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Hands-on learning at nature center
By Jan tenBruggencate
If you're interested in learning about Hawaii's natural history and want to do it in the field instead of the clasroom or library, the Hawaii Nature Center has lots to offer.
This grass-roots program, with centers on Oahu and Maui, provides regular public events on weekends for children or for the whole family. Regular participants will get a good basic background in Hawaiian natural history.
Here are some examples of coming events:
This Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. there's a program for children 3 to 5 years old on insects, including stories about the fascinating world of "inside-out" animals, a trip into the wild to locate insects and construction of a craft item involving insects.
The next day, Hawaii Nature Center community resource people John Cummings and Adaline Kam will lead a four-mile hike at the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve, entering from the Waianae side. They'll discuss the native plants, check out nesting Laysan albatrosses and perhaps view humpback whales offshore on the six-hour outing.
Environmental educator Dave Hill will lead a five-mile trek Feb. 8 along the Ka Iwi Coast, complete with beach-combing, petroglyph viewing and inspecting tidepools and a blowhole.
Another children's program takes place Feb. 9, when the center provides a lesson for 3 to 5-year-olds on the habits and habitats of animals and plants of Hawaii's woodlands. and children will be the focus again Feb. 15, with a two-hour morning lesson in archaeology that gives them a chance to do some actual diging using archaeologists' tools.
Kimberly Welch, an environmental educator with the center, will lead a four-mile hike Feb. 16 along the Mauumae Ridge. It's a rugged course with waterfall views and plenty of native plants.
On Feb. 22 Hawaii naturalist Steve Montgomery will take hikers to the summit of Mount Kaala along Kumaipo Trail, three miles each way on a trail rated strenuous. The 7-hour outing is for experienced hikers.
The Hawaii Nature Center recommends that participants wear good hiking shoes and carry sunscreen, insect repellent, water and a snack. Most children's programs require that an adult also participate. Reservations are required -- call 955-0100 -- and the cost is $5 for center members, $7 for non-members.
Other organizatins in Hawaii also provide guided outdoor experiences at low cost. Check with the Sierra Club and the Hawaii Trail and Mountain Club for activities that emphasize hiking. The Waikiki Aquarium and Bishop Museum sometimes sponsor activities with a more scientific and educational bent.
The Honolulu Advertiser, January 27, 1997
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