New Beach!

Springtime hike out to Kumukahi Lighthouse with Nero & Rocky.
The lava is still really hot, but these boys are built for this!
The last few months, the county has been working on clearing the roads that were covered during 2018 volcanic eruption. Until the work is done, many people have had to hike in or helicopter in to their homes, if their homes still stand at all.
Inside the kipuka, it is quiet. No cars, a few bikes, almost no people.
Dystopian in some ways, the empty roads and miles of lava are an intense study in both destruction and creation. Pristine and untouched, we respectfully explore the new landscape. Our beloved tide pools are gone, but in their place stands a massive black and green sand beach.  It is absolutely breathtaking.
Soon the road will be open again and the beach will fill with the motorized curious masses to see our ever-changing landscape here on Hawaii Island. As we explore, let’s be mindful of the impacts we make. Let’s witness the newest earth on Earth. Let’s ponder on what it means to see everything you ever recognized, change practically overnight. The only real constant on a volcano is change. EMBRACE IT.
If you do take the trip out to Kumukahi, PLEASE: tread lightly, pack it out, be respectful, and most of all, CHERISH IT!

To learn more about Goats In Hawaii, check out our FB page!

HAVE YOU SEEN OUR GREAT REVIEWS ON AIR BnB EXPERIENCES?

HAVE YOU SEEN OUR GREAT reviews on Air BnB Experiences!? 
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The Kipuka Kao Project is still in early stages of development; but for over two years, the goats and I have been traversing the lava, planning the project, doing some clearing, planting a few “test” species & bringing along the occasional (and oh so lucky) guest.
The work on the farm for the last THREE years has included the carving out a space in the invasive-filled jungle for the purpose of re-propagating canoe plants and endemic species; testing potential new food crops, building a homestead that feeds humans & other animals as well as the care and training of same.
The list of hats worn and duties done is a long one and has been no small feat!
My knowledge of Hawaii’s history, culture & ecosystem has grown exponentially since my pre-Hawaii 2012. Although I came an empty(ish) vessel, I believed, upon my arrival, that it was important to find ways to be a steward to the ‘aina, be useful in my community, all while honoring the host culture.
With the help of my own insatiable curiosity, neighbors, teachers, programs, workshops, classes, networking, study, generous financial support, taking advantage of numerous opportunities, failures, and much experience & practice; not to mention the “Divine Inspiration” found in Nature, I like to think I am decidedly on that path.
Time and community support will decide.
As for now, I continue to learn what I need to know; to transform one tiny space at a time; to change one business model at a time.
One small ripple is said to make the giant wave.
I believe it is through sharing one connection at a time, soliciting the tremendous help of those adventurous, willing and able enough to come along, that I can continue to make ripples with the regenerative & (hopefully) sustainable efforts of The Kipuka Kao Project. Air BnB Experiences has opened up that opportunity for me.
Our beloved Puna District has been through a life-altering year.
Finding the “new normal” is going to be tough for a lot of folks who’s homes, farms & businesses are under 80 feet of lava. I like to think we can adapt. I mean, we live on an active volcano; surely we can adapt? I think of goats and how their entire evolution has been based on their ability to adapt.
Perhaps there is a *new* future in Puna District.
One that can incorporate the permaculture value:
“Make the problem be the solution.”
So…
Goats. Amazing, adaptable, able to go pretty much ANYWHERE: goats.
Then there is Lava. So much lava. So. Much. Lava.
Then, a kipuka. More kipukas. Many kipukas.
All of lower Puna is now covered with lava and kipukas.

Sounds like a GREAT place to Goat With The Flow.

A future in Puna that serves the land & people?
A business model that creates numerous LOCAL benefits AND honors local culture?
Tourism that shares & educates the world about Hawaii while helping restore it?
There is no secret.
It’s about community, sharing, connection and service!
Here’s to an ethical & sustainable future!
-Julie L.
Creatrix, GWTF

CHECK OUT OUR AIR BNB EXPERIENCE!kipukakaosept2018

Kō! aka: Polynesian Sugarcane; an important canoe plant!

