Aka'ula School Benefit May 8 at Pacific Aviation Museum on Oahu - food, entertainment, and a good cause!

What: Fundraiser for Aka'ula School on Moloka'i - A 1940's themed night of food, live entertainment, silent auction and more!
When: May 8, 2010, 6-10 PM
Where: Pacific Aviation Museum, Oahu

Why: All proceeds and gifts will directly benefit the school’s financial aid program. 
More information: Aka'ula website.

Please see below for a letter from Victoria Newberry, Head of Aka'ula School:

"Each year Aka`ula School families raise money to fund the school’s financial aid program by hosting signature events on Moloka`i, Maui and Oahu. This year "Moloka`i Calls Oahu" will be held at the Pacific Aviation Museum on May 8, 2010, from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. The evening will include heavy pupu, entertainment, silent auction, movies in the museum theater, a chance to try your hand at a flight simulator, and more. Above all, we promise it will be Molokai style.

We invite you to join us for a night of 1940s inspired fun while supporting educational choice and a quality-learning environment for an ethnically and economically diverse Molokai student population in grades five through eight.

There are several ways you may help.

• Purchase an “Enlisted” man’s seat for $50 each.
• Purchase an “Enlisted” table of eight for $400. We’ll hold the table with a reserved sign for your party.
• Purchase a reserved “Officers” seat for $100. Your ticket will include two drink coupons and a Molokai “goodie” bag.
• Purchase a reserved “Officers” table of eight for $800. This will give you and your party reserved VIP seating as well as two drink coupons and a Molokai “goodie” bag for each person at your table.
• Make a cash donation.
• Donate to either the live or silent auction. The donation can be an item such as a set of dishes, an MP3 player, or a work of art. It can also be a certificate for a service such as a hotel stay, surf lesson, dinner, or haircut. 

All proceeds and gifts will directly benefit the school’s financial aid program and they will be listed in the event program. Aka`ula School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are therefore tax deductable. We are now able to take on line reservations at our school web site or you may complete the attached form and return it to Aka`ula School by May 1. Tickets will not be sold at the door as everyone attending must be pre-registered with base security. 

We know there are many worthy causes deserving of your support. On behalf of the entire Aka`ula `Ohana, thank you for considering ours. We look forward to seeing you on May 8."

Sincerely,

Victoria J. Newberry

Head of School

No Child Left Inside - Earth Day's 40th Anniversary

Celebrate Environmental Education Week April 11-17 2010

Environmental Education Week is April 11-17 this year, and there are lots of ways to celebrate!

Calculate your carbon footprint and then try to reduce your daily impact during EE week and beyond! There is also a carbon footprint calculator made just for youth!

Make a nature journal to record your observations about your surroundings.

Take photographs of your local environment and the plants and animals that live there.

If you are a teacher, integrate some environmental lessons into your classes. Create posters about the importance of taking care of our local environment, do a nature craft like leaf rubbings, or research local plants and animals. Photo: Maui teachers engaged in a hands-on EE lessonIf you are a parent, take your kids outside to explore! Observe your backyard or a nearby park, create an experiment, go on a nature scavenger hunt, or sit outside and read a book about nature. There are so many ways to learn about the environment!

Visit http://www.eeweek.org/ for more ideas and ways to connect with other people

What are YOU going to do to celebrate Environmental Education Week this year?

Environmental Education Events

Check out these upcoming environmentally themed events!

Remember, April is Earth month...

April 10th 2010: Waikiki Aquarium "Mauka to Makai" Earth Day Festival. Visit the Waikiki Aquarium for free on Saturday April 10th.

April 10th 2010: Kailua Earth Day Celebration.

April 18th 2010: Earth Day at the Honolulu Zoo.

April 22nd 2010: University of Hawaii Manoa Sustainability Festival.

April 23rd and 24th 2010: Kokua Festival at the Waikiki Shell.

April 24th 2010: Bishop Museum "Grow Hawaiian" Festival.

Do you know of an EE event taking place in the near future? Leave a comment to share the info with others!

National Wildlife Week - March 15-21, 2010

 

Celebrate National Wildlife Week 

March 15-21, 2010 

Get Wild, Child!

