About
Native plants are our connection to the land. Through technical training, an understanding of regional climate impacts, and local and traditional knowledge exchange, participants learn valuable skills that can help build a career path around plant propagation, restoration, and nursery operations. The first year of the Native Plant Propagation Pathway consisted of seven training sessions focusing on different propagation techniques coupled with presentations and discussion on regional climate impacts set within a cultural context. Twenty-five trainees from across Southern California who are either from, or work for, an indigenous community came together to obtain hands-on learning.
This pathway:
Invests directly in Indigenous communities through capacity-building propagation projects, in which participants will learn about propagating native plants, seed gathering and preservation, running a plant nursery, and how to support native plant use for land restoration.
Weaves together technical training with climate science and traditional knowledge to create a pathway that supports native decision-making for actions that advance Tribal led stewardship for restoration, reconnecting to the land, and efforts that advance transformational adaptation pathways that build ecological and community resilience now and into the future.
Provides a pathway for economic development and advances community-led conservation leadership for historically excluded communities, through a multigenerational approach to training for careers in natural, cultural, and agricultural resource management.
This collaborative intertribal approach to climate adaptation and natural resource conservation accelerates a paradigm shift for advancing Indigenous co-stewardship of the land.
Events
Explore our upcoming and past events using the filters below:
Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit Harvest and Restoration Training
October 20, 2023
The Climate Science Alliance teamed up with partners at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Pala’s Cultural Resource Committee to co-host this year’s annual Prickly Pear Harvest, honoring and celebrating the relationship between Indigenous food sovereignty and biodiversity at the San Diego Safari Park Biodiversity Reserve. The resilient Prickly Pear cactus provides both food security for Indigenous communities and contributes to the preservation of ecological balance.
Intro to Efficient Irrigation Systems & Pest Management and Gardening for Pollinators
July 15, 2023
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Held in collaboration with Wild Willow Farm & Education Center, this technical training focuses on micro-irrigation systems and how to manage pests naturally without chemical pesticides, and how to attract pollinators.
Composting with Maat Hetemii
March 18, 2023
The goal of this course is for attendees of all ages to understand the importance of composting practices to improve soil health and water retention in preparation for planting. Attendees will leave knowing how to implement composting into their daily lives and communal gatherings. This kid-friendly event also will feature fun, hands-on youth activities.
Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration
February 18, 2023
The goal of this course is for participants to get hands-on experience on coastal sage scrub habitat restoration, and learn about the importance of the habitat, its role in ethnobotany, and our cultural relations to the ecosystem. Participants will leave with technical knowledge on how to prep soil and propagate coastal sage scrub plants, as well as cultural knowledge on Indigenous relationships to coastal ecosystems.
Final 2022 Native Plant Propagation Training
September 29, 2022
The 2022 native plant propagation training cohort gathered at the La Jolla Indian Campground for a final convening to close our the inaugural training season. The day began with a tour to discuss the impacts the gold spotted oak borer is having on the oaks, and what is being done to address this growing problem. On the tour, the cohort was joined by the Tribal Working Group, in a joint gathering at the campground.
Third 2022 Native Plant Propagation Training
May 28, 2022
The third native plant propagation training was hosted by the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians in the Coachella Valley. Participants spent the day at Temalpakh Farms, where they toured the facilities and learned about the current and future projects the Tribe plans to accomplish. During this time, participants caught up with one another and engaged with Elders and knowledge holders who spoke about different native plant species, plant pathogens, healthy soils, and programs focused on protecting native plants.
Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit
May 16 - 18, 2022
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The Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit brought together 250 attendees representing both Tribal and non-Tribal communities to focus on the kinship with fire and its role in community, conservation, and climate change adaptation efforts throughout the Southwest and North America.
Second 2022 Native Plant Propagation Training
April 30 - May 1, 2022
The second native plant propagation training was hosted by the Pauma and Pechanga Bands of Luiseño Indians. Trainees had two days to connect with each other, the landscape, scientists, Indigenous Elders, and to learn technical skills around plant propagation.
First 2022 Native Plant Propagation Training
March 26 - 27, 2022
The first native plant propagation training took place at the Jamul Indian Village and surrounding areas. Trainees had two days to connect with each other, the landscape, climate change scientists, Indigenous elders from both sides of the border, and to learn technical skills around plant collection and propagation.
Pathway Key:
(Plant)
Native Plant Conservation, Propagation, & Restoration
(Fire)
Indigenous Fire Stewardship
(Water)
Water Wisdom
(Adaptation)
Climate Adaptation Technical Training & Tools