The Gifts of the First People medicinal plant trail project

Some of the Highlights of what we worked on throughout the Quarter

Day to Day routines

Much of this terms work was devoted to clearing and removing. As a general rule of thumb every time we visited the site we would rake the leaves from the trail and clear out driftwood and branches from the interiors of the beds. Throughout this cleaning process an intimate relationship was formed with some of the plants. The trees, especially the Cottonwood where some of our first friends. The Yew tree was also a very special part of the trail.

As the amount of the debris collected from the trail grew so to did the pile of invasive species compost. This pile was located on the South East perimeter of the trail and seemed to grow outward week after week. About half way through the term we felt that something should be done with this mound of compost. After some brainstorming and a few different ideas it seemed most suitable for us to remove the pile. Digging through the mound unveiled years of discarded matter, each layer more rotten than the one before. Almost immediately we connected our task to the element of metal in five element Chinese medicine. The concept of clearing out the old and rotting matter was being fully embodied in our work. After a few days of hard work the pile was moved to a more appropriate and well marked spot away from the trail. Through clearing away the old we made room for new ideas, possibilities, and if anything a little room just to breath.

Devils Club excavation

Towards the end of the quarter we located a community of some 50-60 Devils Club on a creek bed on Harstine Island. Starting some meters up from the road there were mostly salmon berries but as we progressed we found a group of eight, then 10, and then 12. We almost harvested from here but Dylan’s intuition told him that a more established community awaited us. Which proved to be true when not more than another fifty yards did we locate the metropolitan of Devils Club. We selected 4 plants to transplant into the community on the trail. Being that the trail only had two, we figured they could use some support. Devils Club rarely live alone and two is a small step from being with out help. When we arrived at the trail we planted the Devils Club in the area with the other Devils Club. The next week upon returning Alicia and I put some compost on top of there new home.

Endangered Species

I learned that over 2400 acres of native habitat are lost every day in America alone and every minute 26 hectares or 65 acres of rainforest are lost which means a few species are lost a day. Of those 2-3 species lost about half of them could have medicinal properties. With these astounding statistics I seem compelled and inspired to do my part to counter the rate of destruction and loss of medicinal plant life.

Consult previous student wish list and endangered list.

A list of some of the plants that were found during research

1. Hydrasis Canadensis(Goldenseal)- Since Goldenseal thrives in well drained forest beds that have been mulched by years of tree leaf decomposition, Maples, Alder, and Blackcottonwood grow in the trail, it should do well in some of the drier places on the trail.

2. Lignsticum porter(Osha)- Osha on the other hand sounds like it would be tricky to cultivate here because it likes to grow at high altitudes and with natural conditions. With some more research about possible variations that might have adapted to sea level and some good luck this plant might also thrive in our soon to be plant sanctuary.

3. American Ginseng- Ginseng is a woodland herbaceous perennial. It is best to sow seed in fall or early spring in well-drained, deep loamy beds under the dappled shade of hardwoods or in artificially shaded beds (70% shade).  Soil pH 6 to 7 preferred. After checking around the trail for the proper shade and ph we plan to plant this wonderful plant in the spring.

4. Black and Blue Cohosh- For Black and Blue Cohosh, they need to be sowed in the late summer after a year of being in a cold store potting soil, this plant will have to be cultivated by the future students of the trail. We might be able to start these in the greenhouse.

5. Lomatium nuadicale and dissectum- Since both species have the same properties except differing in the parts used we should plant both but only use the L. nuadicale because the seeds are ever bearing. Where as the roots of L. dissectum can only be used once.

6. Bloodroot- This is also a plant that we will have to leave only as an idea for future students because seeds are only available mid-summer due to there immediate need to be planted.

7. Hawaiian Wild Kava and Lady's Slipper Orchid-We couldn’t find any seeds of these plants but will research more about them..

8. Slippery Elm- This would be an awesome tree to plant in the area because it is said to be one the best mucilaginous demulcent known to herbalist. We could start it in a pot, where it would need to stay for a year before students next year could plant it in the trail.

9. Sundew-An ideal location for this insectivorous perennial would be in the Pipsissewa site because it grows on moss.

10. Trillium-Early this spring we would like to plant this mystic medicinal flower. It would like the moist richness of the forest bed that the grand hardwoods provide.

11. False Unicorn- Is a famous urinary tonic herbaceous perennial that needs extra care in sowing seeds shallowly in rich, humusy soil and tamp in well.  They can be planted in the fall, midwinter or very early spring.  Hopefully we can plant these this winter.