See below for ideas from the National Wildlife Federation for how to celebrate an entire week dedicated to wildlife and the outdoors!

Studies show that children who spend time outside are more creative, have less stress and perform better in school. Help your child unlock their learning and imaginative potential "after-school" during National Wildlife Week. Celebrate nature and jump-start your spring with fun outdoor activities, tips for gardening with children and more.
Get started:

1. Download your custom Family Activity Passport

2. Spend an extra hour this week outside with your children observing wildlife and doing fun outdoor activities.

3. Capture the wildlife in your neighborhood - with your camera! Children can enter the youth competition in the National Wildlife Federation Photo Contest.

 Digital Outdoor Toolbox

• Get a Green Hour year-round with more free outdoor activities for families 
• Find animals and plants to watch for in your state 
• Use your zip code to find a local spot to play outside or watch for wildlife 

 Exploration and Education

• 16 Tips for developing your child's green thumb
• More ideas for gardening with children
• Make your yard wildlife-friendly 
• Help your child green their school experience too with Eco-Schools USA 
• Make sure America's kids get a sound outdoor education; support No Child Left Inside

The above information is from the National Wildlife Federation. It is being provided here as a resource for those interested in environmental education, wildlife conservation and other environment-focused topics.

Announcing 2010 Project Learning Tree Environmental Education workshops on Oahu and Maui!

Announcing 2010 Project Learning Tree Environmental Education workshops on Oahu and Maui!

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary Environmental Education program. These FREE professional development opportunities will provide educators with the chance to meet and share ideas with other teachers and participate in interactive lessons while learning how to use the PLT activity guide.

Maui educators participating in the PLT activity "Tree Factory"

Oahu PLT Workshop
Location: Hawaii Nature Center
Date: February 20th 2010
Time: 9-3:30pm
Details: Join us at the Hawaii Nature Center in Makiki to learn how the Project Learning Tree (PLT) curriculum can be integrated into 7th and 8th grade science classrooms. We will be offering PDE credits through the Department of Education to DOE teachers of 7th and 8th grade science that complete additional requirements. If this is of interest to you, please ask for more details prior to registering.
Educators of other grades and subjects are encouraged to attend, and may adapt materials for their own use. Lunch will be provided by Whole Foods Honolulu, and participants will receive the PLT activity guide with 96 interactive lessons as well as other educational resources.
For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/PLT/2010

Maui PLT Workshop
Location: Hawaii Nature Center in Iao Valley
Date: March 20th 2010
Time: 9-3:30pm
Details: Meet at the beautiful Hawaii Nature Center in Iao Valley and learn how to use the Project Learning Tree (PLT) Activity Guide with your students. This interactive workshop will demonstrate several hands-on activities from PLT as well as Ohia Project and Hoike o Haleakala - two valuable Hawaii-specific environmental education resources. Lunch and snacks will be provided, and participants will receive free educational resources in addition to the PLT Activity Guide which contains 96 interactive lesson plans.

The Project Learning Tree (PLT) Pre K-8 Guide

Kauai and Hawaii Island PLT Workshops
Details to be determined. If you are interested in attending a workshop on Kauai or Hawaii Island in 2010, please ask for more info!

For more information about the workshops and to register, visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/PLT/2010.

For more about Project Learning Tree, visit www.plt.org

PLT workshops in Hawaii are sponsored by the Department of Land and Natural Resources - Division of Forestry and Wildlife, in cooperation with Hawaii Nature Center, the US Forest Service, the American Forest Foundation and other partners.

Celebrate World Wetlands Day - Saturday February 6th 2010

You are invited to a World Wetlands Day celebration 

in Kailua, Oahu on Saturday, February 6th 2010!

This event is free and open to the public, and this year, the festivities will take place in the covered parking structure at the Kailua Long's Drugstore. The day will begin at 8:30 am with pule and continue until 2:00pm.

Take a free guided tour of the Kawainui and Hamakua Marsh complex, browse interactive exhibits in the covered parking structure, listen to music by Hawaii Loa, or take a stroll through the marsh and experience the natural beauty of the wetlands right near Kailua town!
 
