'IOLE
News from the Ahupua'a
March 2012- Vol 2, Issue 1
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Office & Trail Hours
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Monday - Saturday
8am -4pm
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Aloha,
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The start of 2012 at 'Iole has been both inspiring and fun!
Our annual visit from the Kohala First Grade classes was a delight as usual. The students learned about how their aunties and uncles care for the trees of Hawai'i's largest organic macadamia nut orchard. 'Iole program partner, Volcano Island Honey, provided an extra sweet treat: samples of macadamia nut honey made right here at 'Iole.
Thanks to Peter Risley and the volunteers at Risley Farms garden, fresh 'Iole-grown produce is now featured each Saturday at the Hawi Farmer's Market.
John and Star Baker of Wai Na Po'e Farms have developed an new agricultural program at 'Iole that is immersing volunteers of all ages in the process of growing cacao. The future is bright for the young farmers the Bakers mentor, and for Kohala chocolate covered macadamia nuts!
Stay tuned for updates on the development of a community arena, and help us celebrate all of the collaborators who are contributing to the life of the land at 'Iole.
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Kohala First Grade Orchard Visit
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On March 8th, Kohala Elementary's first graders made their yearly visit to 'Iole's macadamia nut orchards. Mrs. Carpenter, Mrs. Ito, Miss Rufo, and Mrs. O'Malley brought their classes to learn about the different parts of a macadamia nut tree and the different jobs on an orchard.
  The kids were treated to demonstrations of farming machinery and even a taste of some macadamia nut honey, made by bees who also visit 'Iole each year as the orchard trees blossom.
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| Bountiful & Beautiful Harvests From Risley Farms' Food Garden | | Following a philosophy of "food for the body and food for the soul," master farmer Peter Risley interplants flowers and food, creating scenic, aesthetically pleasing gardens that are also productive and purposeful. Risley Farms' aim is to provide everyone in the community access to the highest quality produce, everything from strawberries, bok choy, broccoli, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, and onions, to a variety of potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Harvests take place each Friday in preparation for Hawi Farmer's Market each Saturday.
 
 
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Our newest program partner, Wai Na Po'e Farms, has created another living classroom at 'Iole. John and Star Baker recently fenced a small area to grow cacao and sustainable companion crops. The Bakers, who have been involved with a number of local conservation projects, share a passion for biodiverse microfarming and for transmitting knowledge between generations.
On March 30, the young people of Ke Kama Pono Safe House Project continued regular 'Iole service projects by helping the Bakers plant keiki cacao trees. We look forward to organizing further farming opportunities with Ke Kama Pono, and all of us (Ke Kama Pono included) are excited for Wai Na Po'e's first cacao crop.
We salute the Baker family for all of their hard work, willingness to teach, and good stewardship of the land.
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Visiting 'Iole: In Kohala & Online
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Come explore the 'Iole Exhibit Center and take a Guided Tour, Monday-Friday at 1:30pm. Check out our Events page for offerings available to the community and visitors alike, and mark your calendars for our next Volunteer Trail Clean Up:
Saturday, June 2nd
8:30am-12:00pm
with Mahalo Lunch to follow.
Learn more and share in the beauty of 'Iole anytime at iolehawaii.com. Be sure to show your support by finding 'Iole on Facebook and Twitter, and help sustain programs and trails by making an online contribution.
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Mahalo nui!
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Thanks to all who have dropped in to sign up for a Friends of 'Iole membership card.
We are ever grateful to everyone helping to care for the land and historical treasures of the Kohala community.
Sincerely,
Kerry Balaam
Education Coordinator
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