12. True Unicorn- We were unable to locate any information regarding the best time to cultivate this vanishing species. It likes sandy soils with full sun and we are not sure if there is a fitting place in the trail but while continue to ponder the possibility.

13. Venus' Fly Trap- No information was found about this plant but more research could reveal the necessary steps to supporting this species’ survival.

14. Virginia Snake Root- This herb should be used short term and at low dosage to cure snake bites, headaches, and fevers etc. The seed is only available Sept. through Dec. but we couldn’t germinate the seed until late spring to sow in early summer at the end of spring quarter. They like moderately moist soil of forest beds with dappled shade.

15. Wild Yam- Sowing the seed this winter would align with the needs of this viney herbaceous perennial. Who has much to give back to us by way of analgesic properties for gastro-intestinal and urinary pain. Wild Yam likes partial sun with healthy humusy soil.

Others like Himalayan Yew, African Cherry, Kava Kava, Devils Claw, Liquorice, Arnica, Yellow Pheasant’s Eye and black Cohosh are also on the list of species in jeopardy.

Work with the Medicinal Trail of the past Generations

As for back as time began, or as far back as we were given records of, that being last fall, students have been caring for this medicinal trail. It is the oldest aspect of the medicinal garden as a whole. The first spark which has grown into a long lasting, hopefully eternal, source of healing.

Their work last fall started with familiarizing themselves with different species within the community. Which is a difficult task to be thorough with considering that most of the plant go to sleep for the winter early in the quarter. The life amongst the trail envelopes one with layers upon layers of life that they found it difficult to distinguish medicine from weeds.

Students of past found it most rewarding to work with saving the precious life that is slowly dwindling away on our planet and specifically in our area. An example of this would be when they worked with Bruce Miller to salvage some Pipsissewa from a location that Bruce was shown as a child that is being devastated with urbanization. Now being only 1% of its past size said Bruce. They also worked with local seed companies like Abundant life foundations to bring in a more diverse population of medicinal plants to the trail. The last aspect of their documented efforts was the measuring and mapping of the trail area. The map that they ended up completing was noted to be inconclusive due to the timing of the winter months and the plants being mostly dormant.

As the Great wheel turned into winter they planted mosses, lichen and fungi around the trail. They also presented an interesting idea about making round footstep from slices of a log to allow access off the trail and to protect the ground and small plants when someone wanted to harvest or get a closer look.

The bus of life wouldn’t stop there, into summer the project rolled with many good actions to mention. Action was needed quickly as invasive species wanted to claim new territory for the upcoming summer and efforts were needed to support the desired species. To continue the aspect of plant salvage they transplanted some 20 species from the Grange Salvage site in Olympia. Through Fungi Perfecti they brought in Reishi and other mushroom species which they hoped would add valuable food and medicine of the Northwest Forest.

They put forth the idea of labeling plants and mushrooms to make the trail more user friendly. Another harvest site for plants was up Skokomish River Road for ferns. A large focus of last spring was in developing the Pipsissewa section of the trail. There was a continuing feeling to maintain the motivation for the saving of endangered species within the space of the trail. For with in this participation and service to the plants helped the response of the plants to become clearly observed to those willing.

Honoring the way bringers

Thanksgiving Break brought us all a well needed rest. The Wednesday before was one marked by magic and a bit of serendipity. Our efforts for the entire term came to a culmination and it felt like we had a well defined and positive direction before us. We removed some of the last Autumn leaves from the trail and cleared away the remainder of the evasive species pile. For the first time we where able to appreciate the once dormant and forgotten space where the pile had been. Encompassing this space are three trees that are of great ecological, cultural, and Universal spiritual significance. As we had felt called to clear this space so to came the responsibility of honoring the tall beings that had stood over the mound of discarded matter. Over time as the pile had grown larger the focus has moved further away from these essential ecological way bringers. These overlooked and under appreciated trees are two Red Alders and a Big Leaf Maple.

