Check out our Orchard in Action!

Once upon a time, four IPES teachers, unaware of each other's shared love for trees, received a schoolwide email in August 2023 from Vice Principal Kam announcing a grant opportunity funded by the Bank of Hawaii's Food Trees for Schools program. Coincidentally, all four had enrolled in the Grow Oahu Professional Development course offered by the UH Farm program, which focused on integrating ʻāina-based learning into classrooms. Interestingly, the course instructors were also connected to the Food Trees for Schools program.

They took action and applied for the $3,500 grant. During the interview with the board, their collective enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to integrating ʻāina-based learning into their school shone brightly. Out of many applicants, IPES was among the fortunate five schools in the state to receive the grant, earning them the affectionate nickname "Tree Huggers." In the first year, both students and teachers planted 11 types of fruit trees on the "Back 40" of the IPES campus, now affectionately referred to as the orchard.  From that pivotal moment, their determination knew no bounds. They set out to transform an open red dirt field in Ewa Beach into a vibrant oasis, an agro-forest of native plants and fruit trees.  

Thankfully, with the support of our administration, custodial staff, and like-minded IPES staff, they are unified in a shared vision: instilling a love of trees and community for our future generations. While the vision was boundless, resources were not. However, their efforts were rewarded when they discovered and became an ʻĀina Aloha school through the support of the Office of Hawaiian Education (OHE). The funding received from this grant propelled the orchard project to the next level. They were able to purchase tools and equipment for maintaining the orchard as well as break ground on creating an outdoor learning center in the orchard space.

The four kumu continue to enroll in professional development opportunities that will support their efforts in the orchard, deepen their understanding of the Nā Hopena A‘o framework, and ‘ike Hawaii. These opportunities include workshops such as All About Ulu, Earth Systems in my Ahupuaʻa, Mālama Learning Center’s, Bringing Hawai'i Trees and Forests Into Your Classroom, ʻĀina-Based Learning and Social Justice, and The Peace Garden.

Through relentless effort, including hand-watering, auguring, maintenance, curriculum integration, emphasizing ‘ike Hawaii, and an unwavering love for our trees and land, the dream has evolved from mere aspiration to tangible reality. This journey continues, as they persist in nurturing the orchard and a deeper connection between students and the natural world.

On May 13, 2024, The Tree Huggers had the privilege of participating in and presenting at the Aʻo Aku, Aʻo Mai Session on Maui. 

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to snorkel, learn about limu, practice ʻōlelo, and learn about the experiences of other schools. It was a truly enriching and meaningful event.