ENCINITAS — The San Diego Botanic Garden has launched a series of collaborations with several tribal communities to address climate change, drought and wildfire risks while promoting ecological restoration and cultural preservation.
Officially launched in June 2024, the projects focus on building capacity for habitat restoration, seed banking and plant propagation in partnerships between the Botanic Garden and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Pala Band of Mission Indians and Jamul Indian Village of California.
The initiatives are partly funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service in partnership with The Morton Arboretum.
“We are excited to be embarking on this partnership with the San Diego Botanic Garden,” said Shasta Gaughen, environmental director for the Pala Band of Mission Indians. “Working together, we will be able to expand our efforts to grow culturally significant plants and engage Pala community members — especially youth and elders — in maintaining traditional plant knowledge and practices.”
The program addresses the challenges Native American communities face from climate change and urbanization, which have increased the risks of drought and wildfires.
By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific practices, the San Diego Botanic Garden aims to help tribal communities safeguard culturally significant plant species and vital ecosystems.
Ray Teran, resource management director for the Viejas Tribal Government, highlighted the community benefits of the partnership, saying the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians is partnering with the San Diego Botanic Garden “in order to enhance community awareness regarding native plant propagation, greenhouse facility management, and youth education.”
Projects already underway include reintroducing Engelmann oaks, a native species vital to Southern California ecosystems and Indigenous cultures. In collaboration with the Viejas Band, San Diego Botanic Garden, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and The Morton Arboretum, 48 oaks were planted throughout the Viejas reservation.
The initiative also emphasizes engaging local youth through hands-on educational activities, such as tree planting and acorn gathering, to promote environmental stewardship.
Additional support for the program comes from organizations such as Coastal Roots Farm, Flower Hill Institute, Tree of Life Nursery, and several academic institutions, including California State University San Marcos, San Diego State University, and the University of California Cooperative Extension.
“We are honored to have the privilege of working alongside Indigenous communities to better understand, interact with, and conserve plants,” said SDBG President and CEO Ari Novy. “By fostering collaborations and leveraging the knowledge and expertise of diverse partners, we hope to help protect not only the land, but also the human heritage that thrives upon it.”
