Published November 8, 2024
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, this week, inter-tribal crew members from Lomakatsi planted approximately 6,000 camas bulbs on what is now the Whetstone Savannah in Central Point, through a partnership with Oregon Department of Transportation. On Monday, tribal elders joined the crew members, Lomakatsi leadership, and partners from ODOT and the Bureau of Land Management Medford District to share about the importance of ecocultural stewardship, connection with the land, and cultivation of indigenous First Foods, including camas.
Whetstone Savannah, which is protected in a partnership between ODOT and The Nature Conservancy, and adjacent ODOT lands total 196 acres of ecologically diverse oak woodlands, meadows, and vernal pool mounded prairie habitats. In 2019, ODOT began earth-moving restoration to restore the natural landform, promote wetland health, and enhance habitat for plant and animal species. Before heavy equipment was used, ODOT staff and partners collected camas bulbs from the site, which have been propagating at the J. Herbert Stone U.S. Forest Service Nursery. This week, the Lomakatsi inter-tribal crew, along with ODOT and BLM staff, planted them back on the site to promote ecological health and bolster this important cultural resource for local tribal communities.
We are excited about this opportunity to support ecocultural restoration in such a beautiful and ecologically important area, and we thank all the partners who made it possible. A special thank you to the tribal members who joined the opening ceremony on Monday to share stories and knowledge.