Several federally-listed endangered bird species live in Kawainui and Hamakua marshes.
While visiting, keep an eye out for the Hawaiian stilt; ae'o (pictured above), Hawaiian moorhen; 'alae 'ula (a black bird with a red shield above its beak), and Hawaiian coot; 'alae ke'oke'o (a black bird with a white shield and beak). Click the above links for more info and photos.

Did you know that Kawainui Marsh was designated a "Ramsar Wetland of International Importance" in 2005? To read more about what this means, visit the Ramsar webpage here.

Hope to see you in Kailua on Saturday, February 6th!

"Blue Oceans Day" at the Hawaii State Capital, January 13th, 2010

You are invited to come to the Hawaii State Capital building on January 13th for "Blue Oceans Day,” 11am-3pm on the 4th floor lanai.

Show your support for stronger federal protection of ocean, coast, estuary and Great Lake ecosystems by participating in Blue Oceans Day any way you can.

January 13th at the state capital, there will be door prizes, an "open-mic" for video messages to the president, and informational displays from organizations including: Conservation Council for Hawaii, Eyes on the Reef, Hanalei Watershed Hui, Hawaii Community Stewardship Network E Alu Pu, KAHEA: The Hawaiian Environmental Alliance, Lost Fish Coalition, Marine Conservation Biology Institute, Makai Watch, Malama Hanalei, Malama Haena, Malama Maunalua, Malama Waikiki, NOAA Coral Reefs and Fisheries Local Action Strategy, NOAA Protected Species, Reef Check, Sea Grant, and Surfrider Foundation.

This event is scheduled only weeks before the White House Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force delivers its final recommendations to President Obama.

Participants are encouraged to wear blue shirts and to gather on the capital 4th floor lanai at noon for a group photo to send to President Obama with the message "Malama Our Oceans!" The first 200 people to arrive at the capital will receive free blue shirts featuring cartoon characters Finley and Clawdia the Crab from Jim Toomey's nationally syndicated cartoon strip, "Sherman's Lagoon."

Finley and Clawdia the Crab from "Sherman's Lagoon" by Jim Toomey

Event organizers suggest other ways to get involved on January 13th: 

• Go to school or work in blue (like the Coast Guard) and explain to classmates or co-workers why you are wearing blue on January 13th.
•  Videotape yourself and your friends in blue, post it and send it to wearblueforoceans.org.
• Talk about wearing blue to Oprah, Ellen, Ed Begley, Laird Hamilton and Jack Johnson. 
• Spread the word through twitter, blogs, facebook, emails, action alerts, newsletters, and YouTube.
• Can you think of other ways you can show your support for our oceans?
  

For more about the national effort, visit the "Wear Blue For Oceans" website here.

Calling all Graphic Artists, Designers, and Students!

The 2010 Hawai’i Conservation Conference is not until August, but the logo design contest deadline is December 9th!

The Hawaii Conservation Alliance is looking for a logo to represent the conference, which takes place August 4-6, 2010 at the Hawai’i Convention Center in Honolulu, HI.

It is the largest gathering of conservation professionals in Hawai'i, expected to bring in over 1,000 participants. The winning design will be showcased on conference materials, including the conference website, signs, program booklet, and souvenirs. You will also receive a cash prize of $100 and free registration to the conference and other Conservation Week events (a value of over $300).

The 2010 conference theme is "Pacific Ecosystem Management and Restoration: Applying Traditional and Western Knowledge Systems". This theme reflects the growing trend in Hawai‘i and the Pacific region of landowners, communities, natural resource agencies, and governments working together more collaboratively and utilizing different knowledge systems to better manage and restore island ecosystems.

Deadline: Logo designs must be received by Wednesday, December 9, by 5:00 p.m. The winning design will be announced December 18. For logo guidelines and instructions for submitting an entry, visit the Hawaii Conservation Alliance logo contest page.

Above: Orville Baldos' design was chosen for the 2009 Conservation Conference

Click here to see highlights of the 2009 conference.

October 24th - International Day of Climate Action

350 - The Most Important Number on the Planet?

