By combining Indigenous knowledge with contemporary science, the TEK Youth Program offers a unique opportunity for young people to become informed stewards of the land and water while building a deeper connection to culture, community and place. Photo courtesy of YoloSol

YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - For thousands of years, the Patwin-Wintun people cared for the wetlands and waterways of the Yolo Basin using stewardship practices that enhanced biodiversity and sustained one of California’s richest ecosystems. This summer, native, BIPOC and ally youth are invited to experience these teachings firsthand through the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Youth Program.

Led by Wintun/Maidu educator, naturalist, Fire Boss and cultural practitioner Diana Almendariz, participants will explore how Indigenous communities lived in relationship with the land, plants, animals and living water. Through hands-on activities, youth will learn about tule gathering, cultural burning, wetland ecology, wildlife, traditional foods, and Indigenous approaches to environmental stewardship.

“The lifeways of Native people helped keep the land and water healthy,” said Almendariz. “These stewardship practices remain essential to restoring and protecting threatened ecosystems today.”

Adding a scientific perspective, UC Davis entomologist Geoffrey Attardo will guide students in exploring the microscopic life that supports healthy wetland ecosystems. Through sampling, observation and high-resolution imaging, youth will examine aquatic invertebrates that help filter water, cycle nutrients and indicate ecosystem health. Participants will learn how these organisms work in partnership with native wetland plants such as tule and cattail to maintain clean water and resilient habitats.

Christina Almendariz, Montessori educator, cultural practitioner and TEK program coordinator said, “We are passing ecological knowledge to the next generation and empowering youth to use it — to share it, live it and advocate for it."

The program is sponsored by YoloSol and Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, and hosted by the Yolo Basin Wildlife Foundation and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The program will take place July 6–10 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters, with field experiences throughout nearby wetlands and natural areas.

By combining Indigenous knowledge with contemporary science, the TEK Youth Program offers a unique opportunity for young people to become informed stewards of the land and water while building a deeper connection to culture, community and place.

To learn more about YoloSol Collective and the TEK program, visit yolosol.org.