Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest have long shaped their environments through sophisticated ecosystem management practices. Practices such as prescribed burning, transplanting, and tending of "wild" perennial food plants have created a patchwork of cultural ecosystems, including forest gardens—unique species-rich habitats that now occur near former village sites. Long term community-guided work with Canadian First Nations, U.S. Tribal Nations, archaeologists, and historical ecologists has led to the re-identification of these sites. This talk presents new archaeological and ecological data from forest gardens in Nuu-chah-nulth, Ts’msyen, and Salish territories, showing that Indigenous land-use legacies have had long-term effects on plant community composition and functional trait diversity. These findings challenge narrow definitions of agriculture and demonstrate how Indigenous stewardship continues to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. They also carry implications for the ecocultural restoration revitalization of community relationships with these landscapes. (Entry Level)
The presentation will introduce the NRCS Interim Conservation Practice Standard 825 - Cultural Plantings for Soil Health. It will cover the development of interim practices, the implementation of Standard 825, and examples of its application. The topic will build on the previous talk, linking forest gardens and cultural landscapes with the planting of various culturally relevant plants that improve soil health and provide other ecological benefits. This presentation is designed for an intermediate level audience. (Intermediate Level)
Many landowners are interested in growing a diverse forest, not just a monoculture. This talk will provide you with helpful guidelines and tips for choosing and combining timber species, along with management considerations when planting them. We will review current science on mixed species stand management. Participants will also take part in a group exercise on species selection and learn about techniques that support healthy mixed forests. (Expert Level)
