Friends of Ganondagan

Seeing the Possibilities

2012-01-31T15:42:00.000-05:00

Recycle Craft - Candy Wrapper Flowers

Regardless of ancestry, our forebears were not wasteful people. Though necessity, they saw endless possibilities in the cast-off waste items, such as corn husks, wheat stalks, or deer hooves.

The Seneca used the inedible dry corn husks to create dolls, mats, containers, and more. The Europeans used wheat and oat straw for similar purposes. Go the world over and you will find countless other such examples of this inventive re-purposing.

And in looking around the world, you will also find that many of these examples of re-purposing have grown not only into cherished traditional crafts and arts, they have become elements of the culture that created them. Many have created dolls from dried plant materials to be sure, but what is more Haudenosaunee than a faceless cornhusk doll?

Whether it was generations of farming traditions or grandparents living through hard times like the Depression and post-WWI Germany, the "do-it-yourself" and "waste-nothing" attitudes were deeply ingrained in me while growing up. Being wasteful was just behind poor hospitality and dishonesty as sins in my house. Saving things that could some day be used was expected.

Many people in both my extended and immediate family have artistic and musical talents - with many varied paths of expression though. I'm no exception to my family and have my own talents. While I certainly can draw and paint, it is not my forte or my greatest love. But crafts - and I have tried many, are. I have tried so many different arts that I usually tell people that blowing glass and casting metal are two of the only ones I haven't tried.

I started my own journey as a craftsman and artisan at 8 years old. In those days, I had no money and no access to craft stores even if I did. So in a day when no one recycled, I did. I saw the possibilities in items destined for the garbage can. I saved them and literally had boxes of those "recycled" supplies.

Now many decades later with access to craft stores and the money for supplies, I still see with those same eyes. I can still see the possibilities lying below the surface of what others would call trash. Perhaps you can too. Here are the instructions for creating a whole bouquet of candy wrapper flowers that I came up with on Valentine's Day a few years ago. I hope you enjoy this and start your own eyes looking for those possibilities!

-kim

Creator’s Garden Medicine Plants: Da'ja's

2012-01-20T09:43:00.000-05:00

Creator's Garden in Winter

If you've visited the Ganondagan State Historic Site, you have most likely have seen or taken a tour of the Bark Longhouse. What you may not have realized is that the garden beds arranged in a circle next to the Longhouse are a themed garden. This garden is called the Creator's Garden. It is a medicine wheel garden and it features plants that have traditionally been used by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people in healing.

Many of the plants in the garden are labeled so visitors may tour the garden on their own. The labels include the English, Seneca, and botanical name for the plants. (Note: the signage is usually stored for the winter.)

One of the plants you will find in the Creator's Garden is a matched pair (male and female) of the native shrub, the spicebush.

Da’ ja’s (Spicebush, Lindera benzoin)
Da’ja’s (Seneca name) or spicebush is a medium-sized shrub (16’) that is often found in the shady, forest understory. Its foliage is aromatic with a unique scent that is somewhat like a cross between lemons and sassafras. The spicebush is dioecious (individual plants are either male or female) and so a pair of these plants is necessary to produce berries with a viable seed.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

The berries turn scarlet in autumn and have been used as an allspice substitute. The leaves, twigs, and bark can be steeped to make a pleasant tea. Besides uses for tea and seasoning, this plant has also been used medicinally. The Haudenosaunee traditionally used this plant in remedies for colds, venereal disease, fevers, and measles [1].

The spicebush is the favorite host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) and the Promethea Silkmoth (Callosamia promethea).

The spicebush, native to North America, makes a wonderful specimen plant to add to your own landscaping. While it is typically an understory plant growing in full-shade, it grows quite nicely in the full-sun - as it does in the Creator's Garden. This hardy and pest-free plant requires no pruning or maintenance of any kind once established. Add multiple plants (at least 1 male and 1 female plant) if you are interested in having berries on the female plant. It is a wonderful alternative to exotic, hard-to-keep, and/or invasive ornamental shrubs.

1. Iroquois Medical Botany by James W. Herrick

-kim

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program - Part II

2011-12-28T10:46:00.000-05:00

Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Many people this time of the year have New Year's resolutions that focus on improving their health and well-being in the upcoming year. Perhaps the upcoming herbal medicine course taught by our friend Dr. Les Moore will help you to meet your resolutions!

Please contact Classical Formulas for more information or to register!

-kim

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program
Medical Herbalism Part II
January 12 – February 9th, 2012

This Course is the second in a series of three herbal study programs to be offered at Clifton Springs Hospital through the Integrative Medicine department, The Botanical Medicine Institute, and Classical Formulas. While each series has a similar format, they will contain different information. These classes are appropriate for health care providers, people employed in health related businesses or anyone interested in Herbalism.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Dr. Moore and herbalists from Classical Formulas Herbal Medicinary will instruct these classes. Dr. Moore has a life-long interest and extensive education in the field of Herbalism, both Western and Eastern.

You may register for the whole series or at the beginning of each class. Students may begin ANY series at ANY time with no prerequisites of the previous series. Each series is a stand-alone module. Students completing all three of the series (Parts I, II & III) will receive a certificate upon course completion. To be certain you have a place in class please register early, as class size is limited.

Holy Basil (Tulsi or Ocimum sanctum)

Tuition is $120 or $25 per class. Contact Classical Formulas for Registration at 315-462-0190 by January 11th.

PLEASE NOTE: All classes are held on Thursdays at Clifton Springs Hospital from 6:30-8:30 pm with the exception of the herb walk on Saturday January 28th, 2012 held at Lamberton Conservatory at 10:00am.

Course Descriptions

Rose - "Alba" (Rosa rugosa)

Class 1 – Botanical Medicine/Single Herbs–January 12th, 2012
Learn about herbs and homeopathy used for stress, immune stimulation and for combating specifically colds and influenza. Will also cover single herbs from traditional Indian medicine, (Ayurvedic Medicine).

Class 2 – Herbal Medicine Making – January 19th, 2012
Learn how herbs are used to create various herbal therapeutics. Participate in some hands on preparation of herbal formulas.

Class 3 – Herb Pairs/Drug Interaction – January 26th, 2012
This class will focus on paired herbs that are therapeutic for specific conditions. Information on interactions that can occur between medicines and herbs will also be discussed as well as herbal dosages for children. Will also cover Tibetan herbal medicine.

Osage Orange Maclura pomifera

Class 4 – Plant Identification/Herb Walk – January 28th, 2012
This class will be a 3+ hour walk to identify plants in the Lamberton Conservatory located in Highland Park. This is essentially a green house so the temperature will be comfortable without a heavy jacket. There will also be an additional $3 fee per person for admission to the conservatory, $2 for anyone under 18.

Class 5 – Herbal Formulas/Modifications – February 2nd, 2012
This class will focus on herbal formulas and how the herbs in each formulas work on the body and how they can be modified to fit a specific condition or person. Discussion of how the pulse and tongue can be used to diagnose a condition. Will also cover Ayurvedic herbal formulas.

Class 6 – Homeopathy and First Aid – February 9th, 2012
Learn how homeopathic remedies are used for first aid, and many other conditions. Will also cover first aid from Ayurvedic medicine.

Welcome the Return of the Sun

2011-12-20T10:55:00.000-05:00

Late Fall Sunrise

The Winter Solstice will visit us in the Northern Hemisphere on December 22 at 12:30 am (EST). The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night in our planet's yearly trip about the Sun. After the 22nd, our days will again lengthen and stretch. Like so many other people, I welcome and celebrate the return of the light!

On most Solstices, I like to share an article here on the solar cycle and how you might mark the specialness of the day in your own way. While the Equinoxes are just as important of a milestone in the solar cycle, they don't pull me in the same way as the Summer and Winter Solstices do. I suspect it is because the Summer and Winter Solstices are so opposite from each other. Light and dark. Warm and cold. Verdant, alive and brown, barren.

On December 22, the Sun will rise at Ganondagan at 7:40 am (EST). It is an easy time to be up - many are up for work and school already. Look to the east, greet the rising Sun. Give your thanks for the blessing of life that the Sun's rays and warmth bring to you and all life on Earth. (The sunrise time may vary depending upon your location so check local listings.)

May the Sun's rays fill and warm your heart always.

-kim

ps....as a gift for you to help you celebrate the return of the Sun, I have created an article on our website. It is about winter sowing seeds - seed starting in the cold of winter. The Winter Solstice is a perfect time to start winter sowing!

Many of our most beautiful and rare native plants respond well to this seed-starting technique. May you try it and dream about the wonderful warm days of summer filled with dancing butterflies and flowers!

Native History Month

2011-11-16T08:42:00.000-05:00

In honor of Native History Month, our public television station WXXI-TV is airing an extraordinary range of programming throughout November, featuring the men and women who shaped the Native American experience. We’d like to share these opportunities with you. For complete details, please visit: http://interactive.wxxi.org/native-american

If you are not in the Greater Rochester, NY television viewing area, please see the listings of your local PBS station for possible air dates of these programs.

