2018 Traditional Ecological Knowledge Trip on the Klamath River
Instructor: Joshua Strange, Ph.D.
Date: Sunday, June 3, 2018
Location: Meet in Happy Camp, CA
Drift down the Klamath River as you learn all about its geologic origins and unusual course
from high desert farmland to steep, wild mountain canyons. We’ll ride a portion of this
majestic river in its rush to the Pacific and discuss the Klamath’s stream ecology, including its unique temperature profile, the secret life of its freshwater mussels, and much more.
This one-day trip focuses on understanding traditional ecological knowledge
(TEK), stewardship of natural resources as practiced by native American tribes in the
Klamath area. We will learn the implications of historical indigenous land and water
management practices on biodiversity across the landscape. Specific topics covered will be traditional ecological knowledge, indigenous management practices, fire ecology, salmon
ecology, and natural history, including uses of plants and fishing techniques.
We’ll also watch for abundant wildlife — including Osprey, Bald and Golden Eagles —
hunting and nesting along the river, and hear how native tribes have relied on the
Klamath’s bounty and cleverly managed its resources. We will discuss human threats
as well as opportunities to help restore this mighty river of salmon to its former glory
and a symbol of hope. Rafts and guiding provided by Liquid Expeditions.
Register for this course.