
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:
Pathway Key:

(Plant)
Native Plant Conservation, Propagation, & Restoration

(Fire)
Indigenous Fire Stewardship

(Water)
Water Wisdom

(Adaptation)
Climate Adaptation Technical Training & Tools

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.

Composting with Maat Hetemii
March 18, 2023
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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.

Propagation and Building Soil Fertility
July 2023

Held in collaboration with Wild Willow Farm & Education Center, this is a hands-on training on how to start plants from seeds and cuttings, exploring how to assess soil textures and techniques to improve soil health. Exact date to be announced.

Efficient Irrigation Systems & Pest Management and Gardening for Pollinators
July 2023

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. Exact date to be announced.

Introduction to Nursery Operations
September 2023

Hosted by Pauma Farms, this training will provide participants with an overview on nursery operations, technical skill introduction to nursery set up, and a visit to Pauma Farms.

Wetland Restoration
November 2023

Hosted by Living Coast Discovery Center, this technical training will focus on coastal restoration with an emphasis on networking and job opportunities.