For several weeks we had considered many possibilities for the South East situated space. After careful consideration it was decided that whatever was done with the space an emphasis on the trees would be central to the project. Going upon these notions the energy and deeper symbolisms of the Big Leaf Maple and Alder trees had been researched before the pile was entirely cleared. The information found fit perfectly into our vision that had already begun to take form. The first of these entities was the Red Alder it is a tree that symbolizes expansion and growth. The Red Alder is the first tree to return after logging and disasters and it grows rapidly. The Red Alder is said to carry the quality of joy with it and is linked to the emotional and mental subtle bodies of human beings. The Alder reminds us to be spontaneous and have enthusiasm in each and every new moment. It calls us to embrace the here and now and realize the positive potential that lies in this very moment. The Red Alder Deva says “ The power in being lies in seeking the newness of each moment.” Sitting across from these two Red Alders is an old and weathered Maple. Right away we knew Big Leaf Maple was something very special. It’s high upper branches are draped in a community of Usnea and it has green moss scattered all over its bark. Just looking at this tree one can see and feel the wisdom that it emits. It has been here a long time and has already begun its return to the Earth through decomposition. Because of this tree’s natural beauty and elegance we felt that this sub-project would be centered around it’s energy. The Big Leaf Maple’s quality is that of the interconnectedness of all life. The tree’s energy is said to correlate with our spiritual subtle bodies and the element of air. The Maple calls us to give and take from others and realize that we build our truth through understanding our relationship with all other life. The Big Leaf Maple Deva cries “ I learn to give and receive unconditional love so others know that presence of love within themselves.” These trees form a triangle at which the Big leaf Maple stands at the northern point of. The Maple’s position and character honor “The Source” that legendarily flows from the northern horizon.

As exciting as all of this symbolism was we where not aware that there was still much wisdom to come. Just before we left to return to Olympia we had the opportunity to speak with Bruce. We shared with him what we had done and where we hoped to see the project go. Bruce listened and explained that what we wish to create is in our own hands. He went on to tell us that this continual transformation of the sacred space is the central theme behind the “Gifts of the First People Program.” After this he went on to tell us Twana Legends about some of the first plant people. He began with the ancient fern. He said that the fern was the most ancient of all the plants and that it provides humans with a medium in which we can commune with mother Earth. Next he told us about the deciduous way bringers. He spoke of the Cottonwood, Maple, and Alder. We where told that these trees are one of the most essential parts of the eco-system and are the first to return after devastation. They grow for two generations then quickly decompose this provides great soil that will pave the way for the mighty Evergreens. He explained that with out them there would be no growth or rebirth. With Bruce’s words our perceptions of these tree’s seasonal sacrifices where given new meaning. It was all amazing and it seemed that Bruce had provided us with wisdom that solidified our commitment to honoring these beautiful and selfless trees.

We plan to honor these trees and the ancient fern with a sacred sight for rest and contemplation. This sight will be linked with a gateway and an ancient medicinal plants bed. The gateway and ancient medicinal bed aspect of the complex will accentuate the trails south eastern entrance and border with the lawn. More in depth details will be presented in the latter part of this synthesis.

The way of the shroom

Mushroom that is. Throughout this term mushrooms seemed to slowly permeate our project. It was as if the universe wanted to bring fungi to our attention. The months of October and November brought with them several floods. While floods are usually considered a nuisance these high waters brought gifts in disguise. I say this because the arrival of ten or more heavy log slices, deep within the trail beds, did not seem like much of a gift at first. However after a few examinations these logs began to show a large amount of potential. The first idea was for stools to rest or meditate on. While we considered this the logs kind of just hung out in the trail or got washed back into the beds only to be removed again. It was only after the second flood that we began to notice the small amounts of fungi that was growing on the logs. The second flood also uncovered a large decomposing log that had been hidden in the tall grass just east of the wet eco-tone. The cool thing about this log was that it was covered with chicken of the wood mushrooms. After taking survey of all of our accidental fungi finds we figured that they could become a part of the trail somehow. Since mushrooms need a wetter environment it was decided that the pathway leading to the wet eco-tone would make for an excellent mushroom sanctuary. The log and several fungi growing chopped halves where then place as a sort of border for that path. Thus far we only have the west side of the trail bordered however we hope to expand the border to the other side as well.

Next Quarter, Direction and Desires

Future hopes for the medicinal trail

The Eastern and Western Gateways: you have spent time on the trail you will have noticed the two south entrances that lead out to the baseball field and the community center. Throughout this term we came to feel that these entrances had no real definition. It was as if the trail seemed to dissipate near these path entrances. As the term progressed we felt a need complete these entrances and channel the flow of energy which literally seemed to be leaking out the back door. Below are the ideas that we came up with for the transformation of these entrances.

Western Gateway Community youth outreach program: In remembering that we are the guest of the Skokomish people we would like to bring the project to them. Due to the South-West entrances proximity to the community center we felt it would make for an excellent link between the project and the community.

