The keiki planted koa trees and learned about irrigation installation, cover crop process and succession planting.

KAPALUA – Fourteen West Maui keiki ages 4-13 recently completed a six-week sustainable farm education program.

The students who attended the program under Aina Haumana, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, planted native koa trees and began an alley crop project.

Eighty of 234 koa trees were planted over the six weeks by the kids, who also learned about irrigation installation, cover crop process and succession planting.

Director Dave Horsman said, “The kids came every week, got to dig in the dirt, learned hands-on about farming and had a lot of fun – it was a great part of their summer.”

On the last class, Chef Wesley Holder of Pulehu, an Italian Grill brought his pizza-making skills and cooked for a celebration luncheon.

The kids picked fresh vegetables right from the farm. Each student was also given a certificate of completion and recognition for their part in helping sustainability on Maui.

Mana Akana, Aina Haumana cofounder, said, “Our goal is to help teach sustainability and farm education on Maui, help people grow and eat more nutritious foods. Give kids a hands-on experience in farming and Hawaiian techniques of agriculture, and be stewards of the land.”

For information on after-school programs, call Horsman at (808) 250-7669 or visit www.ainahaumana.com.