Project Information

Project Completion: April 2021. This project is now complete.
Principal Investigator(s): Rob Dunn, Department of Applied Ecology, NC State University
Co-Investigator(s):
Michael C. Gavin, Colorado State University
Matt Fitzpatrick, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Implements Science Plan Theme: Adaptation

Key Points

• Lays foundation for more comprehensive research on climate impacts on culturally significant plants
• Prioritizes Indigenous community involvement and engagement in research
• Developed SE CASC partnerships with Southern and Eastern Tribal Nations

Overview

Thousands of plant and animal species are culturally important to the Indigenous peoples of North America. Global change is impacting many of these species. The abundance (how many) and distribution (where in a region) of many species is changing. Global change can also impact the timing of life cycle events. As these changes threaten plants and animals, they affect the people these species are most important to.

Some studies explore the futures of culturally significant species, but they often focus on a single plant species and single future scenarios. And, there is often low engagement with Indigenous people during these studies.

This project engaged Indigenous communities and Tribal Nations. Together, we discussed the impacts of climate change on culturally important plants. This project formed partnerships between SE CASC and Tribes, in particular with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This process of relationship building can guide future collaborations. Together, these partnerships can study climate impacts on culturally significant species.