April 14, 2005
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BISHOP MUSEUM’S AMY GREENWELL GARDEN EXPLORES THE MANY USES OF NONI WITH UPCOMING WORKSHOP

HONOLULU -- Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook will host a hands-on workshop exploring the many uses of Noni. The workshop, entitled "Noni Needn't Taste Nasty," will take place on Thursday, May 12, 2005, from 1 to 3 p.m. and will be led by Barbara Fahs of Hi`iaka's Healing Herb Garden near Hilo.

Noni, Morinda Citrifolia, was one of the most widely used medicinal plants in Polynesia before the Europeans arrived and its popularity continues today. Participants will make a delicious beverage using noni and other fruits and herbs which can be taken home at the end of the day. The workshop will also explore other uses of noni, such as poultices and salves for healing skin problems.

Fahs is an educator, master gardener, herbalist, and author of the column “The Healthful Herbalist,” which appears monthly in Hawai‘i Island Journal. Fahs holds a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology with a special interest in the peoples and cultures of the Pacific. She also has a master's degree in education, instructional technology. Fahs has lived on the Big Island since 1998, and has harvested an educational public garden that emphasizes the conservation of precious native plants.

The workshop participation fee is $15 and free for Bishop Museum Association Members. Reservations are required in advance. For more information, call the Amy Greenwell Garden at (808) 323-3318.

This workshop is funded under the Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government.

The Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is a Bishop Museum facility, located in South Kona on the Māmalahoa Highway. During the year, more than 9,000 visitors experience the Garden and explore the plants of traditional Kona. The Garden is a regular stop for school tours, and people of all ages enjoy workshops on traditional Hawaiian arts. Admission is a suggested donation of $4 per person and free for Bishop Museum Association members. For more information, call (808) 323-3318.