Tribal-Led Renewal of Black Oak Traditions for Climate Adaptations

California black oak (Quercus kelloggii) groves are a fundamental part of the landscape in Yosemite Valley and the tree is a cultural keystone species for associated Tribal Nations. For centuries, tribal members have planted, tended, burned, and gathered around black oak. Before Euro-American settlers, the tribes actively maintained a sacred, reciprocal relationship with these groves that promoted seedling recruitment, acorn production, pest reduction, and longevity. After Park creation, cultural practices were largely prohibited to the detriment of black oak and tribal health.  

This project is reinstating tribal members as stewards of black oak through tending and knowledge transmission. Tribal members, with park staff and the Calaveras Healthy Impact Product Solutions (CHIPS) tribal restoration crew are tending to black oak groves and are preparing and burning at least one black oak grove using integrated practices. Additionally, because gathering acorns is critical to tribal and ecosystem health, the team is working with tribes to prepare a park gathering plan. Other project outcomes include documenting cultural and biological metrics of health pre- and post- tending, as well as creating educational programs, website content, and a short film on tending and gathering. 

This project is urgently needed to restore reciprocal relationships between the tribes and black oak and to rescue declining populations of aging oaks.  

Related Publications

• A new generation preserves tribal land and culture in America’s national parks
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• Restoring Tribal Tending of Black Oaks in Yosemite Valley
  • Short Film External URL