Native American Plant Uses

Discover the abundant uses of native desert plants during this one-day field class. Daniel McCarthy, edible plants expert, will teach participants about the plants historically harvested by the native peoples of Southern California for food, medicine, and utilitarian purposes. The program will start in the classroom with an overview of local Native American tribes and how culture defines plant use or the other way around. Attendees will also learn about plant communities, habitat, and distribution, focusing on the ethnobotany of key species found in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. In the afternoon, the class will follow the trails for a hike to identify edible plants found in the Preserve area. No plants will be harvested in the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Respectful gathering practices will be discussed as well as restrictions collecting on federal lands and in the National Park.

Write a review