Saturday, April 27th, 2013 we visited Ka’onohi Lo'i with Anthony Deluze. You are no longer in Pearl City here, Anthony states when we arrive. And he is right! On either side of this beautiful green oasis rises Pearl Ridge mall, but in Ka'onohi we are growing kalo working the earth. Anthony shares with us all about kalo and building lo'i. What better way to learn how to build a lo'i than to get in the mud and start shoveling! He shows us how to shape and measure the pa (walls),  we talk about how to level the water in the lo'i and how farming is our way to become food sustainable in Hawai'i. I am certainly more appreciative of the amount of work that goes into building  lo'i!

Mahalo to Anthony for spending the day with us, sharing Ka’onohi Lo'i and his mana'o with us.

This workshop is sponsored by Voyaging Foods. Mahalo!

 

On March 30, 2013, UH Honeybee Project members Ethel Villalobos and Scott Nikaido showed interested bee keepers the basics of bee keeping and importance on taking care of pollinators in Hawaii. Participants got to view beehives, learn about the tools used to take care of the hives, look closely at hive problems and even taste some fresh honey!

Introduction to Aquaponics

On January 19th this introductory workshop taught participants the basics of growing plants and raising fish at the same time.  The staff at Mari's Garden gave us an an in-depth tour and explanation of how their systems work and why they believe this is the most sustainable method of farming possible. Mari's Gardens is also one of the pioneers in the commercial use of aquaponics on a large scale.  This workshop was sponsored by the Na Lei Aloha Foundation

Holiday Creations from Natural Materials

On December 12, 2013. Malama Learning Center welcomed back crafter Malia Lagaso who demonstrated making beautiful holiday crafts at Makeke Kapolei.  During the holiday season a large amount of waste on wrapping and decorations. Market-goers learned about alternative forms of decorating using materials that could be found in nature all around them.

Bokashi Composting

On November 3, 2012 we learned about a fast and easy way to compost household scraps from Jan Nadamoto.  Participants learned about EM (Effective Microorganism) and the process they go through to break down table scraps and make wonderful compost.  They mixed their own bokashi and even got to take some home!

Growing Mangoes

On October 20, 2012 MLC joined Mark Suiso at his farm, Makaha Mangoes for a workshop on growing mangoes. We learned about all the different types of mango trees, how to make sure your tree is fruiting, how to graft, and what mangoes are best to grow.