Reflections: Native American Heritage Month
Whitewater Preserve is on the traditional land of the
Cahuilla and Maarrenga'yam peoples.
What is NAHM?
Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) in November was designated to recognize the significant contributions indigenous people of North America have made to the creation and growth of the United States. At Whitewater Preserve, The Wildlands Conservancy works to honor the first stewards of this land and share the continued work and incredible knowledge of their descendants that is still utilized today.
Through important partnerships with local tribal organizations and the wealth of knowledge from our ranger team, we put on a week-long celebration full of events for families and visitors. Enjoy the photos below from some of our daily celebrations!
For more information about the first peoples of Whitewater Canyon, and the indigenous peoples of Southern California, check out the Malki Museum and their incredible bookstore.
Tea Talk
Ranger Sienna “spilled the tea” with visitors as she discussed the medicinal properties of plants found here at our preserve. Some of the tea Ranger Sienna shared are listed below along with some of their medicinal properties.
Yerba Santa - respiratory support, sore throats, colds and coughs, blood purifying.
Elderberry - immune system support, colds and flu.
Nettle - reduces inflammation, antioxidant, allergy support.
Wild Rose - pain relief, constipation.
Desert Tea - stomach ailments and kidney support.
Juniper Berries - colds and flu, fever.
Creosote - cold and flu, bowel and stomach support.
PLEASE NOTE
There is significant traditional ecological knowledge needed to prepare these teas!
No one should attempt to harvest and make tea without the expertise and knowledge of these plants.
