URBAN GARDEN LEARNING FAIR SHOWCASES FOOD SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION
NEWS RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT
November 18, 2023 Honey Maltin-Wisot
(808) 445-0696
URBAN GARDEN LEARNING FAIR SHOWCASES FOOD SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION
EWA BEACH, HI — The 2nd annual Hoʻopili Urban Garden Learning Fair, sponsored by D.R. Horton Hawaiʻi, was held Saturday morning at the master planned community in West Oʻahu. The event brought together gardening enthusiasts, experts, and community leaders, and members to celebrate the importance of urban gardening and food sustainability education.
D.R. Horton Hawaiʻi, a leading homebuilder in the state, showcased their urban garden initiatives at Hoʻopili, offering attendees a glimpse into their commitment to encouraging the stewardship of edible gardens within the community. The fair provided a platform for residents and public alike to learn about various gardening opportunities within the community and gain valuable insights from urban garden and agriculture experts.
“Hoʻopili is setting an example for the rest of the state to follow,” said Senator Mike Gabbard, who chairs the Committee on Agriculture and Environment and represents Hawaiʻi’s 21st District, which includes Hoʻopili. “We all know that gardening is beneficial to our health. It promotes natural movement, healthier eating, and helps people to live more sustainably—not to mention become more self-sufficient. Events like this Urban Garden Learning Fair make it easy for people to gather where they live, to learn these skills, and make their communities even better.”
"We are thrilled to support the Hoʻopili Urban Garden Learning Fair and be a part of this vibrant community,” expressed Anne Sasso, Development Project Manager at D.R. Horton Hawaiʻi. “As an avid gardener myself, I understand the joy and satisfaction that comes from growing your own food. This event not only promotes food sustainability but also strengthens our bond within our community."
The fair featured an array of activities and educational sessions aimed at empowering attendees to develop their green thumbs. Participants had the opportunity to join in a neighborhood plant swap, where they could exchange plants and expand their garden collections. Local Joe and R&J Goodies offered locally made coffee and delicious treats. Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers, Aloun Farms, Mari’s Gardens, Fred Lau Hawaiian Landscape Co., Hawaiian Earth Products, The Urban Farmers Store, and the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources UHCTAHR) were among the event's participating partners, showcasing their commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture.
In addition to the informative sessions and plant swap, D.R. Horton delighted attendees by giving away complimentary gardening gloves and raffling off countertop and vertical garden systems as well as gardening tool sets. These prizes aimed to encourage individuals to nurture their green thumb and embark on their own gardening journeys.
Photos and video are available for download. Click here. Please courtesy: D.R. HORTON HAWAIʻI
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