History Detectives. Friday, November 18 at 6 pm on WXXI World (cable 524/DT21.2) In California, a History Detectives viewer owns an American Indian pipe that family legend suggests was given to her ancestor by the famous warrior Chief Red Cloud.
We Shall Remain: American Experience: After the Mayflower. Friday, November 18 at 7 pm on WXXI World. This groundbreaking mini-series establishes Native history as an essential part of American history. Four 90-minute documentaries spanning 300 years tell the story of pivotal moments in U.S. history from the Native-American perspective. This first episode explores the polar strategies — peaceful diplomacy and warfare — the Wampanoag people employed in their struggle to maintain their identity.
We Shall Remain: American Experience: Tucumseh’s Vision. Friday, November 18 at 8:30 pm on WXXI World, part two of four features Shawnee warrior Tecumseh, who rose to become one of the greatest American leaders of all time.
INDEPENDENT LENS: We Are Still Here – Âs Nutayuneân. Sunday, November 20 at 11 pm on WXXI-TV/HD. This tells the remarkable story of the recent cultural and linguistic revival of the Wampanoag tribe of Southeastern Massachusetts. Their ancestors ensured the survival of the Pilgrims — and lived to regret it. Now they are bringing their language home again.
Before There Were Parks: Yellowstone & Glacier Through Native Eyes. Sunday, November 20 at 11:30 pm on WXXI World. This film explores modern indigenous perspectives on the great wilderness areas now called Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks that go far beyond their recent status as National Parks.
Columbus Day Legacy. Sunday night, November 20 at 12:30 am on WXXI-TV. Navajo filmmaker Bennie Klain explores the quintessential American issues of free speech and ethnic pride against the backdrop of the ongoing Columbus Day parade controversy in Denver, Colorado.
History Detectives. Tuesday, November 22 at 9:00 pm on WXXI World. A mysterious bible laced with Cherokee writing provides insight to the "Trail of Tears" march.
We Shall Remain: American Experience: Trail of Tears. Friday, November 25 at 7 pm on WXXI World, part three of four. Despite decades of struggle to keep their land, in 1838 thousands of Cherokee were forced from their homes in the southeastern United States and driven to Oklahoma. More than 4,000 died of disease and starvation along the way.
We Shall Remain: American Experience: Geronimo. Friday, November 25 at 8:30 p.m. on WXXI World, part four of four. An indomitable Chiricahua Apache warrior and medicine man, Geronimo remains one of the most complex historical figures of the American West.
Smokin' Fish. Saturday, November 26 at 1 pm on WXXI World. Cory Mann, A young Tlingit man makes a pilgrimage to his ancestral home and is forced to confront the dichotomy between his history and the world he lives in.
Aleut Story. Saturday, November 26 at 10 pm on WXXI World. The incredible, untold story of Aleut Americans' decades-long struggle for human and civil rights, this story was developed, researched, filmed and edited for national television over five years.
Unconquered Seminoles. Saturday, November 26 at 11:30 pm on WXXI World. This film traces the history and identity of Florida's resilient Seminole tribe, one deeply rooted in a pattern of obstacle and challenge, survival and success.
Independent Lens: Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian. Sunday, November 27 at 11:30 pm on WXXI-TV/HD. Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond takes an entertaining, insightful, and often humorous look at the Hollywood Indian, exploring the portrayal of North American Natives through a century of cinema and examining the ways that the myth of “the Injun” has influenced the world’s understanding—and misunderstanding—of Natives.
The Long Walk: Tears of the Navajo. Tuesday, November 29 at 7 pm on WXXI World. In a lost chapter of our nation’s history, 8,000 Navajo men, women and children were marched at gunpoint through the scorched desert of the American Southwest to a barren reservation along the Texas border in a 300-mile forced relocation during which hundreds died.
Choctaw Code Talkers. Tuesday, November 29 at 8 pm on WXXI World. Called by some the "original Code Talkers," this is the story of the important role Choctaw soldiers played in WWI in using their Native language as a powerful tool against the German Forces.
Contrary Warrior: The Life and Times of Adam Fortunate Eagle. Wednesday, November 30 at 7 pm on WXXI World. The story of Adam Fortunate Eagle, a contemporary activist, artist, author, ceremonial leader.

The Great Pumpkin Sacrifice

2011-10-31T08:42:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend we made our "sacrifice" to the pumpkin gods and carved up our pumpkins for Halloween. What would Halloween be with out the carved jack-o-lantern? Not the same to be sure, but the pumpkin is a New World addition to the Halloween traditions that originated in Europe. Before the pumpkin, turnips or rutabagas were carved into the vegetable lanterns.

The pumpkin is a New World vegetable that has been cultivated by the Native peoples of the Americas since ancient times. While the exact origins of the pumpkin are not known, pumpkin-like seeds have been found in Mexico dating back to 7000 and 5500 BCE. With what the pumpkin has to offer why wouldn't it be grown for thousands of years? It is a very easy to grow plant that provides copious amounts of nutritious, long-keeping food (both the flesh of the pumpkin and its seeds.) And as with many food plants, there are medicinal uses and healthful qualities beyond the simple nutrition it provides.

Back to our carving of the pumpkins, not all of our parings went into the compost bin. We saved the seeds for toasting and the pieces carved out for roasting. Some like the pumpkin flesh roasted with salt and olive oil. In my opinion that would work well with a pie pumpkin but not so with the bland flesh of pumpkin grown for carving. (What's the difference?) A little salt, black pepper, butter, and brown sugar is the way to go - you have to give it some flavor and my favorite way to cook a variety of winter squashes fits the bill.

And if you have never toasted the seeds, what are you waiting for? These are truly divine! Here's a recipe for toasting your Halloween pumpkin's seeds:

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

2 c. Raw, whole pumpkin seeds
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
Salt to taste

Wash the pumpkin seeds and drain well. Toss seeds with butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes in an oven preheated to 300 degrees. Be sure to stir occasionally and toast until golden brown.

I hope you enjoyed this look at the pumpkin and perhaps you may now consider it to be more than just something for decoration and pies. I wish you a happy Halloween and a wonderful Samhain!

-kim

Faceless Cork Husk Dolls

2011-10-11T09:25:00.000-04:00

Corn husk dolls made by Ronnie Reitter

For a Ganondagan Brand Development workshop at the Rochester Ad Council recently, we were asked to "bring a physical object [we] feel represents Ganondagan and be prepared to tell the group why". I reflected quite a bit on my assignment and kept coming back to my faceless corn husk doll. It captures so much for me about Ganondagan. The story is often told at Ganondagan events. I first heard Ronnie Reitter tell it- about the girl who was so vain she repeatedly got distracted from the Creator's message to watch over the children because she was gazing at her own reflected image. She ignored the Creator's repeated warnings. Finally, the Creator took her face away so she wouldn't be self-absorbed and distracted from her community role anymore. That is why corn husk dolls are made faceless to this day, as a reminder of our community responsibility to care for others and that "we are all equal".

Good toys teach, and this one teaches a powerful lesson of our responsibility to the community and to the next generation. Corn is one of the Three Sisters' food staples; and every part of what is taken from the natural world is put to good use-including corn husks. Dolls are just one thing that can be made from corn husks. This children's toy is made without money from materials readily available in the natural world. It is a sustainable toy and easily returns to Mother Earth. It reminds me, too, of Ganondagan's efforts to bring back good, healthy traditional corn through the White Corn project. And the dolls can be made at Ganondagan and sold in our Gift Shop to help support Ganondagan while educating others.

Anyone can learn to make this toy, including me- who has no talent for crafts. Ronnie Reitter taught me to make mine as part of Ganondagan staff's commitment to sharing their knowledge of traditional values and crafts. The relationship with Ronnie as teacher makes mine special for me. But mine is unfinished- she is not yet "dressed", marking the time when trade came, and scrapes of trade goods started being used to put traditional "outfits" on the dolls. For me, this awareness is connected to my wish to learn more. There is so much I don't know or understand. I am hoping for a workshop on corn husk doll dressing and its meanings.

Mattie Schmitt
Ganondagan Board Member

Medical Herbalism Part I

2011-08-23T09:47:00.003-04:00

Our good friend, Dr. Les Moore, is offering another portion of his Botanical Medicine Certificate Program courses. They are excellent if you wish to learn more about medicinal applications of plants. Special treat - the fall herb walk is at Ganondagan on some of my very favorite trails to walk! Please contact Classical Formulas for details and registration.

Be sure to check these classes out!

-kim
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Botanical Medicine Certificate Program

Medical Herbalism Part I
September 22nd – October 20th 2011

This Course is the first in a series of three herbal study programs to be offered at Clifton Springs Hospital through the Integrative Medicine department, The Botanical Medicine Institute, and Classical Formulas. While each series has a similar format, they will contain different information. These classes are appropriate for health care providers, people employed in health related businesses or anyone interested in Herbalism.

Dr. Moore along with herbalists from the Classical Formulas Herbal Medicinary will instruct these classes. Dr. Moore has a life-long interest and extensive education in the field of Herbalism, both Western and Eastern.

Register for the whole course or for class sessions separately, if you wish. Each class meeting can be taken independently, with no prerequisite. Students completing all three of the series (Parts I, II & III) will receive a certificate of course completion. To be certain you have a place in class, please register early.

Location: See individual class descriptions
Tuition: $120 or $20/class
Contact Classical Formulas for Registration: 315-462-0190

Class 1 – Basic Herbal Therapeutics and Materia Medica
Learn about the historical uses of plant and their extensive studies reflected in “Materia Medica”, a standard reference. Topics of discussion will include origins, methods of preparation, the chemical construction and constituents, general physical characteristics, preparations, dosage and general influence on the body.
Thursday, September 22nd 2011 at 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Class 2 – Plant Identification and Herb Walk
Take a 3+ hour walk in the woods to identify plants in your surroundings. Learn about their habitat, history and uses. Meet Ganondagan in Victor. Bring water and snack, dress for the weather and wear appropriate walking footwear.
Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 9 a.m., Ganondagan, Victor, NY

Class 3 – Herb Pairs and Drug-Herb Interaction
This class will focus on paired herbs that are therapeutic for specific conditions. Information on interactions that can occur between medicines and herbs will also be discussed.
Thursday, September 29th 2011 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Class 4 – Herbal Medicine Making
Hands on instruction will include herbal infusion, decoctions and fomentations.
Thursday, October 6th 2011 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Class 5 – Herbal Formulas and Modifications
Herbs used in herbal formulas can act synergistically and can be tailored for each unique individual, even as a person or environment changes. This class will consider how formulas can be used and altered to address specific changes.
Thursday, October 13th 2010 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Class 6 – Herbal Therapeutics and First aid
Learn how herbs are used for first aid care, immune system building and gastrointestinal disorders.
Thursday, October 20th 2011 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Summer Fun Ideas

2011-08-08T12:52:00.002-04:00

Trilobite Tail

I recently had the opportunity to go to take my kids on some day-trips in Western NY State.

We took a day-trip to the Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center. It located in Hamburg, NY and it is a place where the public can come and dig for fossils. Trilobites, corals, brachiopods, and more. I was looking for trilobites and I wasn't disappointed. While I didn't find a complete one, I did find plenty of trilobite heads and tails - they molted in segments so these are common finds. We found a plethora of various corals and other fossils. It's a fun place to take all those budding young scientists at heart. (See two of my finds, a trilobite tail and head to the right.)

Trilobite Head

We also took a day-trip to Ithaca. While in Ithaca we visited the Museum of the Earth, Cornell Plantations, and Robert H. Treman State Park. A wander through the Mueum of the Earth teaches you about the wondrously fantastical myriad lifeforms, such as the trilobite, that once were teeming in the ancient world before the dawn of man and how over the successive periods of the world it changed. In some cases, that life evolved and its descendants may even still live on Earth. But in so many others, they ceased to be anyplace except in our fossil records. Makes you more deeply appreciate the history of our Earth.

Amaranth in the Herb Garden

Cornell Plantations features acres of gardens, an arboretum, and multiple natural areas. The gardens and other areas are beautiful. I feel much can be learned about plants by seeing them living and growing. If you are interested in learning more about plants, visit some place like the Plantations. Many plants are labeled as to what they are. With some gardens like the Robison York State Herb Garden also at the Plantations, you also get information about how the plants were used. Take yourself on an herb class for the minor price of parking at the Plantations. (See the picture of amaranth to the right. Did you know that amaranth was a native grain valued in Central & South America? You would if you visited this garden and read the signs!)

Finally, we ended up at Robert H. Treman State Park to play and to swim in a stream-fed pool beneath a waterfall. Very unique experiences - all of them.

Did I pay much for these days of memories, learning, and fun? No, not at all! Outside of gasoline, our Penn Dixie trip cost us less than $20. Our Ithaca trip, less than $30. We packed our own lunches, snacks, and drinks to take with us - a huge savings if you are looking for lower cost trips. And even gasoline wasn't all that much to figure on since my car gets at least 35 mpg on trips like these.

