Advanced Aquaponics Workshop

What a wonderful treat it was to talk story with Fred Lau of Mari's Gardens during our Advanced Aquaponics workshop on Saturday October 5th, 2013!  Participants shared the successes and challenges that they face with their own aquaponics systems and were also able to ask Fred questions. We learned about the aquaponics systems at Mari's Gardens and took a tour of this beautiful place that is nestled in residential Mililani.  Their operations are truly impressive!

 

Mango Tree 101 Workshop

Mango Tree 101 workshop participants enjoyed a day full of learning at our Without Walls Workshop on September 14, 2013.  Owner and CEO of Makaha Mangoes, Mark Suiso hosted our workshop at his family farm in Makaha Valley.  We were able to tour the grounds on which so many amazing mangoes have originated and also learned about the art of grafting, caring, and loving our mango trees.  We are truly grateful for Mark and his 'ohana who are so willing to share their mana'o with us as well as promote the growth of fruit trees in Hawai'i.  Mahalo nui to the Hawaiian Electric Company for sponsoring this awesome workshop!

Healthy 'Ohana Workshop

On Saturday August 17, 2013, Healthy 'Ohana workshop participants heard from registered dietitian Liz Walker as she shared with us some basic techniques for promoting a healthy lifestyle.  We learned about portion sizes, reading of nutrition labels, planning meals out for the week, simple body exercises that get the heart rate up, and much much more!  Participants also made 'ono lime spritzers using limes, sparkling water, and Splenda, which is a great substitute for sodas and other sugary drinks.  Mahalo nui to Liz and the Pacific Links Hawai'i Foundation for making this workshop possible!   

Hawaii Landscapes Art Workshop

On June 29, 2013 artist Andrea Charuk from the Honolulu Museum of Art shared some great information on the Honolulu Museum of showcase of works that celebrate Hawaii's natural beauty, as seen through the eyes of 20th century American artists Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Hawaii is full of extraordinary natural sites that we can recognize, protect, and celebrate through art! Honolulu Museum of Art intern, Andrea Charuk, taught the basic techniques in using oil pastel and watercolor and participants created their own landscapes.

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!