"Scientists say that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. To Learn more about 350, visit www.350.org."

From the 350.org website: "On October 24th, (the International Day of Climate Change) we need you to organize an action in the place where you live, something that will make that most important number visible to everyone. People in more than 1000 communities and 100 nations around the globe have already announced plans— school children planting 350 trees in Bangledesh, scientists hanging banners saying 350 on the statues on Easter Island, 350 scuba divers diving underwater at the Great Barrier Reef...  At each event, people will gather for a big group photo that somehow depicts 350--and upload that photo to the web 350.org.  As thousands of simultaneous actions take place around the world, we'll link all the pictures together electronically via the web--by the end of the day, we'll have a powerful visual petition linking together the entire planet that we can deliver to the media and world leaders."

Students at Kawainui Marsh in 2008.

Click here to see a map of "350" Actions in Hawaii. Currently there are TWENTY-THREE actions planned in the Hawaiian Islands. Find one near you!

The Kailua 350 event will be one of over 2,000 simultaneous events across the globe - Students are encouraged to meet at Kawainui Marsh on Saturday, where they will form the numbers 350 by standing together in the marsh (knee deep in water) wearing red or pink T-shirts for a photo opportunity. Organizers are looking for as many participants as possible: the more people that stand together, the greater the impact! Wouldn't it be great to have three hundred and fifty people making the numbers 350??

          The site within Kawainui marsh is called Na Pohaku o Hauwahine, and is about a mile in from the Pali/Kapa'a Road intersection. Students are asked to meet there at 9:00am to assemble for the photo shoot at 10:00am. For more about what to wear and what to bring, contact: Contact Chuck "Doc" Burrows (chuckb@hawaii.rr.com) to register for this important event. Read the press release here.

From the 350.org website: "Involve groups that you’re in—everything from your church, mosque or synagogue to your local bicycle group. People want to help, especially if they see the chance for something that might actually matter. This is even more important than changing your lightbulb—this is your chance to help change the way the whole world operates. October 24 comes six weeks before those crucial UN meetings in Copenhagen. It’s a great chance to take a stand—maybe the last great chance, given what the scientists tell us about the momentum of global warming.

Another 350 photo idea.

But it can only happen with the help of a global movement—and it's starting to bubble up everywhere. Farmers in Cameroon, students in China, even World Cup skiers have already helped spread the word about 350. Churches have rung their bells 350 times; Buddhist monks have formed a huge 350 with their bodies against the backdrop of Himalayas. 350 translates across every boundary of language and culture. It's clear and direct, cutting through the static and laying down a firm scientific line.

Kayakers in Portland Oregon.

This is like a final exam for human beings. Can we muster the courage, the commitment, and the creativity to set this earth on a steady course before it's too late? October 24 will be the joyful, powerful day when we prove it's possible." - www.350.org

4th Annual "Run for the Dry Forest" trail run at Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a

It's back!  Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual "Run for the Dry Forest" trail run at Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a on Saturday, October 24th.  This is a great opportunity to experience the dry forest while  burning some calories on a 5K or 10K trail run. The Run for the Dry Forest supports conservation and preservation of dry forests in Hawai`i. 

Pu`u Wa`awa`a contains some of the few remaining patches of dry forest, and was once the most diverse forest in Hawai`i. Eight endangered birds and at least thirty species of endangered plants are known from Pu`u Wa`awa`a, some of which are found in few or no other locations.

This year’s featured plant is the Lama tree, a member of the Persimmon family. Lama, elama in Hawaiian, have pale green leaves with reddish new growth and edible berries. They were once the dominant tree in the lowlands of the North Kona and South Kohala districts. Today, much Lama have been wiped out by fire and feral and domestic livestock. 

There will be great door prizes, race t-shirts for finishers, hand-made medals, plant giveaways, educational displays and a 1/4 mile Keiki Fun Run. 

Click to see the course map and entry form at PATH (People's Advocacy for Trails Hawaii). You'll find them on the right-hand side of the page. 
 You can also register online at: www.active.com. Contact race director Lyman Perry if you have any questions:  938-7795 or lperry@dofawha.org.

See you on the trail!