All this got me to thinking....Our own area has many attractions that make for a very inexpensive and fun day trip. How about a wonderful day mixing and matching some of these family fun attractions within a few minutes of Ganondagan? Any costs of visiting noted. Some places have memberships that offer free admission or may have specific events that vary in cost. Check the sites by clicking on their name for more details.

Inside the Longhouse

Ganondagan

Tour the longhouse, hike the trails, see the Visitors Center, see our medicinal and vegetable gardens, picnic, take pictures, and shop at the gift shop.
Longhouse tours are $3 adults and $2 children.
Access to the trails, Visitors Center, gift shop and grounds are free.

Ontario County Historical Society

Learn about the history of the area. Of note, a copy of the Pickering or Canandaigua Treaty is kept at the Ontario County Historical Society.
Admission - Free.

In the Schoolhouse

Granger Homestead

Tour the house, grounds, buildings, and carriage museum.
Adults $6 and children $2.
Carriage rides available for an extra fee.

Victor Historical Society (Valentown Museum)

Valentown Museum contains thousands of artifacts, objects & heirlooms that represent the local 19th century history of the Victor area. Located across from Eastview Mall.
Adults $5, students $3.

Sonnenberg Mansion & Gardens

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park

Beautiful as well as historic gardens and mansion. Tour them all including the Japanese Garden with its very uncommon tea house. (See about the tea house restoration project here.)
Adults $10, Students $5, and children 12 and under free.

Victor Hiking Trails

Oodles of well-maintained trails to hike. Some connect to the trails at Ganondagan.
All free access.

Canandaigua City Pier

Kershaw Park

Stroll along the shore of Canandaigua Lake or take a dip in the lake to cool off. While here, walk over to the City Pier for fishing and to get a view of Squaw Island.
Access to the swimming beach is Adults $3 and children $2.
Access to the rest of the Park and City Pier is free.

Wizard of Clay

See master potters in their workshop create handmade pieces. Shop the retail store and visit the nature trails.
Free except for your purchases.

Apples at the Apple Farm

The Apple Farm

Almost in sight of Ganondagan, this is a family run farm where you can pick apples, buy baked goods, drink cider, and when in season, enjoy tractor rides and more.
Free except for your purchases.

Powder Mills Park & Fish Hatchery

Trails and fish hatchery access is free.
Suggest a couple of bucks in quarters for lots of squeals and giggles as the hatchery fish gobble up the fish food you can get from quarter-fed vending machines.

I hope you visit us and some of our other local attractions soon!

-kim

Can you help out?

2011-07-16T13:47:00.000-04:00

From Dave Goldman, chair of Ganondagan's League of the 7th Generation Committee:

In our 2 year existence our committee has become known for our signature mission of reducing the amount of landfill destined waste generated during our annual NA Dance & Music Festival. This has been accomplished through the hard work & dedication of volunteers.

As a matter of fact, in our effort to move our success to a higher level, we have replaced the previous out-of-the-area composting company, thus saving expensive transportation costs, with a local company to take food waste & cooking oil and turn it into biofuel. Also food in the volunteer/ performers food area will be served on compostable plates, bowls & cups and compostable utensils.

This year, however, this mission may be in jeopardy due to the reduced response for volunteers.

I'm appealing to you to step forward and help us by participating in our continued success. Shifts are only 2 1/2 hours from 9:30am to 6:30pm each day. Please, if you can help for 1 or more shifts, please step forward.

Thank you,

Dave Goldman

[Last year's composting and recycling efforts cut waste going to the landfill by 86% over 2009's festival figures. Please help Dave's committee do that well or better this year! Contact the the Seventh Generation Committee at 7thgeneration@ganondagan.org or the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ganondagan.org if you can help. Nay:weh from us and from Mother Earth!]

Fun & Games

2011-07-13T14:36:00.000-04:00

Hawk Feather at Barnes Creek Gully (Canandaigua, NY)

Did you know that we added a "Fun & Games" page to our website a few months ago?

We have puzzles, coloring pages, and computer wallpaper currently available. We are always adding new things to the page. Just today I added another set of computer wallpaper files for download. The set includes a variety of sizes so you can choose which wallpaper image best suits your computer screen.

This set of wallpapers are of a hawk feather I found on a hike. Hawks have always been a special animal for me and I'm sure for many of you too. I hope you enjoy!

After you check out the "Fun & Games" page, let us know what you think. Did you like it? Anything that you would like to see more of? Find the fun & games page at:

http://www.ganondagan.org/fun.html

-kim

What are you picking today?

2011-07-04T11:30:00.001-04:00

Maybe I would have found the joys of growing, harvesting, and preserving my own food myself. But perhaps not. Who's to say now? I was, however, introduced to it young by my parents. Both my parents grew up on farms so picking wild berries, having large vegetable gardens, and preserving food was just something you did. And after a death in the family, my family along with other relatives ran my grandparents' dairy farm for some number of years. My farm days started when I was in those gloriously fun neither-kid-nor-adult tween-years. I ended up spending my summers playing on the farm, helping to bring in hay, feeding ducks and geese, throwing green plums at siblings, and so many other experiences that have become very rare in our urbanized America.

Summer Berries

Summer was always a time for wild berries and luscious tomatoes still warm from the sun. Our favorite wild berries were the wild black raspberry (aka "black caps"). The black raspberries grew every where poison ivy grew and where the mosquitos were the most blood-sucking vicious - going berry-picking was always quite an experience! I knew I had to pick 2 quarts so my mom could make jam with them. Oh, and was that jam good! If I picked more than 2 quarts (which was always the goal in my book), we could have the surplus washed, sprinkled with sugar, and drizzled over french vanilla ice cream - no finer dessert was ever devised by man!

Now I have kids of my own. I teach them to pick berries, some wild and some we grow. All the berries in the picture above we have been picking over the past week. If you don't recognize them all they are (starting at the left and going clockwise) mulberries, strawberries, black raspberries, and juneberries. They are so very tasty, all of them! The kids, my husband, and I have all been picking berries. Some just to munch, some for other purposes like the strawberry jam I made. I'll make some cherry preserves and raspberry jam soon. Mmmmm, they all taste like summer sun when the snow flies.

I urge you to grow and/or pick some food today. If you have young people in your life, share it with them. And if you don't have your own food plants like raspberries or strawberries or a vegetable garden, there are so many U-picks that you can visit for not only for the wonderful food but for the unforgettable memories. I urge you to also try your hand at making some jam. It is the easiest of all canning to do. Occasionally you get a soft-set, but there are few other failures if you follow the instructions. It is so very easy and so very good.

If jams are not your thing, salsa is another simple thing to make with the summer bounty you can find in your own veggie garden or at the farmers' market. New to canning? If that is the case, I urge you to pick up a copy of the Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving. It is the quintessential book of canning and preserving. Have your kids help you pick the tomatoes or even cut the tomatoes. I helped my mom peel and cut oodles of stuff for canning and I still remember it all these many years later. They are good, fond memories that are always warm and comforting to look back on.

I've included some book links below for wild food field guides and cookbooks plus the Ball Blue Book. Check them out. May your summer be fruitful and full of memories!

-kim





Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving
Native Harvests: American Indian Wild Foods and Recipes
Stalking The Wild Asparagus
Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places
Enduring Harvests: Native American Foods and Festivals for Every Season
A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America (Peterson Field Guide)

Are you a good host?

2011-06-19T19:05:00.001-04:00

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) Caterpillar

This tuesday, June 21st at 1:16pm EDT, is the Summer Solstice. Solstices and equinoxes are special times. Just as four cardinal direction points tell us where we are physically heading across the land, the solstices and equinoxes mark the season and help us to know the direction we are taking in our yearly trip around the sun. (See last year's summer solstice article for more on that yearly trip.)

While the sun itself and the bounty of fresh produce always evokes the picture of summer time in my mind, there is another thing that speaks equally of summer to me. It is the butterfly. Oh to be sure if you read mythology and symbolism references, they will speak of the butterfly symbolizing the soul and rebirth. I live in a land where freezing temperatures (or near enough to!) are pretty common for half the year. The butterfly seen mostly in the warm and sunny days of summer is a symbol of summer in my book.

While in the vegetable garden last night, I happened to have the opportunity to take the picture above. It is of the Black Swallowtail caterpillar. He was happily munching through my parsley patch. Do I begrudge him some parsley? Not at all! The swallowtail butterflies (I get both the black and yellow ones at my house) are far too special to see. The price of some parsley to see the adults or even the painted caterpillars is more than worth it. Besides munching parsley, these caterpillars also love other members of the carrot family. I'm sure the bounty of wild carrot here also brings them in. This butterfly, like all the others you know, have specific host plants. Host plants are the plants that are used as a site for the butterfly to lay eggs and also as a food source for the emerging caterpillar. So key to having these beautiful summer visitors is having the right host plants at your place.

So be a good host and invite the right plants to share your space with you this summer season. Butterflies are sure to follow. You can learn more about the Black Swallowtail here or about North America's butterflies (including regional checklists and host plant information for each species) here.

Happy Solstice,

-kim

People come from far and wide to visit Ganondagan

2011-05-23T08:12:00.001-04:00

A couple of yesterday's visitors came all the way from Montana! So nice talking with you, Jim and Carol.

~Tonia

Come Join Us in the Gardens!

2011-05-11T07:33:00.006-04:00

Invitation from our Gardening Committee chair, Tonia Loran-Galban:

Garden planting date has tentatively been set for Tuesday May 31st at 1:30pm meet at the garden with hoe in hand. Planting should take about 30-45 minutes, roughly. Come on over and introduce yourself. Note - Rain Date is June 1st.

If you cannot make the planting date but are interested in weeding (it is surprisingly low maintenance) please email me gardens@ganondagan.org and I will email you a map of the garden. Or if I'm on site, I will show you where to weed.

~Tonia

Update on May 31:
Dear Garden Friends- With temperatures going up to 90 to day, we thought it would be better to do the planting tomorrow morning at 7:30am. We know this is a late change, so let us know if you can make it tomorrow! ~Tonia and Ronnie

About Gardening at Ganondagan:
It's a terrific way to get out and enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and the feel of the rich, dark earth in your fingers. It doesn't matter if you are an experienced gardener or not, everyone is welcome to join in! Come and learn traditional Haudenosaunee ways of gardening - perhaps you will learn something for your own gardens!

Keep your eye on this blog for any changes to the planting date due to weather. Nya:weh! And see you in the gardens!

-kim

2011 Three Sisters Garden:

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program - Medical Herbalism III

2011-04-20T09:53:00.000-04:00

Blue Vervain

Our good friend Dr. Les Moore is teaching the next series of Medical Herbalism classes starting
on May 5. These are wonderful classes if you are interested in learning more about using plants for their medicinal qualities. They are also terrific for people wanting to know more about the plants growing in their lawns, gardens, and wild places around them. I've successfully completed the entire series of classes and an apprenticeship with Dr. Moore and I can't say enough good things about the experience!

