Cultural Identity, Relationship to the Environment, and Environmental Restoration

Abstract

To help protect the southwest white pine trees, researchers including, Dr. Waring and Dr. Sniezko, are working with a team to improve our understanding of the natural genetic resistance and environmental tolerance found in these trees and how management strategies can be beneficially utilized. They have concluded that management strategies such as identifying sites where planting seedlings with genetic resistance to the pathogens, pruning lower branches and (Silvi culture), and establishing risk management zones can prove beneficial (Waring and Sniezko, 2017).

By addressing these concerns, the high school students will learn about self- advocacy and determination. This project-based learning curriculum will cover pinyon-juniper tree mortality from climate change, pathogens, and human factors because the Navajo Reservation is located in a small reserved area and the forest plays a vital role in Diné livelihoods through social, cultural, spiritual, subsistence, and economic factors. Students will research management strategies that they identify through research to educate the Navajo Nation about maintaining and preserving trees for future generations.