No Child Left Inside Day - Tuesday October 13th

By now, many educators have heard about the No Child Left Inside Act, but what about No Child Left Inside Day?

Now in it's 2nd year, No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Day was created by the American Geological Institute as part of its annual Earth Science Week. Earth Science week celebrates the geosciences, and NCLI Day was created to promote Earth Science Education.

For ideas about how to celebrate NCLI Day, visit the No Child Left Inside Day webpage. Here you'll find tips for organizing an effective and safe event for your class or for your family. Examples of lessons and activities include: "Look up! Observing Weather," "Be a Paleontologist!" and "Dig into Soil."

For a less structured NCLI day, simply take a walk to your neighborhood park, or spend some time looking closely at a patch of soil. Lay in a field and look at the clouds, or go for a hike. Spend a little bit of extra time enjoying the outdoors, and you never know, you may end up celebrating No Child Left Inside Day everyday!

Hawai'i Science Teachers Association Fall Conference

DOFAW outreach staff attended the HaSTA Fall conference on October 3rd, 2009 to share information and resources with teachers.

Science teachers met at Punahou School to network with other educators, explore new classroom ideas, collect resources and participate in workshops. DOFAW provided posters, teacher guides, coloring books, backyard conservation guides, and more. (Click on links for info)


The Hawai'i Science Teachers Association Fall conference featured Tony Wagner, education expert and author of The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don't Teach The New Survival Skills Our Children Need--And What We Can Do About It, as the keynote speaker.

After the Science Teacher's conference, OCEANIA Marine Educators Association (which also serves as the HaSTA Marine Science Section) met for their Marine Education Fall Conference. 

As if the day was not full enough already, many teachers and marine educators headed down to the Educator's Evening from 6:30-9 at the Waikiki Aquarium to learn about the NOAA Ocean Explorers Program, and other marine education resources.

It was a fun and productive day for all who participated. Thanks to all the teachers who stopped by the DOFAW booth to ask questions, stock up on posters and share resource ideas!

Children and Youth Day 2009

Join DOFAW and other agencies, non-profits, and youth-focused groups on the State Capital grounds on October 4th for a full free day of fun, activities, music, food, and more! 

Time: 10am-3pm

Location: Hawaii State Capital Building, Honolulu, HI
Details: See website links below

"2009 marks the 16th annual Children & Youth Day and promises to be as exciting as past years. This is a one-day free event of fun games, educational experiences, hands-on activities, entertainment and surprising adventures for Hawaii’s children and youth and the young at heart - great fun for the whole family!

Good Beginnings Alliance is the fiscal sponsor for Children & Youth Day. The event kicks off a month long celebration of children and youth that involves over 2,300 volunteers and is a remarkable example of collaboration pulling together all segments of the community. The purpose of Children & Youth Day is to educate children, youth, parents and other family members about the issues facing Hawaii’s children. This event offers learning opportunities around creating stable, healthy, and safe environments in which children can succeed." - Good Beginnings Alliance website

Hope to see you there!

Earth Science Week

A weeklong event sponsored by the American Geological Institute, Earth Science Week is October 11-17, 2009.

The purpose of this weeklong celebration is to "encourage people everywhere to explore the natural world and learn about the geosciences. 'Understanding Climate,' the theme of Earth Science Week 2009, will promote scientific understanding of a timely, vital topic: Earth’s climate." -www.earthsciweek.org

Throughout the week, NASA, the National Park Service, US Geological Survey and other geoscience groups will be releasing educational videos, holding webcasts, providing materials to teachers, and keeping interactive websites updated to promote understanding of our earth.

Visit www.earthsciweek.org for more information about how to get involved!

Join DOFAW in Kailua to learn about wetlands

DOFAW outreach staff will be participating in the Da Kine Canine Festival this year in Kailua town.

On September 6th from 2-6pm, there will be informational booths, a dog parade, live entertainment and a dog costume contest. It all happens at the Kailua town parking garage, in the farmer's market area.

DOFAW staff will be sharing info about how to safely visit natural areas with your dog. Festival goers can also learn about nearby wetland areas, and how best to protect our feathered friends that call them home.

