‘Imi Pono no ka ‘Aina, the environmental education program for Three Mountain Alliance, aims to teach local students about the natural and cultural history of Hawaii Island. ADVERTISING ‘Imi Pono no ka ‘Aina, the environmental education program for Three Mountain
‘Imi Pono no ka ‘Aina, the environmental education program for Three Mountain Alliance, aims to teach local students about the natural and cultural history of Hawaii Island.
Students learn by going on outdoor adventures, traveling to new places and having meaningful experiences in unique settings.
“I have done so many new things and gone to so many new places that you can’t just go to every day,” said Sakari Lista, who participated in ‘Imi Pono in 2014. “I learned that if you are respectful to the forest, it will open itself up to you.”
Every summer, the program runs two sessions focused on malama ‘aina, or caring for the land. During each two-week session, students travel to a variety of natural areas across the island to explore native ecosystems and engage in hands-on activities.
Students have the opportunity to meet and work with natural resource managers, research scientists and cultural practitioners.
Program leaders are recruiting students in grades 6-12 for this summer’s sessions. Visit the program’s website at threemountainalliance.org/students to download an application, or contact Lahela Camara at 333-8241 or imipononokaaina@gmail.com.
