E Mālama i ka ‘Āina (to take care of the land)

We went on a field trip to the Waimea Valley. We have been here a couple of times before as a family. Today's trip was with our homeschool group to participate in a class- E Mālama i ka ‘Āina (to take care of the land). The kids were separated into groups so I didn't get pictures of Sweet girl but she enjoyed herself too. On the car ride home Silly guy said," That was a great adventure today Mom." They learned the importance of bugs and their role in nature and the decomposing process. They were able to plant a seed and also get a guided tour through some of the exhibits. In this "sacred" place you will see endangered Hawaiian plants, birds, and insects. Here are some pictures of the trip. I will try to remember information but I was chasing Little guy around. He didn't want to stay with the group, lol. "I go this way.." he would tell me.

This is the Native Hawaiian Garden. Many of the plants are endangered.

Can you imagine how big the frog would be? Well actually our guide told us frogs don't

like this lily pad because it is spiky on top.

Silly guy digging through the compost pile. Ewww! My Silly guy is petrified of

bugs. I was surprised he wanted anything to do with this activity.

Little Man couldn't get to the compost pile fast enough. He was ready to

dig for some bugs!

Planting a seed. Our guide was so great! She had the children observe the

seed before placing it into the ground. She explained to them what the

seed will need. "But most of all the seed will need Aloha."

Then she had the children talk to the seed. Silly guy gave me a look(I think

he is getting a little to old) but most of

the children were talking to there seeds, cute.

Little man making holes for his seed.

In this station the children were learning how to make natural insect

repellent. They mixed Lemongrass, Rosemary, and water. She said to

let it sit over night, then spread it on your plants.

He spotted water!

This guy was perched on a railing above the bathroom entrance.