I've also included a couple of excellent field guide links at the end of this article. Dr. Moore often uses them on his plant walks. You don't have to own them for the walks. But if you are interested in learning more on your own, you may wish to own one or more of these excellent references.

-kim

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program
Medical Herbalism
May 5, 2011 through June 2, 2011

The Medical Herbalism classes are part of a series in the Botanical Medicine Certificate program offered by Dr. Moore, ND, LAc. These classes are offered at Clifton Springs Hospital through the Integrative Medicine department, The Botanical Medicine Institute, and Classical Formulas. Each series of classes have a similar format however, they will contain different and new information. These classes are appropriate for health care providers, herbalists, and anyone interested in herbal medicine.

Club Moss

Dr. Moore teaches and oversees material that is taught by Master Herbalists. Dr. Moore has an extensive background and education in the field of botany and herbalism, both eastern and western. Dr. Moore received a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine.

You may register for the whole series or at the beginning of each class. Students may begin ANY series at ANY time with no prerequisites of the previous series. Each series is a stand-alone module. Students completing all three of the series (Parts I, II & III) will receive a certificate upon attendance verification and program completion. Class size is limited.

Tuition is $120 for the series or $25 per class. Contact Classical Formulas for registration at 315-462-0190 by Friday, April 29, 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: All classes are held on Thursdays at Clifton Springs Hospital from 6:30-8:30 pm with the exception of the herb walk on Saturday May 14, 2011, which will be held at the Ontario Pathways Trail, Phelps, NY at 9:00am.

Medical Herbalism Part III
May 5th through June 2, 2011

Course Descriptions

Class 1 – Botanical Medicine/Single Herbs – May 5, 2011
Learn about herbs to soothe gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, digestion, allergies and detoxification.

Class 2 – Herb Pairs/Drug Interaction and Gemmo Therapy – May 12, 2011
This class will focus on paired herbs that are therapeutic for specific conditions. Information on interactions that can occur between medicines and herbs will also be discussed as well as herbal dosages for children.

Marsh Marigold

Class 3 – Plant Identification/Herb Walk – May 14, 2011
This class will be a 3+ hour walk to identify plants in the surroundings area. You will learn about their habitat, history and uses. This class will meet at the Ontario County Pathways trail, Route 96, Phelps, NY. Bring water and snack, dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.

Class 4 – Herbal Medicine Making – May 19, 2011
Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food. Healthy eating, herbal teas as well as discussing wildcrafting and tips on drying and storing herbs.

Class 5 – Herbal Formulas & Modifications – May 26, 2011
Herbs used in herbal formulas can act synergistically and can be tailored for each unique individual, even as a person or environment changes. This class will consider how formulas can be used and altered to address specific changes.

Class 6 – Herbal Therapeutics – June 2, 2011
This class will focus on spring detoxification and Pancha Karma. Pancha Karma is detoxification and bio-purification from traditional Indian Medicine.

Field Guides & Other Resources

Click on any of the images to view & purchase the book. If the images are not visible, you can click any of the links below.

Cherokee Plants: Their Uses-- A 400 Year History

A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: Of Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guide)

Newcomb's Wildflower Guide

Wildflowers of New York in Color

The Herb Book: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to More Than 500 Herbs

The Signs of Spring

2011-04-12T13:54:00.002-04:00

As the grip of Winter passes, we cheer ourselves by looking for signs of Spring. Currently on the trails at Ganondagan...

Coltsfoot is blooming their somewhat dandelion like flowers.

The skunk cabbages have moved past their very alien-looking flowers to their rather attractive, yet pungent foliage.

The willows have moved past the fuzzy soft catkins of the "pussy willow" and into the next flowering stage. (See the picture to the right.)

Maples are blooming.

The earliest "spring ephemerals," like trillium, are just starting to appear.

And bird song fills the air!

What signs of Spring are showing at your place?

-kim

Arvel Bird's Animal Totem & Music Circle Workshops

2011-03-21T14:36:00.009-04:00

For those who already are fans of award-winning Native American musician Arvel Bird or if you're curious to learn about Native American animal totems and music circles, check out two opportunities we're offering to participate hands-on with Arvel in a drumming and/or flute circle. You're encouraged to bring a percussion instrument or flute for the themed workshop, and if you don't have an instrument, or don't know how to play, no problem! Wear comfortable clothing, bring a mat or blanket and come anyway.

The first half of each workshop will focus on how indigenous tribes used animal “medicine” or “wisdom,” and how—through Arvel’s guided meditation—individuals can learn to find and connect with their power animal. He promises the music circles to be a "fun and healing time to connect to the Creator with movement and rhythm."

As there's a lot of local interest in Arvel, we're encouraging pre-registration by April 1 for the following Friends of Ganondagan-sponsored events:

Saturday, April 9 from 1-3 pm, “Animal Totems and Drumming Circle Workshop”
Thursday, April 14 from 7-9 pm, “Animal Totems and Flute Circle Workshop”

Both workshops will take place at the Quaker Meetinghouse (workshops not affiliated with the Quakers), at 84 Scio Street, corner of Scio and Charlotte.

To register, or for more information, visit www.ganondagan.org/programs/ArvelBird.html or call
585-742-1690.

And, as an extra incentive, our Friends of Ganondagan (FoG) members receive a $2 discount off the ticket price for Arvel ’s April 17 violin and flute concert with the Rochester Chamber Orchestra (David Fetler conducting) at 3:00 pm at the Hochstein Performance Hall. To receive this discount, FoG members should call Julie Doescher at the RCO Box Office, 585-442-9778. Arvel will premiere The Path Made of Rainbow, a work he wrote for the RCO and the Bach Children’s Chorus, which describes the Paiute story of how the Grand Canyon came to be.

Friends of Ganondagan is making some of Arvel's recordings available for purchase. Click here.

Hope to see you!

A sweet treat

2011-02-14T09:36:00.001-05:00

With it being the mid-February holiday of St. Valentine's Day, we thought we would share a sweet treat with you. We've added a recipe for Strawberry Pan Cake to our recipe page. If you don't already have a gift for the one close to your heart, this homemade dessert may show them how much you care.

Of note, the recipe we are sharing came from the book Enduring Harvests by E. Barrie Kavasch. This is a terrific book filled with Native American recipes. The book is organized by seasons and festivals. The recipes are from many different Nations and feature a variety of indigenous foods. Various anecdotes and history accompany each recipe. What a great way to learn the culture, history, and tastes of Turtle Island! Purchase your copy of this book by clicking the link included...

Of note, Winter has been bitter as of late. But the signs of Spring have already started to show. Warm weather birds have been seen and heard. May we hope for an early and gentle Spring!

-kim

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program

2011-01-19T09:29:00.002-05:00

Our good friend Dr. Les Moore is offering the next part of his Botanical Medicine Certificate Program. This program is an excellent way to learn more about medicinal plants and their usage. Check the information below for course and registration details. Please contact Classical Formulas with any questions you might have.

I've included a link to my favorite reference book on the medicinal plants that grow wild in this area, A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: Of Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guide). May you enjoy it as much as I have!

-kim

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program

Medical Herbalism Part II
January 20 – February 17, 2011

Medicinal Calendula

This Course is the second in a series of three herbal study programs to be offered at Clifton Springs Hospital through the Integrative Medicine department, The Botanical Medicine Institute, and Classical Formulas. While each series has a similar format, they will contain different information. These classes are appropriate for health care providers, people employed in health related businesses or anyone interested in Herbalism.

Dr. Moore and herbalists from Classical Formulas Herbal Medicinary will instruct these classes. Dr. Moore has a life-long interest and extensive education in the field of Herbalism, both Western and Eastern.

You may register for the whole series or at the beginning of each class. Students may begin ANY series at ANY time with no prerequisites of the previous series. Each series is a stand-alone module. Students completing all three of the series (Parts I, II & III) will receive a certificate upon course completion. To be certain you have a place in class please register early, as class size is limited.

Tuition is $120 or $20 per class. Contact Classical Formulas for Registration at 315-462-0190 by January 18th.

Female Gingko Tree w/nuts
(Highland Park)

PLEASE NOTE: All classes are held on Thursdays at Clifton Springs Hospital from 6:30-8:30 pm with the exception of the herb walk on Saturday January 29th, 2011 held at Lamberton Conservatory at 10:00am.

Course Descriptions

Class 1 – Botanical Medicine/Single Herbs–January 20th, 2011
Learn about herbs and homeopathy used for stress, immune stimulation and for combating specifically colds and influenza. Will also cover single herbs for traditional Indian medicine, (Ayurvedic Medicine).

Class 2 – Herb Pairs/Drug Interaction and Materia Medica for Children – January 27th, 2011
This class will focus on paired herbs that are therapeutic for specific conditions. Information on interactions that can occur between medicines and herbs will also be discussed as well as herbal dosages for children. Will also cover Ayurvedic herbs for children.

Class 3 – Plant Identification/Herb Walk – January 29th, 2011

Native medicinal - Pokeweed

This class will be a 3+ hour walk to identify plants in the Lamberton Conservatory located in Highland Park. This is essentially a green house so temperature will be comfortable without a heavy jacket.

Class 4 – Herbal Medicine Making – February 3rd, 2011
Learn how herbs are used to create various herbal therapeutics. Participate in some hands on preparation of herbal formulas.

Class 5 – Herbal Formulas/Modifications – February 10th, 2011
This class will focus on herbal formulas and how the herbs in each formulas work on the body and how they can be modified to fit a specific condition or person. Discussion of how the pulse and tongue can be used to diagnose a condition. Will also cover Ayurvedic herbal formulas.

Class 6 – Homeopathy and First Aid – February 17th, 2011
Learn how homeopathic remedies are used for first aid, and many other conditions. Will also cover first aid from Ayurvedic medicine.

Welcoming the Green into Your Life

2011-01-12T19:13:00.004-05:00

As I look out my window, I see the snow softly falling. It has snowed all day and has left our Mother Earth covered in a blanket of pure, unblemished white. Some find this cold season dismal and depressing. I don't. I know the Earth needs this quiet season to rest and I also know that many of our most beloved native plants and wildflowers need the conditions of the season so their seeds will germinate.

Native Corn Variety - Dakota Black Popcorn

But most of all, this time of the year is one in which I dream of warm sunny days and my fingers working the dark, rich earth. Yes, I am a gardener, a lover of green growing things, and a tender of the soil. Winter is a terrific time for planning gardens and starting seeds. I know my own mailbox has blossomed with all manner of seed, plant, and gardening catalogs.

January is often a time of new promises and goals for the year. I encourage everyone to add planting a garden this year to your list of 2011 goals. For those with health goals this year, please know that gardening is a terrific activity for your health - see an article I wrote here on this topic. Gardening also allows you to reconnect to millennia-old traditions of sowing seeds, tending the soil, and partaking of the fruits of your labor - whether you be a gardener of flowers, herbs, or vegetables. To help you in this endeavor, I'll share some of my favorite sources with you. All of these places have online store fronts and many have print catalogs free upon request.

