Local botanicals in traditional and ecological contexts : integrating ethnobotany, ecology, and education for biodiversity conservation
(Book - Regular Print)

Thesis,MSES,Green Mountain College,2008

Includes bibliographical references.

Both traditional knowledge of the medicinal uses of plants among American Indians and ecological study provide approaches for conserving biodiversity in my bioregion of the eastern Adirondack foothills. Ethnobotany is a powerful tool for connecting students to plants in their region, through the compelling stories of vital relationships between indigenous people and plants. Native American perspectives vary hugely in their plant traditions and medicines use, and it is beyond the scope of this research paper to differentiate the various belief-systems and practices. However, ethnobotany is presented respectfully, as a tool to help high school students better understand local ecology and to take action to conserve biodiversity. I explore the ways that ethnobotany can be integrated with ecological knowledge to improve environmental education and the stewardship of natural resources. Four native bioregion plant species are examined as case studies to demonstrate links that can be made between ethnobotanical and ecological content. Ecological concepts important for regional environmental education programs are reviewed. And, finally, keys to successful lesson planning are discussed. Example lesson plans illustrate the integration of ethnobotany and ecology in a high school level program.