{"id":220340,"date":"2025-08-18T13:44:28","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T23:44:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=220340"},"modified":"2025-08-18T13:44:28","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T23:44:28","slug":"hua-ike-learning-hub","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2025\/08\/18\/hua-ike-learning-hub\/","title":{"rendered":"From seeds to stewards: UH<\/abbr> supports launch of Hua \u02bbIke learning hub"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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(Photo credit: Hua ʻIke<\/span>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A new online resource aims to make learning about Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>\u2019s rare and endangered native plants easier for students, teachers and the community—and the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> is playing a key role.<\/p>\n

Laukahi: The Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Plant Conservation Network<\/a>, with support from UH<\/abbr> Mānoa\u2019s Lyon Arboretum<\/a> and other partners, has launched Hua ʻIke<\/span><\/a>, a free website that gathers lesson plans, classroom activities, multimedia tools and student-friendly content in one place. The site is designed to help educators bring native plant conservation into classrooms and inspire future environmental stewards.<\/p>\n

“Hua ʻIke<\/span> makes it easier than ever for educators and students to connect with the incredible diversity of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>\u2019s native plants,” said Raedelle Van Fossen, education manager at UH<\/abbr> Mānoa\u2019s Lyon Arboretum, advisor for the Hua ʻIke<\/span> project and member of the Laukahi Advisory Council. “By sharing this knowledge, we\u2019re helping grow the next generation of conservation leaders.”<\/p>\n

Hua ʻIke<\/span>, meaning “seed or fruit of knowledge,” reflects the idea that knowledge, like a seed, can grow across generations. Visitors to the site can explore interactive materials, learn conservation stories and connect with a community of educators and learners.<\/p>\n

Laukahi was formed in 2016 to implement the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Strategy for Plant Conservation, aligning statewide efforts to protect native species, nearly half of which are endangered. The organization\u2019s mission is to unite conservation partners, expand awareness of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>\u2019s global biodiversity importance and prevent species extinction.<\/p>\n

“Hua ʻIke<\/span> came to life through the collective efforts of many—educators, conservationists, designers—all committed to supporting the next generation of stewards,” said Laukahi Network Coordinator Kimberly Shay. “Through Hua ʻIke<\/span>, I feel optimistic for the future of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>\u2019s native plants as students discover the joy of connecting with them and caring for them.”<\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr>\u2019s involvement includes faculty, staff and affiliates serving on Laukahi\u2019s volunteer advisory council, contributing scientific expertise, educational outreach and project coordination. Lyon Arboretum\u2019s participation ensures that botanical knowledge and cultural context remain central to the platform\u2019s design.<\/p>\n

Members of the Laukahi Advisory Council with UH<\/abbr> ties:<\/p>\n