My best wishes for you in 2011. May you find beauty, joy, happiness, and peace in your gardens and may that extend to the rest of your life. Namaste.

-kim

Vegetables/Food Crops

Heirloom Tomatoes from my 2010 garden

Nothing is better than a tomato fresh from the garden, still warm from the sun's kiss that is sprinkled with a little sea salt. And so I encourage everyone to grow their own foods. Many food plants are ornamental in their own right and can easily slip into your flower beds if you do not have dedicated vegetable spaces. I also encourage everyone to seek out heirloom/heritage seeds, some of which are of direct Native origins. These are wonderful and tasty departures from the bland and tasteless vegetables that crowd grocery shelves. They will certainly be at home in your 3-Sister Garden.

Abundant Life Seeds - Organic and biodynamic vegetable seeds
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds - One of my favorite heirloom seed sources. Some Native varieties. The owners of Baker Creek recently bought the historic Comstock Seeds company.
Comstock Seeds - A 200 year old tradition of selling seeds being relaunched by new owners (website coming soon)
Johnny's Selected Seeds - A wide range of vegetable and herb seed. No genetically modified seed.
Miller Nurseries - A local company that specializes in fruit tree, shrubs, and plants. Get a variety of plants and varieties including strawberries and blueberries here.
Pinetree Garden Seeds - A favorite place to get not only a wide range of vegetable varieties but a place to get small amounts of seed for a small price which is a wonderful way to test out a variety
Raintree Nursery - All manner of fruit-bearing plants and trees are available here including juneberries, strawberries, and blueberries
Seed Savers - Heirloom vegetable seeds incl. some Native varieties
Seeds of Change - Organic vegetable, flower, and herb seed. Some Native varieties like the Dakota Black Popcorn I grew last year.
Territorial Seed Company - A wide range of heirloom, open pollinated, and hybrid vegetable varieties. No genetically modified or treated seed.
Totally Tomato - Can't find a particular tomato or pepper variety elsewhere? Find it here.
Terroir Seeds - Heirloom and open-pollinated seeds including the Cherokee "White Eagle" corn I grew in 2009. This special seed made the trip over the Trail of Tears.

Herbs/Medicinal Plants

White Baneberry - Poisonous & medicinal

Whether the herbs you grow are to season your food in the kitchen or are to keep you healthy, these are powerful members of the plant kingdom. Last week I had the pleasure to catch the podcast "Bringing Seeds to the People" by Richo Cech Herbalist and owner of Horizon Herbs. That combined along the current book I'm reading, Sacred Plant Medicine: The Wisdom in Native American Herbalism by Stephen Buhner has re-energized my desire to plant medicinal plants this season.

Horizon Herbs - Medicinal plants and seeds of many herbal traditions
Nichols Garden Nusery - A nice selection of culinary herb and vegetable seed
Richters - A wonderful source for medicinal plants of all sorts from nearby Toronto

Flower Gardening

I don't do much ornamental gardening these days but I do always slip some flowers into the vegetable beds to attract pollinators.

Select Seeds - Get antique flower seeds from this company including some of my favorite poppy varieties

Native Plants

Joe Pye Weed - A native beauty

I can't stress enough how important it is to welcome these plants into your life and gardens. Many have become rare in their native ranges. These plants are ideally suited to our growing conditions and they offer beauty, balanced habitats, medicines, and more. See plantnative.org for more details about growing native plants.

Forest Farm - While shipping from the westcoast is costly, this is a wonderful place to find many hard to find plants, trees, and shrubs.
Musser Forests - A nice place to get many native trees and shrubs in small amounts or quantity in nearby Pennsylvania
Prairie Moon Nursery - One of the best native plant and seed sources around.

Return of the Sun

2010-12-02T11:35:00.003-05:00

Winter Sun at Fort Hill (Ganondagan)

It seems as though it was only yesterday that I was writing about the great wheel of the year turning and I was looking forward to the summer solstice. Now the winter solstice is nearly upon us and it is clear, the wheel certainly doesn't stop nor slow for anyone.

The winter solstice is the longest night of the year and it is also the day that marks the return of the sun - a time when our daylight hours will again begin to grow. At first the lengthening of our daylight is imperceptible. But with time it grows and in only 3 short months it is the spring equinox and the earth has begun to warm enough that the first signs of the approaching spring may be seen.

And so I suppose it is only right that this very special time of the year has traditionally been filled with sacred observances and as well as festivals of light in many cultures across the globe and throughout the centuries. I've included a few links to various observances, solstice information, and stories of the sun coming to the world below.

In looking for information to share, I came across a quote from Dante's Paradiso, "la luce divina e penetrante per l’universo secondo ch’e degno.” Translated it means, “the divine light penetrates the universe according to its dignity.” Divine light penetrating the universe - I can think of no better way to describe the return of the sun.

-kim

For more please see,

Canandaigua Treaty Keynote Speaker Oren Lyons

2010-10-21T09:59:00.005-04:00

When I first heard that Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, would be the keynote speaker at this year's commemoration on Thursday, November 11 of the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794, it brought back my first experience hearing this quietly charismatic and visionary man. In the summer of 1991, I happened to catch Oren's interview with PBS television host Bill Moyers. I was taken with Oren's tremendous historical knowledge and perspective, his awareness of the importance of bringing the past into the present with consideration for the future, and of his tremendous sense of responsibility in his role as Faithkeeper. (A year later, he addressed the General Assembly of the United Nation, where he opened the International Year of the World's Indigenous People.)

It is remarkable that one man has done so much for so many. The awards he's received for his range of accomplishments is stunning: the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor; the National Audubon Award; the Earth Day International Award of the United Nations; the Elder and Wiser Award from the Rosa Parks Institute for Human Rights; and the Universal Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations.

As if that's not enough for one man, this author, artist, and professor also received an Honorary Doctor of Law from Syracuse University, and was an All-American lacrosse player at S.U., receiving Man of the Year in Lacrosse by the NCAA.

So, on Thursday, November 11, I'll be there at the 216th commemoration of the Canandaigua Treaty between the Six Nations and the United States, rededicating the agreement that secures perpetual peace and friendship between the two. And I'll be grabbing a front-row seat to hear Oren. Hope you'll be there too for what I know will be an unforgettable experience.

Fall Beauty

2010-10-20T16:03:00.002-04:00

Perhaps I'm a bit partial, but I think New York State has the best Autumns. The leaf color is amazing. Warm days, crisp evenings. Fall activities are full of unique experiences and fun that are free or for very little cost. Crunchy apples and tangy cider and "sincere pumpkin patches" with pumpkins as far as the eye can see. Be sure to take in some of these wonderful Fall sights, sounds, and flavors.

In planning your Fall experiences, be sure to include Ganondagan. We have miles of trails lined with some of the most specular trees for fall color - oaks, maples, sassafras, dogwood, and more. The late fruit producing trees and shrubs like spicebush, hawthorn, and dogwood add their brilliant berries to the tapestry. Late Fall blooming plants like asters, goldenrod, and witch hazel can be seen.

Animals such as geese that are starting their yearly migrations, can be seen flying overhead. Deer are taking on their more gray winter coats and are in the midst of their yearly courtship rituals. The last of the butterflies as well as other small visitors such as spiders and toads can be seen.

Fungi of unusual shapes, sizes, and colors dot the woodland trails. Some of them are quite beautiful while others look as if they are from another world.

The Ganondagan State Historic closes for the season at the end of October. While the trails are open year-round, the site (giftshop, longhouse, etc.) will close at the end of October. This leaves you a very short window if you had planned to visit this year.

I would suggest making a day of it. Pack a picnic lunch and bring your camera on your visit to Ganondagan. Take in the sights and sounds. Smell the crisp Autumn air with the pleasantly acrid background scent of fallen leaves. See the flaming colors of the maple and sassafras. Walk the trails and revel in the serene fall beauty.

After you've finished your visit with us, be sure to check out one of the other nearby fall fun locations. Check out our neighbor the Apple Farm for fresh apples, cider, wagon rides, and lots of family fun in the U-pick orchard. Long Acres Farms in Macedon operates one of the best corn mazes around not to mention they offer a wide range of other family fun activities. Bristol Mountain operates their ski chair lifts to give visitors "Sky Rides" that offer an unrivaled view of the beauty that is the Finger Lakes in fall. And Sonnenberg Gardens is also nearing the end of their season and will also close at the end of October. Besides touring their gorgeous gardens and estate, they are offering special "Mansion Mystery" events. Because Ganondagan is so conveniently located, all these other fall attraction locations are within a short drive of the site.

Please come and enjoy what a New York fall has to offer!

-kim

Two Ganondagan Events with Amy Stewart & Jan Longboat

2010-09-28T22:02:00.001-04:00

This weekend Ganondagan will be hosting two events that feature Amy Stewart, the best-selling author of Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities and Jan Kahehti:io Longboat, Mohawk Elder and Keeper of Earth Healing Herb Gardens and Retreat Centre at Six Nation.

Our "Wild & Wicked Dinner" is the first event and it is friday night October 1 from 6-9pm. The dinner will be will held be an intimate setting in a beautiful private home in Mendon, NY and will feature a delicious night of wicked, wild, and powerful plants where you will get an opportunity to meet both Amy and Jan as well as dine on sumptuous dishes featuring foods native to the Americas. The evening will also feature a book-signing with Ms. Stewart.

The second event, The Good, the Bad and the Powerful: Native Plants and Healing Seminar, is the next day on Saturday October 2. It will feature discussions by both Amy Stewart and Jan Longboat on the plants used for healing as well as those plants that can kill us - and sometimes a killer and a healer exists in the same plant. Come learn about our powerful green neighbors. Amy will also be on hand for a book signing.

Please see our "Wild & Wicked Dinner" webpage for videos of both Amy and Jan. They are very enjoyable and you will surely not want to miss these events! But if you do not hurry you will miss out. Registration for both events close Wednesday 9/29! Call to register or register on-line!

-kim

Charlie's Old Goat Run Pictures

2010-09-20T18:42:00.002-04:00

Here's a great slide show of the race photos - it makes you feel like you were there! Enjoy!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=584435050903%3A960193747&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee

-kim

Charlie's Old Goat Trail Run - Results!

2010-09-20T07:21:00.001-04:00

Saturday September 18th was one of those rare gifts in Western NY at this time of the year - absolutely beautiful temperature, brilliant sun, and in a word, perfect. It was a perfect day for the running of Charlie's Old Goat Trail Run.

The proceeds from the race benefited the Friends of Ganondagan - a huge Nya:weh [thank you] to all who ran, cheered others on, organized the event, and the sponsors of the event!! It's the generosity of people like you who make everything we do at Ganondagan possible!

Let's give a big hand to the top 5 runners from this year's race:

Charlie Andrews
DDennis Vankerhave
Tim Howland
Martin Coffey
Michelle Weiler

Great job one and all!

