Getting creative with invasive species

Now in its 19th year of summer forest basket classes in Koke‘e State Park, Hui o Laka will introduce a new twist at the upcoming Banana Poka Basket Workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday, as participants learn how to make the “Greek Egg Basket” from the sturdy, invasive vine as well as the traditional spoked basket style.

The egg basket, sometimes called the “gizzard” or “butt” basket, is an old European handled basket based on two hoops that are fixed together with a woven “God’s eye.” Its curved bottom and smaller top don’t allow eggs to roll around or fall out, hence its name.

Though traditionally made out of split oak or other similar woods, this basket style can also be fashioned from poka vine. It was first adapted using vine after Native Americans copied the egg baskets of early English settlers in materials they had access to.

The day-long workshop begins with registering at Koke‘e Natural History Museum, followed by an opportunity to gather the vine along Kaluapuhi Trail. Hui o Laka trail volunteers have found lots of vines along this lovely wooded trail, and have cleared blackberries away.

So it should be “pleasant pulling,” according to Marsha Erickson.

After collecting the vine, lunch will follow and instruction begins at the historic Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. Everyone is asked to bring a bag lunch as well as a sharp pair of garden clippers.

The Koke‘e basket workshops are part of Hui o Laka’s focus on involving the community in park conservation, and are a summer fund-raiser for the organization. Since 1953, Hui o Laka has operated Koke‘e Museum with no state funding for operations, so community support is essential.

To reserve a spot in this Saturday workshop, call Koke‘e Museum, at 335-9975, Ext. 0. The fee is $15 per person, entitling each participant to become an annual member of Hui o Laka, or to give a gift membership should they already be members.