FT 5 - SOLD OUT - Indigenous Knowledge and Stewardship of Portland’s Urban Forests: What All Ecologists Can Learn Internationally to Locally for Developing Partnerships

Trip Overview
This field trip will focus on local Portland area tribes, tribal and non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions’ partnership efforts to support the inclusion of indigenous knowledge and tribal restorations strategies in their work. As demonstrations and examples of these efforts the field trip will visit Tryon Creek State Natural Area (Park 11321 S Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219), one of Portland’s premier urban forests, as well as tours of the exhibits at the World Forestry Center, another urban forestry-based attraction. In the morning at Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Friends of Tryon Creek and local tribal representatives will join the field trip group will walk trails and discuss applications of Indigenous knowledge for developing wildfire risk reduction, fuels mitigation and forest thinning strategies that can increase access to and promote tribal uses of culturally important plants. The trails are of low-to-moderate elevation for walking/hiking. The forest has a diversity of native/exotic trees, shrubs and understory plants, as well as opportunities for viewing wildlife, and a visitor’s center. Fieldtrip participants will be able to eat their box lunches following the walk/hikes, prior to loading the bus to the World Forestry Center, or upon arrival.

Next the field trip group will travel to the World Forestry Center (finishing lunch for some). Dr. Frank K. Lake provide a presentation of how Indigenous/Traditional Ecological Knowledge is being applied to tribal agroforestry, wildfire risk reduction, wildland fire/Indigenous Fire Stewardship, climate adaptation, conservation, and landscape restoration strategies applicable to the area and broader region. Then the group will tour the exhibits at the World Forestry Center, with Dr. Lake and World Forestry Center staff for the exhibits on forestry, wildland fire, climate projects of which feature indigenous and tribal peoples. Depending on weather and outside heat, the group will have some free time to revisit exhibits and/or visit the adjacent attractions. Throughout the day tribal and non-tribal partnership representatives will engage and share with the group. All ecologists are welcome to bring and share their knowledges, experiences, and contribute to the overall groups learning and collective understanding of the topics during the fieldtrip.

Equipment and Attire
Field trip participants should plan on and be prepared for the Portland, Oregon areas summer heat (80-100 F), some sun/shade during the day. Hat, and layered clothing, shorts or pants, sturdy shoes/boots are recommended. The walking and hiking will be along not so strenuous low-to-moderate gradient paved, packed gravel or earth trails. Some segments of trails are not accessible by wheelchair. Bring as optional if desired binoculars, magnifying glass/hand lens, backpacks/carrying-sling bags, water bottle, sun block/insect repellant, walking canes/poles, notebooks, personal drinks and snacks or other items.

Field Trip Fee is $75 per person.