The Friends of Ganondagan and the staff at Ganondagan State Historic Site would like to express our thanks to Charlie and Sara Sabatine who worked so hard to organize this fund raiser for Ganondagan. NYA:WEH!

Please join us in thanking all the sponsors of this year's race as well:

Advent Auto, Apple Farm,

Austin-Spencer Collision, Biaggi's,

BJ's, Champps, Charlie's Restaurant,

Dibella's, The Distillery,

Eastern Mountain Sports, Fleet Feet Sports,

Gander Mountain, Hogan's Hideaway,

Longhorn Steakhouse, Marketplace Liquor,
Medved, Merle Norman, Metlife,

Mickey Finn's, Olive Garden,
Parkview Fairways, Pellegrino's, Starbucks,

Tri Running & Walking, Target, Tim Horton's,

Victor Advanced Chiropractic,

Victor Cole & Lumber
Victor Hills Golf Club, Wade's Market,

Walmart, Wegmans, Wendy's

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program - Herbalism I

2010-09-13T08:52:00.002-04:00

This Fall Dr. Les Moore will be teaching the next part of his herbal medicine certificate program. The Fall series of classes also features a guided trail walk at Ganondagan where wild medicinal plants are identified and discussed.

The walk, as well as the other classes in the series, are excellent and I highly recommend them - I have personally taken the entire series as well as completing an apprenticeship with Dr. Moore.

While no books are required for the classes or the walk, Peterson's Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Foster and Duke is an excellent reference book for students of herbal medicine as well as people who want to know more about those "weeds" in their lawn which are more than just weeds. It is the most often referenced herb book in my personal library and I've included a link to the right for you to check out more about the book.

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program - Medical Herbalism Part I
September 23rd – October 21st 2010

This Course is the first in a series of three herbal study programs to be offered at Clifton

Bloodroot

Springs Hospital through the Integrative Medicine department, The Botanical Medicine Institute, and Classical Formulas. While each series has a similar format, they will contain different information. These classes are appropriate for health care providers, people employed in health related businesses or anyone interested in Herbalism.

Dr. Moore along with herbalists from the Classical Formulas Herbal Medicinary will instruct these classes. Dr. Moore has a life-long interest and extensive education in the field of Herbalism, both Western and Eastern.

Register for the whole course or for class sessions separately, if you wish. Each class meeting can be taken independently, with no prerequisite. Students completing all three of the series (Parts I, II & III) will receive a certificate of course completion. To be certain you have a place in class, please register early.

Location: See individual class descriptions

Tuition: $120 or $20/class

Contact Classical Formulas for Registration: 315-462-0190

Blue Cohosh

Class 1 – Basic Herbal Therapeutics and Materia Medica
Learn about the historical uses of plant and their extensive studies reflected in “Materia Medica”, a standard reference. Topics of discussion will include origins, methods of preparation, the chemical construction and constituents, general physical characteristics, preparations, dosage and general influence on the body. Thursday, September 23rd 2010 at 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Class 2 – Plant Identification and Herb Walk
Take a 3+ hour walk in the woods to identify plants in your surroundings. Learn about their habitat, history and uses. Meet Ganondagan in Victor. Bring water and snack, dress for the weather and wear appropriate walking footwear. Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 9 a.m., Ganondagan, Victor, NY

Class 3 – Herb Pairs and Drug-Herb Interaction
This class will focus on paired herbs that are therapeutic for specific conditions. Information on interactions that can occur between medicines and herbs will also be discussed. Thursday, September 30th 2010 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Witch hazel

Class 4 – Herbal Medicine Making
Hands on instruction will include herbal infusion, decoctions and fomentations. Thursday, October 7th 2010 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Class 5 – Herbal Formulas and Modifications
Herbs used in herbal formulas can act synergistically and can be tailored for each unique individual, even as a person or environment changes. This class will consider how formulas can be used and altered to address specific changes. Thursday, October 14th 2010 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Class 6 – Herbal Therapeutics and First aid
Learn how herbs are used for first aid care, immune system building and gastrointestinal disorders. Thursday, October 21st 2010 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

2010 Educators' Day - Iroquois Confederacy

2010-08-12T12:41:00.001-04:00

Ganondagan's Educators' Day is our annual conference that focuses on a particular theme related to the history and/or culture of the Iroquois people.

This year's conference will be held on 8/26 and will feature the theme "The Iroquois Confederacy."

While the event is geared for teachers and other educators, anyone may register and attend. Life-long learners are always welcome!

There is limited seating so register soon or you may miss out on this year's event!

For further information or to register, please see our Educators' Day webpage at:

www.ganondagan.org/programs/EducatorsDay.html

-kim

The Three Sisters Garden

2010-08-11T08:13:00.001-04:00

If you haven't been to Ganondagan and taken a look at the 3 Sisters Garden this season you should. It has been a truly wonderful season for the garden. Between the weather and all the effort put into it, the garden is stunning! This year the garden also features signs for the vegetables that have both the English and Seneca names.

Tonia Loran-Galban has took the following picture of the garden in which you can see how lush and vigorous the corn, tomatoes, sunflowers, and pumpkins are!

-kim

Native American Dance & Music Festival and More!

2010-07-18T10:45:00.003-04:00

Our Native American Dance & Music Festival is next weekend! We are excited because we think that this is one of the best festivals we have ever had! We think everyone will enjoy the Navajo Codetalkers and The Plateros not to mention all the other festivities we have planned. Please see our Dance & Music Festival webpage for the festival program which includes the complete festival schedule as well as information on the various acts and attractions, driving directions, and more.

If you visit our webpages, you will also notice a new icon/link on the left-hand side of the screen for Amazon. If you shop at Amazon, please consider navigating to Amazon via this link. Your shopping experience at Amazon is completely the same, but the Friends of Ganondagan can earn money from any purchases made.

We also have created a Ganondagan Online Store that features Iroquois and other Native American books, DVD's, and CD's. We have stocked the online store with suggestions from staff and friends for high quality items that our friends and members would enjoy. We even added a special Codetalker product page if you would like to read more about the Navajo Codetalkers or see one of the videos available. By the way - if there are books, movies, or music you would like to see us carry, please send us an email and let us know!

Thanks and hope to see you at the festival!

-kim

Native American Dance & Music Festival Video

2010-07-06T08:30:00.002-04:00

Haven't been to one of our Native American Dance & Music Festivals yet? Perhaps you want to see who are our special guest performers this year? Or maybe you just want a little something to get you excited to attend again? Well, I've got just the thing for you - check out the following video!

-kim

Berries, Berries, Berries!

2010-06-28T12:01:00.003-04:00

While the season for wild strawberries has passed, more wild berries have come into season - black raspberries (aka "black caps"), juneberries, and mulberries. We're enjoying all three of these berries at my place. The wild black raspberry bushes are a bit sparse this year at my place - some years are just better than others. But the black raspberries we have managed to pick are really wonderful tasting. My grandfather was a dairy farmer and loved the wild berries he would pick with fresh cream. It must be in the blood because if I'm not eating them fresh out-of-hand, I like them with good quality vanilla ice cream.

Juneberries (aka serviceberries, saskatoons) are not known by as many people as black caps but they should be. They are a wonderful treat with their blueberry-like flavor and almond aftertaste. I honestly don't understand why more people don't plant serviceberries in their lawns and gardens. They are a beautiful Spring bloomer, produce copious amounts of tasty fruit, and are an attractively shaped hardy and pest-free, native bush/small tree. Plus if you have the "wrong" soil for blueberries like me, these are a great alternative.

Mulberries are another little known fruit in the US. The North American native mulberry species is the Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) but most "wild" mulberries trees are actually a cross of the introduced White Mulberry (Morus alba) and the Red Mulberry. Either way, these medium-sized trees produce oodles of fruit that are loved at my house by every bird in the area as well as the humans! The mulberry fruit tastes like...well, a mulberry! But I guess it can be best described as being similar in taste to a raspberry. I've heard people curse these trees in their landscape because the dropped fruit is "messy." I think they are incredibly silly and my suggestion to them is to pick the fruit and eat it or use it for their favorite berry recipe. One of the best tasting pies I have *EVER* made was a mulberry pie made with berries from our trees.

So to get you wanting to do some berry picking of your own, here is a Berry Cobbler recipe. Use your favorite berries and enjoy!

Berry Cobbler

2 cups fresh berries of your choice, cleaned & drained
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cups water

Cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Beat until smooth. Pour evenly into 2 quart buttered casserole. Spoon berries over batter. Mix 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over fruit. Pour water over the top. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 - 50 minutes. During baking, fruit and juice will go to the bottom and a cake-like layer forms on the top. Serve warm with ice cream or whip cream. Serves 6-8.

By the way, if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our Recipes page. We are always adding more recipes of foods that are indigenous to the Americas.

-kim

The Wheel Keeps Turning

2010-06-17T16:55:00.006-04:00

Monday is the Summer Solstice - well, Monday at 7:29am to be exact for our location. It is a special day - it is the longest day and shortest night of the year. After Monday, our days begin to get shorter again and keep doing so until the Winter Solstice in December.

With each solstice, equinox, and some of the other seasonal year markers like May Day and Halloween, I take note of the specialness of the day. It makes me feel different. It makes me feel part of something bigger and I guess I am since I am a passenger on our great Mother Earth as she makes another circle around the Sun.

Depending upon the season I celebrate the day in different ways - for May Day, I visit a park and enjoy the Spring wildflowers and the regreening of the Earth. For the Winter Solstice, I go outside at night and let the quiet stillness of Winter and the icy, twinkling stars fill me. And since the Summer Solstice is all about the Sun, I rise as early as I can to greet the Sun as it sets off to make its journey across the sky.

Our ancestors throughout history and throughout the world have also taken special note of these times as well. Not only did they take note, but they built markers, monuments, and sacred sites to note our yearly path around the sun and other astronomical events. They created giant calenders and celestial observatories made out of stone, wood, and earth - some of these surviving to our modern day.

The ancient Britons built Stonehenge, Newgrange, and others. The Mayans built the pyramid "El Castillo" at Chitzen Itza where shadows on the Fall and Spring equinoxes make the "serpent come down from the sky." And many others throughout the ages and around the world including those created by Native Americans. The picture above is of Medicine Wheel in Big Horn County, Wyoming. It is a precolumbian stone structure known as a "medicine wheel" and it is one of many such structures throughout North America that were built by Native Americans. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is also one of these ancient stone and earth calendars. It marks the Summer Solstice as well as the rising of the stars Sirius, Aldebaran, and Rigel. And without a doubt, this site will herald in the Summer Solstice this upcoming Monday.

So while you may not have Stonehenge in your backyard or the Bighorn Medicine Wheel around the corner, the Sun will rise above your home just the same as these special places come Monday. Rise early. Greet the Sun and be thankful for the Sun's warming rays. Be thankful for being a passenger on the great yearly trip around the Sun once more. Be thankful for all the blessings that are yours. And if you have a special place in your yard or garden, take 2 sticks. Push one into the ground. And as the Sun breaks the horizon Monday morning, line up the Sun, the first stick and the second stick. Push the second stick into the ground. Later find two special rocks and replace the sticks with those rocks. They will mark not only the Summer Solstice for you all year long but the blessings you have to be thankful for as well.