Yesterday, we were out at the Kīpuka Kao Project, where we brought kō (Polynesian Sugarcane) starts for planting as well as some refreshing, crunchy, sweet stalks to chew.
Once our hike and work all pau (finished), we toasted with a jar of fresh pressed, ice cold, cane juice from Sacred Sugarcane
Mahalo to Sacred Sugarcane for producing such delightful food in the ‘hood! #respect
Controversy about sugar may be confusing but hopefully with a little understanding of this glorious grass, we will make peace with the beautiful, useful and (YES!) health promoting plant. An important addition to our farms, gardens and diets, sugarcane is a large grass that turns sunshine into amazing, delicious, nutritious, restorative juice!
Goats also LOVE it.
I’ll toast to that!
Check out the links below for more info on sugarcane.
#drinklocalbrah #hoodsteading #allgoodinthehood #flowgoats#giveback #themoreyouknow #sugarcane

Canoe plants of Ancient Hawaii: Ko

Hawaiian Sugar Cane 

Goat Journal Magazine Features Hawaii Goats!!!

HOW FUN IT WAS to be able to finally check out this issue of Goat Journal magazine!
The volcano, the rescue and relief community; the GOATS!

GJ2018

GWTF is so excited to be featured along with so many amazing people and honored to contribute to this article as well as the article on our Hawaiian Ibex.

GO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS WONDERFUL PUBLICATION!!! (and don’t forget the back issues) 

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Mahalo Nui Goat Journal!

GWTF Hosts Beginning Farmer/Rancher Training Program & A Visit to The Durian King!

GWTF hosted the Kohala Center Beginning Farmer & Rancher Training Program students today for a farm tour, Q & A & a visit to my neighbor, the Durian King.
Many people in Hawaii have never heard of a pack goat! I hope to change that! 🐐🐐🐐
Great day for meeting new friends and new farmers!
To learn more about The Kohala Center: Clicky Clicky! 

#newfarmers #supportlocalagriculture #educate #share

GET YER G.O.A.T (t-shirt) and help feed Puna!

OUR PREMIER T-SHIRT IS HERE!!!

We’ve been asked a hundred times when we are going to have GWTF t-shirts. The answer is: TWO WEEKS AFTER THIS CAMPAIGN CLOSES!

Our first G.O.A.T. t-shirt has been designed and created specifically as a fundraising effort for 2018 Hawaii Island Lava Flow Relief Efforts.

100% of proceeds will be used to purchase locally grown and sourced: meat, vegetables & fruit from area farmers & ranchers specifically for World Central Kitchen- Pahoa.
This volunteer-staffed kitchen lovingly prepares about 1000 meals every day for lava flow evacuees and workers.

GET YER G.O.A.T (t-shirt) and help feed Puna!
LIMITED RUN!!!!! ONE MONTH ONLY!!!

ALOHA!

GET YOUR G.O.A.T. (t-shirt) HERE!

Harvesting Kalo, U’ala & Ti Leaf for the Kīpuka.

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Harvesting kalo/taro, u’ala (sweet potato) & ti leaf.
Some for eating, some for sharing with the goats, some for the #kipukakaoproject
We grow many of the ancient Hawaiian canoe plants at Goat With The Flow Farm for the regenerative work we do on our goat hikes.

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By thinking of the future, we plant from the past as we dream of the bounty grown in the “future-ancient” kīpuka.
Goats eat the the invasive species and deposit fertilizer, we plant ancient Hawaiian food & medicine.

#everybodywins
#giving #stewardship #alohaaina #permaculture
#theproblemisthesolution #earthcare #peoplecare #fairshare #goats #regenerativeagriculture #packgoatsintraining #packgoats #eatlocalbrah #kalo #uala #ti #hoodsteading #poiforbreakfast

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