So bring your pup, learn about natural areas, and participate in a fun craft at the DOFAW booth this year at the Da Kine Canine Festival in Kailua!

Free Environmental Education Workshop in Hawaii - 2009

Announcing 2009 Project Learning Tree Environmental Education workshops in Hawaii!

 Project Learning Tree is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary Environmental Education program. These FREE professional development opportunities will provide educators with the chance to meet and share ideas with other teachers, participate in interactive lessons while learning how to use the PLT activity guide.

The Project Learning Tree (PLT) Pre K-8 Guide

Participants will receive the PLT Pre K-8 curriculum guide, which contains 96 lessons and activities and is correlated to National Content Standards. During the workshops, facilitators highlight connections with Hawaii-specific resources, including the Ohia Project.

Several lessons will be correlated with Hawaii State Science Standards and Benchmarks. Participants will also learn about grant opportunities and will receive free teaching materials.


Complimentary lunch and snacks for PLT workshops throughout the islands provided by various generous sponsors including Costco Oahu and Kauai, Stretch Island Fruit, Larabar, and Whole Foods Honolulu. 


2009 Workshop details:
Hawaii Island: (CLOSED) September 19, 2009 from 8:30am-3:30pm at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Featuring an interpretive hike provided by HAVO ranger, special guest speakers, and more!
Maui: (CLOSED) June 13, 2009 from 9am – 3:30pm at the Hawaii Nature Center in Iao Valley. Optional guided hike after the workshop led by Hawaii Nature Center Staff.
Kauai: (CLOSED) June 19, 2009 from 11am – 4pm meet at the Kokee Lodge. Optional free overnight accommodations on the 19th for those who want to participate in our service trip on the 20th.
Oahu: (CLOSED) June 27, 2009 from 9am – 3:30pm at the Hawaii Nature Center in Makiki. Optional guided hike after the workshop led by Hawaii Nature Center Staff.

PLT workshops in Hawaii are sponsored by the Department of Land and Natural Resources - Division of Forestry and Wildlife, in cooperation with Hawaii Nature Center, the US Forest Service, the American Forest Foundation and other partners.

Waianae "Sunset on the Beach" event

On Saturday August 8th 2009, DOFAW outreach staff teamed up with the Honolulu Fire Department for the Waianae Sunset on the Beach event. 

Keiki learning about fire safety. 

Kids and adults answered questions about fire safety to earn prizes like temporary tattoo's, frisbees, pencils, stickers and other fun goodies!


The fire department brought a big yellow fire truck and had a fun "fire fighting activity" for kids.

A big Mahalo to the Honolulu Fire Department for teaming up with DOFAW to share fire safety information with the community.

The 7th Annual Ulupo Heiau Hoike Festival

On Saturday, July 11th 2009, Division of Forestry and Wildlife outreach staff participated in the 7th Annual Ulupo Heiau Hoike Festival.

In the morning, before the event began.


The heiau in the foreground; it is one of the largest on Oahu.

This heiau is on the way to Kailua, above Kawainui marsh, an area managed by DOFAW.

The arrival of the hula halau.

The ceremony and protocol for beginning the day and celebrating this heiau.

All around the grounds there were places to learn how to pound poi, make kapa cloth and paint it using traditional techniques, learn about native plants and their uses, and many more educational opportunities. 


They even had an imu, where they roast pig underground to make Kalua pork.

Working on the imu.

Festival participants could learn how to make a ti leaf lei, and also how to string a flower lei from an auntie named Ethel. She tried to teach me how to make a rose out of a ti leaf too, but after a few attempts, she just gave me one of the six that she made while I was struggling and told me (while laughing) to "go home and practice."

Crown flower and bouganvillia lei and ti leaf lei.

 These are the gourds that are dried and carved to make Ipu, an instrument used in hula. These range in size from a little over a foot tall to the size of a big pear. The brown ones are already hollow and hard, the white and green ones are fresher...

The keiki performed a hula (with a little help)

It was definitely a successful day with lots of visitors, delicious food, fun crafts, educational booths and lovely music and beautiful dance.

All photos: C. Tucker