-kim

Wild Strawberries - Red Ambrosia

2010-06-07T22:19:00.001-04:00

Have you had any wild strawberries yet?

I picked some tonight and shared with my children. Mmmmm...nothing like them. Strawberries are something that "bigger is not always better" definitely applies to. The wild strawberry has so much favor and sweetness packed into that tiny red berry. Those red behemoths that you find on your grocer's shelves so pale in comparison in every way save the size.

Home-grown strawberries are better than the usual supermarket fare so if you don't have access to wild strawberries (which many don't) or your own strawberry patch, find homegrown strawberries at your local farmers' market or a U-pick farm. And I do recommend picking your own. There's nothing like harvesting your own food - whether it be wild grown or cultivated. And share the experience with the young ones in your life. Teach them about growing and harvesting food. Their life will be richer for it.

A few sweet facts about strawberries.....

One of the ceremonies of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) ceremonial year celebrates the strawberry
The strawberry is not a berry at all. It is an Accessory fruit
The cultivated garden strawberry is a cross between 2 New World strawberry species
Strawberry leaves make a nice tea
The strawberry is a member of the Rose family
The strawberry is the only fruit to have its seeds on the outside
Strawberries are grown in every state in the United States and every province in Canada
The US is the top producer of strawberries in the World
Strawberries have 9 vitamins & minerals (Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Vitamin C, Folate, Vitamin A) and their leaves Vitamins C and K.
94% of US households consume strawberries
The strawberry is recognized as representing absolute perfection in the Victorian language of flowers

Strawberries have a very short season - approximately 2 weeks near the Summer Solstice
The wild strawberry was the first plant to colonize the rim of Mount St. Helens after its 1980 eruption
The strawberry is of the genus Fragaria. The word, 'fragaria' comes from the Latin word meaning fragrant
The strawberry plant was used medicinally in Europe and by the Native peoples of North America

So go pick a few strawberries. And if you want them the way I like them best (other than fresh out of hand!) is to simply slice them and serve them over good vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

-kim

The Planting Moon

2010-05-27T17:00:00.002-04:00

Hopefully this day finds you in your gardens enjoying the sun and planting seeds. Today is the "Planting Moon" and those following lunar cycles to plant, find this an auspicious day full of fecundity and vitality for the newly planted seed.

Perhaps you know it already, but each full moon goes by many different names around the world. Many of these names indicate seasonal activities or traits of the season, such as the "Planting Moon" or the "Harvest Moon." Check out this link for a list of some the full moon names.

And if you haven't yet planted your seeds, this long holiday weekend is a perfect time. Rather than going to the beach or picnics at a park, this is exactly how I usually spend my holiday weekend - in the sun and dirt with seeds in my hands.

And if you are looking to add the littlest of the Three Sisters (beans) to your garden this year, here's a suggestion from my vegetable garden. My vegetable seeds (last year's leftovers and new seeds for the year) used to be kept in a shoebox. Well, I went past them fitting in a large moving box long ago. One of my problems is that I end up with 6 seeds of this or 12 of that leftover - not enough for a row of any thing but I save them anyways. I think there is something criminal about throwing out seeds so I never do it. But seeds don't last forever. Although outside some notable exceptions, most seeds retain decent viability for 2-3 years.

So unless you get exactly the same varieties of a vegetable each year, you'll have leftovers like me. Take those tiny handfuls of seeds from previous seasons mix them and plant a row. The most enjoyable rows of beans I ever grew were the rows of pole beans I grew the last two years where I did just this. The rows were highly productive over a long period since all the varieties mature at slightly different rates. And the mixed bean harvest had a variety of color and taste on the dinner plate.

And on that subject....if you are not already a fan of pole beans, I urge you to try some this year. Most gardeners have more desire for plants than garden space. Pole beans are an excellent producer for the small footprint they take up in the garden. They grow up, not out. You sow them rather thickly and let them climb. You don't need anything fancy or complicated for them to climb on. Long sticks and poles work just fine and hey, those do grow on trees!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend and join me (at least in spirit) in the sun and rich earth of the garden!

-kim

Native Plant Smackdown

2010-05-12T12:33:00.003-04:00

While reading a forum on native plants a few weeks back I came across a link to the article Garden Smackdown - Roll Call: Native Plants in my Garden. The article was a challenge was to list and share what native plants were growing in your garden. I found this an interesting idea since I have dedicated my gardening and planting energies over the last 10 years to one of 3 categories - food, medicinal, and native plants. So I've made a list of the native plants growing at my home that I or the previous owner planted or have encouraged to grow. There are many benefits to growing natives - hardy & pest resistant, support native fauna (like butterflies), need little special care once established, and many are simply beautiful. I've separated the plants into multiple lists to help you if you would like to try these in your gardens - which I strongly encourage!

Need more info: What are native plants? and How to and why to plant native plants

Sun-loving Perennials:
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
Tennessee Purple Coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis)

Yellow Coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa)
Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Asters - multiple varieties (Asters spp.)
Goldenrod - multiple varieties (Solidago spp.)
Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis)
Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum)
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra)
Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosa)
Perennial Sunflower (Helianthus maximillian)
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa)
Black-eyed-Susan (Rudebeckia hirta)
Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea)
Mountain Mint (Pycanthemum virginianum)
Cherokee Sweet Mint (Pycanthemum incanum)
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)
Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum)
Wild Qinine (Parthenium integrifolium)

Shade-loving, Woodland Perennials:

Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Labrador Violet (Viola labradorica)
Red Trillium (Trillium erectum)
White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
Prairie Trillium (Trillium recurvatum)
Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum peltatum)

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)
Ramps (Allium tricoccum)
American Spikenard (Aralia urticifolia)

Partial Sun/Shade Perennials:
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)

Woody Plants - Trees/Shrubs:
Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Sweet Birch (Betula lenta)
Sweet Shrub (Calycanthus floridus)

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)
Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)
Grey Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
American Hazel (Corylus americana)
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
High Bush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)
Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

Vines:
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Feel free to post your own native plants list (via a comment to this post) or perhaps let us know how the plants you purchased from the native plant vendors we had at our Native American Dance & Music Festival last year are doing.

If you are feeling a bit confused and would love to read more, my favorite book on native plants of this region is Native Plants of the Northeast by Donald Leopold. I've included a link to the right for this book. Enjoy and go native!

-kim

Recycle Craft - Plant Markers

2010-05-05T14:18:00.007-04:00

Traditionally Native peoples, like all early cultures, made the utmost use of the materials at hand. There were no Mega-Marts. No pre-fab kits. You made what you needed or perhaps traded with someone who could. So beyond just the respect for Mother Earth and her finite resources, I think recycle crafts are a modern incarnation of that ancient creative and ingenious spirit of our ancestors to use, re-use, and re-purpose materials at hand for all their needs.

The following is a simple recycle craft to create plant markers or labels out of containers that would have been otherwise thrown in the recycle bins.

Materials Needed:
• Plastic container -
#2 plastic 1-gallon works best
• Scissors
• Permanent Markers

1.) Clean and dry containers as needed.

2.) Using sturdy craft scissors or kitchen shears, cut sections out of the container. Cutting along corners to maximize flat usable surfaces is best.

Cut off the bottom and save.

3.) Cut the sections into strips. The exact size is up to you. For the example shown here, the strips were approximately an inch wide.

If there are curves or uneven spots, do not worry. The last step addresses that.

4.) Make two cuts at the end of each strip to create a point.

5.) Use a permanent marker to write the plant's name or other information on the label.

Since I try lots of different heirloom varieties of vegetables each year, I use lots of these markers in seed starting!

6.)After the permanent marker has dried, fold or crease the stake lengthwise. This will address any curved parts of the plant marker, give the label some stability, and will make these markers easier to push into the soil.

7.) Label your plants and enjoy. Note: the permanent marker will fade if used outdoors. I get a growing season out of these before they are too faded. If you live in very hot or sunny location, you may get less time before fading.

8.) The bottom saved earlier in an earlier step can be used too. I use it as a saucer for some of those young potted seedlings!

I hope you enjoyed this simple craft. If you have recycle ideas to share, post a link in the comments to this article or send them to us at friends@frontiernet.net. Thanks!

-kim

Beat a Drum for Ganondagan Rally

2010-04-23T18:06:00.002-04:00

We hope you could make it to our Beat a Drum for Ganondagan Rally today. It was a gorgeous day - sun and blue skies with the cherry, apple, and serviceberry trees in bloom. The day was made all the more special and beautiful by all the friends and supporters who came to show their support for Ganondagan!

At the rally Perry Ground, President of the Friends of Ganondagan, spoke, shared stories, sang, and introduced our guest speakers. All our speakers and supporters were of the same mind - a treasure like Ganondagan can not be allowed to vanish! Even the hawk that flew overhead lent his support to our cause.

If you were not able to attend, let me be the first to share with you excellent news - the Seneca Nation of Indians has committed to the full amount of money that is needed to allow the site to open on May 1st for the season! NYA:WEH! [Thank you!] The money will be used for all the costs associated with opening the site for the season.

Nya:weh to all those that have generously opened their hearts and pocketbooks to financially support us as well! We will use your generous donations in support of the site and the programming which we offer to you.

Even though we have the money to open, please do not let up your pressure on your elected officials. The state budget must pass and insure the state parks and historic sites can not only open but remain open for the season. The money that we have collected and that has been pledged to us thus far will enable us to open but we require the state to pass a budget that supports us for the rest of the season.

Nya:weh to all our supporters, rally attendees, friends, donors, and well-wishers!

-kim

Birdwatching at Ganondagan

2010-04-14T11:00:00.002-04:00

My eyes are usually down while trail walking. I'm a self-proclaimed "plant nerd" and looking down is the way to spot all the interesting plants along the way. But I must admit that last week while trail walking at Ganondagan that my eyes were often brought up. Spring is a wonderful time not only to see and enjoy wildflowers, it is also a great time to do some birdwatching.

While I can identify hundreds of plants and trees, I am no birder. The birds I can identify by sight and song are rather limited but even I could recognize the wonderful collection of birds that I could see or hear along my hike. I knew it would be a good day for seeing our feathered friends when a male bluebird warbled at me from his perch atop the bark longhouse.

In my travels I saw or heard many birds but I can only identify a few. Those few included: bluebirds, ring-necked pheasant (I was close enough to hear him drum his wings after his call), chickadees, crows, blue-jays, flickers, woodpeckers (heard, not seen!), canada goose, tree swallows, and robins. There were others, but not ones I knew.

I included a link to my favorite bird field guide, Peterson Field Guides Eastern Birds. It's a great guide to take on trail walks that covers all the birds you would most likely see at Ganondagan. It has color pictures and brief descriptions for each bird with a format that is friendly to the beginner as well as more experienced bird watchers.

