November: EcoVentures Hawai‘i

(Honolulu 2015) In collaboration with EarthWorks and the Hawai‘i State Department of Education, HI FusionED presented transformative field experiences for 21st Century Community Learning Center educators this Fall. EcoVentures Hawai‘i is a program designed to inspire personal and professional growth in sustainability and ecological awareness by visiting sites and meeting local practitioners. Through field observations and activities, participants learn from zero footprint leaders in Hawai‘i who are designing and implementing innovative place-based strategies in sustainable systems and resource management.

In addition to the guided tours, Cindie Ogata, MEd (EarthWorks) provided linkages between the information presented and classroom implementation. During the bus ride to and from each destination (as well as interjecting her thoughts during site visits), Ms. Ogata presented key points to help educators align resources with classroom objectives for action planning. Ms. Ogata also provides on-going classroom support to help with implementation.

Special thanks to Kevin Vaccarello and Malia Smith from Sustain Hawai‘i (Palaka Moon Farm and ‘Ai Love Nalo Cafe) and Michael Leeand his staff (Kualoa Ranch Education Center) for sharing their time and their vision.