Lynch - ©2005 Institute for Culture and Ecology
Contemporary Harvesting Cultures
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This module contains eight lesson plans, one homework assignment, five case studies, and one fieldtrip – all of which are designed to introduce participants to the cultural diversity of people involved in gathering activities. The overarching goal is for participants to develop an understanding of why it is important to consider cultural variables in forest planning and management. In the first set of lesson plans participants learn about harvesting directly from harvesters, who share their experiences and concerns about harvesting in different regions of the U.S. Complementing this, participants next gain an appreciation for contemporary Native American perspectives by reading several poems by well-known Native American poets. In regards to research methods, this module introduces two methods: 1) the seasonal calendar, which is a tool that can assist land managers and others to understand seasonal variation in NTFP harvesting activities, and 2) participant observation, which is the foundation of ethnographic research. Theory is included with an exploration of political ecology, which provides a useful framework for critically examining nontimber forest product management issues. The module concludes with lessons about traditional ecological knowledge. The accompanying fieldtrip provides an opportunity to build participant observation skills and deepen understanding of NTFP issues first-hand.
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Introduction:
Contemporary Harvesting Cultures