Teachers explore treasures found in Hawai'i forests
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer
The Moanalua Gardens Foundation is continuing its role of educating Hawai'i's educators about the environment.
The foundation was integrally involved in the development of the 'Ohi'a Project, an environmental curriculum for Hawai'i's elementary schools, and is now conducting teacher workshops using its new Forest Treasures compact disk.
The CD uses interactive programming to lead users through the Hawaiian forests, featuring animals and plants, different ecosystems, sounds and sights.
Fifty teachers attended an O'ahu workshop in June, and Neighbor Island workshops, which include field trips and volunteer work, are scheduled over the next few months.
The sessions are sponsored by the foundation, along with The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i and the state Departments of Education and Land and Natural Resources.
The first is a Kaua'i session that has two parts.
Maura O'Connor and Norbert Larsen of the Moanalua Gardens Foundation will present a workshop from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Waimea Canyon School library.
There is also an overnight program at Koke'e Discovery Center, with an evening presentation by Sam Gon III, director of science for The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i. Participants will explore the forest at Koke'e from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. the next day with Gon and science teacher/photographer David Boynton.
Teachers who attended the O'ahu workshop helped plant koa trees at the Pahole Natural Area Reserve. Those participating in the Kaua'i workshop will help control invasive kahili ginger plants.
Future sessions are:
• 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at Wailuku Elementary School, and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at Waikamoi Preserve on Maui.
• 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at Lana'i School and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Kanepu'u Preserve.
• 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 8 at Kealakehe High School on Hawai'i, and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 9 at Nohomalino Preserve or Manuka State Park.
• 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 19 at Mountain View Elementary School with an overnight at Keakealani.
