Supporting Ash Protection Collaboration Across Wabanakik

by Wild Seed Project

Ash Protection Collaboration Across Wabanakik (APCAW) is a group of Indigenous and non-indigenous researchers, Tribal members, and forest caretakers working together to bring more awareness of the cultural and ecological significance of ash trees and efforts to conserve them. 

“Ash trees, in particular brown ash (used interchangeably with black ash, Fraxinus nigra), are a cultural keystone species for Wabanaki communities and a crucial part of wetland ecosystems in the Northeast. The spread of the invasive forest pest EAB has caused 99% brown ash tree mortality in other areas of Turtle Island, and will have a considerable effect on ecosystems and traditions as it spreads through the Dawnland.”  – APCAW 

Wild Seed Project is proud to serve in the Collaboration as a conservation partner. We are:

• Supporting tribal and community efforts to collect, clean, store, and sow ash seeds;
• Tending to ash seedlings, grown from seed, that will form the foundation of Ash stands with high genetic diversity; 
• Aiding in the development of ash nurseries throughout Wabanakik; and
• Teaching easy-to-follow winter sowing methods to encourage land-owners to plant seed-grown ash trees.

 

Learn more about this important initiative by visiting the APCAW website.