Plant Ecologist and Ethnobotanist, Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research

Diversifying see mixes with culturally significant species and the role of culturally significant species in seed mixes

The importance of useful plants, for food, medicine, dye, and other purposes is often overlooked in developing seed mixes for restoration projects. These are important, not just for Native peoples but for all people who might use these plants. If useful plants are incorporated into restorations and if sustainable harvest of the plant materials are required for their use, people will be more engaged in the restoration projects, as management then becomes important for them too. Examples from prairie restoration and prairie ethnobotany will be discussed.