Since there is a struggle to maintain tradition among the youth we feel that it would be great if this project where directed towards them. At risk youth from the Shelton Alternative school will be given the opportunity to research the traditional arts and spiritual practices of the Skokomish tribe. Dylan’s mother is a teacher at the school and may be teaching a class in Native American studies. We are not sure exactly how this project will fit into their curriculum or if it could be an extracurricular project. Other youth involvement could come from the intertribal Native American school or other locally established Indian culture programs.(mentioned in the article “Portrait of a Tribe”) If feasible this sub-project could unite so many different networks of people in the common goal of remembering and honoring the roots of the Twana culture. However it ends up working out it could be worth it just to watch the different energy exchanges.

For the actual youth involvement we hope to place a small sign at the south-western entrance. This signs design and content will be left up to the youth. Some of the ideas that we have for it could be some traditional Twana nature murals and perhaps a legend or some thing abut their culture that they are proud of. In conjunction with this we have talked with Karen ,who is designing the Kiosk information board, About noting this community involvement on the kiosk. This would only strengthen what union there is now between the community and the gifts project.

Eastern complex and gateway: The large evasive pile was removed and a new space with so much potential became available to us. We have plans for an entire complex that is integrated with the dynamics of the environment, some five element facets, and Skokomish tradition. The plans include a bird bath or water basin surrounded by benches for gathering and contemplation, a bed right on the eastern border that will honor the ancient plants of the world, and an archway that will clearly mark this entrance.

The Gateway will resemble somewhat of an Eastern pagoda style archway. However we plan to incorporate the traditional Twana architecture into the structure. Therefore it will be constructed of very simple and square cedar posts. This style was recommended to us because it coincides with the simple architecture of the longhouses. Luckily, Craig has offered to help us procure some Cedar logs from one of the sights that he works at. Once constructed the archway could be decorated with Twana pictorials and murals that portray some of their ancient legends. The art work will be left up to the Skokomish youth as a part of the community outreach program.

Perhaps equally as exciting is the Global Ancient Plant and Herb bed that will surround the archway. This bed will contain medicinal plants and herbs that are known to be ancient or highly coveted by Earth based cultures of the past and present. One of the great concepts behind this is that the plants can be considered sacred in any culture through out our global community. Some plants that we have in mind thus far are Ginkgo, Yarrow, Cedar, Ferns, and maybe a Madrone tree on the edge of the bed. We are very open to ideas and suggestions for other that plants that you all think may fit well into this bed. In fact we are encouraging more class participation in the trail project. These proposed sub-projects are big enough for all of us to add our own unique touches. The more that we all participate in the growth the more love there will be available for the new plants and the project to expand and flourish.

Mushroom lane: We hope to complete the mushroom sanctuary that seemed to spawn itself. This project will be a joint venture with the wet-eco-tone group. We will also be helping them with the fern garden. Completing this endeavor will not require much. Perhaps two or three three foot long logs of hard wood and some spores of different fungi. Craig will be able to assist us in obtaining the wood.

Being able to spawn several different species seems very exciting and possible. Some of the perspective mushrooms would be Reishi, Shitake, Lions Mane, and Conk. The Conk would be one of the more favorable due to it’s long tradition of being used in creating art. This well known arts and crafts mushroom would add a new and exciting element to the trail. The emphasis on fungi done by past groups has produced several spore injected cuttings that can be found in the bed on the far eastern side of the trail. Last springs class purchased their spores through Fungi Perfecti corporation. After some research we found that Fungi perfecti can provide us with the necessary material and information in order to successfully complete the sanctuary.

So as it turns out our accidental stumble upon the fungi turned into one of our larger emphasis this term. Through completing this spontaneous endeavor we will have created a truly unique symbiotic system within the Gifts sanctuary. The addition will add diversity and provide an exceptional transition from the eco-tone to the trail.

Bird sanctuaries: One of our first ideas this term was to bring wild life into the trail. Since there is not enough room for elephants we will happily welcome birds. There are already many birds, especially crows, in the area. It would be nice to bring them closer and perhaps have a larger variety. Thus far we have considered the possibility of placing several bird houses throughout the trail and a bird bath in the newly cleared Maple grove. The details of such an endeavor have not really been researched as of yet. It would be interesting to find out if different seeds will draw different species. Who knows what interesting facts we will discover.

Endangered Species: Our research into endangered species provided us with a lot of information as to the reality of our environments plight. With so much destruction and deforestation sometimes we may become overwhelmed. However the fact that we are concerned speaks for it’s self. The slogan “think globally act locally” really applies for this aspect of our project. The endangered species emphasis is our way of letting mother earth know that we have not forgotten. The list above shows some of the different species that we hope to introduce into the trail. The plan thus far calls for more research and especialy preparation before the dawning of Spring. Some of the species will be placed in the present beds and some that require more light may go into the proposed south East beds. Whatever details we decide upon this part of our project will be a central focus.