I've also included a link to an audio CD, Birding by Ear: Eastern and Central North America. Sometimes you never see the bird, but you certainly can hear them. And unless it is a mockingbird (who I can hear right now singing outside my window), the bird songs are pretty distinctive for each species. My mockingbird friend does the bird world's "Greatest Hits" for me - he serenades me with bluebird and other distinctive bird calls that are not his own!

Whether it is Ganondagan's trails or your own backyard, I hope you can get out and enjoy the beauty and song of our avian friends!

-kim

Spring Ephemerals at Ganondagan

2010-04-08T16:03:00.004-04:00

Spring Ephemeral is the term used to describe a whole group of early spring blooming wildflowers that vanish nearly as quickly as they appear.

Today while hiking at Ganondagan, I managed to snap some lovely shots of one my my favorite Spring Ephemerals, Bloodroot. I had to share one of the images - I hope you enjoy it!

Be sure to make a little time to do some trail walking in early spring to catch these and other early blooming wildflowers!

-kim

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program

2010-03-31T09:30:00.009-04:00

While this is not Friends of Ganondagan sponsored programming, we thought our friends and members may be interested in taking a few classes or perhaps the whole series from our good friend and skilled Naturopathic doctor, Dr. Les Moore, N.D. M.S.O.M., LAc. I can personally vouch for the high quality nature of these herbal medicine classes since I have taken the entire certificate program as well as completing an apprenticeship with Dr. Moore.

Whether you are interested in learning how to use herbs medicinally or love plants and want to know more about how they are used, be sure to check these classes out! I have included class details below but contact Classical Formulas at 315-462-0190 for any additional information or to register! Enjoy!

-kim

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program

Medical Herbalism Part III
April 8th through May 13th

This Course is the third in a series of three herbal study programs to be offered at Clifton Springs Hospital through the Integrative Medicine department, The Botanical Medicine Institute, and Classical Formulas. While each series has a similar format, they will contain different information. These classes are appropriate for health care providers, people employed in health related businesses or anyone interested in Herbalism.

Dr. Moore and herbalists from Classical Formulas Herbal Medicinary will instruct these classes. Dr. Moore has a life-long interest and extensive education in the field of Herbalism, both Western and Eastern.

You may register for the whole series or at the beginning of each class. Students may begin ANY series at ANY time with no prerequisites of the previous series. Each series is a stand-alone module. Students completing all three of the series (Parts I, II & III) will receive a certificate upon course completion. To be certain you have a place in class please register early, as class size is limited.

Tuition is $120 for the series or $20 per class. Contact Classical Formulas for registration at 315-462-0190 by April 6th.

PLEASE NOTE: All classes are held on Thursdays at Clifton Springs Hospital from 6:30 - 8:30pm with the exception of the herb walk on Saturday May 1st 2010 held at the Ontario Pathways Trail, Phelps, NY at 9:00am.

Medical Herbalism Part III - April 8th through May 13th 2010
Course Descriptions

Class 1 – Botanical Medicine/Single Herbs – April 8th
Learn about herbs to soothe gastrointestinal tract as well as nervous system, aid in digestion, allergies and cleansing as well as combating viruses including fevers.

Class 2 – Herbal Therapeutics/Spring Detoxification–April 15th
This class will focus on herbal therapeutics for detoxifying the body.

Class 3 – Herbal Medicine Making – April 29th
Learn how to make herbal infusions with oil, vinegar and honey. We will also discuss making herbal salves from the oil infusions.

Class 4 – Plant Identification/Herb Walk – May 1st
This class will be a 3+ hour walk to identify plants in the surroundings area. You will learn about their habitat, history and uses. This class will meet at the Ontario County Pathways trail, Route 96, Phelps, NY. Bring water and snack, dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.

Class 5 – Herb Pairs/Drug Interaction and Materia Medica for Children – May 6th
This class will focus on paired herbs that are therapeutic for specific conditions. Information on interactions that can occur between medicines and herbs will also be discussed as well as herbal dosages for children.

Class 6 – Herbal Formulas & Modifications – May 13th
Herbs used in herbal formulas can act synergistically and can be tailored for each unique individual, even as a person or environment changes. This class will consider how formulas can be used and altered to address specific changes.

Spring - do you see the signs?

2010-03-17T17:04:00.003-04:00

Again rejoicing Nature sees
Her robe assume its vernal hues:
Her leafy locks wave in the breeze,
All freshly steep’d in morning dews.

- Robert Burns

Do you see the signs of Spring in the air? Besides the sugaring of the maples, Spring has been telling me it is nearly here in other ways too.

This morning I was serenaded by the "Songbird Top-40" master himself, the mockingbird. Some think Spring is nearly here when they see the first robin. Not me. Robins show up usually just in time to get a whole lot of snow dumped on them. I look for my mockingbirds to show up. They are a much better judge of Spring.

I also look to the pussy-willow. Like the mockingbird, it is rarely wrong in heralding Spring. Once the pussy-willow catkins get all fuzzy and fun to touch, spring is nearly here. My pussy-willow tree says it is time. See a close-up of its grey and pink catkins to the right. This afternoon I cut a big pussy-willow bouquet to bring in and dream of the warming days.

-kim

Maple Weekend

2010-03-16T14:26:00.003-04:00

The collection of maple sap is one of the earliest indications that Old Man Winter is loosing his grasp on the land. Sap collection buckets have begun to appear - maybe you have seen them on trees during your daily commute? Even if you haven't, be assured they are there and they are collecting sap so it can be turned into wonderful maple syrup and maple sugar products.

The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) celebrate the flowing of Maple sap each year. It is one of the celebrations of their ceremonial year. Perhaps you too can celebrate the coming of the Spring and of the maple sap. This weekend (3/20 & 3/21) is the start of Maple Weekend and it concludes the following weekend (3/27 & 3/28). Maple Weekend is a celebration of the maple syrup industry in New York State. Various maple syrup producers will be holding events and for the nearest one to you, refer to the Maple Weekend Map.

So get out of the house. Have some fun and celebrate the wonderful gift of maple syrup!

-kim

Ganondagan Winter Hike Slideshow

2010-03-10T14:51:00.005-05:00

We have just put up a new slideshow for you. It showcases the beauty and serenity that can be found in winter hikes. The slideshow is of a hike that ranges from the Ganondagan Fort Hill trails to Dryer Road Park and back. We hope you enjoy!

http://www.ganondagan.org/slideshow/WinterFortHill.html

By the way, if you haven't taken a few minutes to write your representatives yet in support of Ganondagan, please do so. It was clear in the hike that many use the Fort Hill Trails for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, and more. If you enjoy these things, I urge you to write and make sure that they don't vanish! See our Save Ganondagan! page for more information. Many thanks in advance!

-kim

Save Ganondagan Video

2010-02-26T16:43:00.002-05:00

Please see the following for a few of the reasons to keep Ganondagan from closing!!

-kim

Save Ganondagan!

2010-02-25T15:28:00.005-05:00

Dear Friends,

As many of you may have heard, Governor Paterson has made serious cuts to New York State's parks budget, closing or reducing services to 57 parks in New York State. Although Ganondagan has been removed from the "cut list," funding is now slated to be handled by the Environmental Protection Fund and must be approved by legislature, which puts our funding at serious risk.

If funding is cut or Ganondagan is closed - even for one year - it could irreparably damage the land, the buildings and the programming, obliterating the 23 years that have gone into creating this national treasure.

We are asking for your help in making legislators and the Governor understand why Ganondagan must be preserved, now and in perpetuity. At our website, we give links making it easy for you to click on the link, find your representatives and send an email.

Ganondagan is many things to many people, and by sharing what Ganondagan means to you, the legislators will realize the many ways in which Ganondagan contributes to the state, the community and its people. In case you've got writer's block, we've drafted a letter with several paragraphs from which you might select two or three to cut and paste or to use as inspiration in your communications with legislators.

The Iroquois people have a philosophy called "The Seventh Generation," traditionally applied to environmental concerns, that all decisions, all actions, must be regarded in terms of how they will impact those living seven generations in the future.

Please go today to the links listed on our website, before it is too late, to make your voice heard, taking action to protect Ganondagan for at least seven generations, for your grandchildren and your grandchildren's grandchildren.

Nya:weh (thank you)!

PS. - Be sure to visit our website to see a wonderful slide show showcasing many of the things that would vanish if Ganondagan closed its doors. See the show at: www.ganondagan.org/about/SaveGanondagan.html.

The Gift of Food

2010-02-15T16:02:00.007-05:00

We have recently re-designed our Recipebox web page. It now has a greater focus on the foods indigenous to the Americas. Besides recipes, we also have a brief introduction to the history and origins of the food items. Some of the foods that were cultivated and harvested by the Native peoples of the Americas may surprise you. Did you know that the peanut and chocolate were first grown and harvested in South America and Central America respectively?

We have also doubled the number of recipes we are offering and have included images of the various food items. We hope you will enjoy this new resource and try some of the recipes. Also, be sure to check back often since we will be adding additional New World food items as well as new recipes!

Speaking of the traditions of food, I recently picked up a magazine that featured "heirloom," forgotten recipes - recipes that have been made for generations but have largely been forgotten. We all have recipes that have been passed down to us. I included one such recipe (Scalloped Corn in the corn recipe section). This recipe has been made in my family for at least 4 generations. It is a simple recipe that takes canned sweet corn - something put away during the harvest season and adds a few common farm-fresh ingredients to create a something-from-nothing dish. It is simple but tasty. And in eating it, you can appreciate the creativity of our ancestors to stretch what simple and sometimes meager food items they may have had into something more.

So in our re-launch of our Recipe pages, we would like to offer you the opportunity to submit your recipes featuring New World food items for possible inclusion in our Recipebox page. If it is a family tradition or if it has an interesting story that can be briefly shared, please feel free to send that along with your recipe. It is sometimes those bits of color and history that truly make the recipe! Send your submissions to us at friends@frontiernet.net. Thanks and enjoy!

-kim

Parks & Trails New York - Call to Action: Don't Close my Park!

2010-02-01T15:18:00.005-05:00

Urgent: Parks to close unless you speak out!

If there's one time New York's parks need your help it's now.

The Governor's proposed budget slashes funding for state parks. If the budget passes as is, there will be no choice but to close parks, according to Parks Commissioner Carol Ash. How many and which parks are still unknown. But it's likely that one of the parks or historic sites you love and use will be on the list.

Please take just five minutes to help parks by contacting your legislators this week. Read more on how you can take action...

-kim

Beat Those Winter Blues!

2010-01-27T08:49:00.008-05:00

About this time of the year, the sun decides not to show its face very much. The weather gets gray...the ground gets gray...people get gray...I don't know why they call it the "winter blues." It should be more like the "winter grays!"

Thankfully, I'm an avid gardener and I think it helps me not succumb to those gray-times. Starting around Christmas, my mailbox is visited by the most wonderful things - the spring seed and plant catalogs! They are filled with pictures of plants that grow in green and sunny times. Oh, how I browse through those catalogs and dream of those halcyon days of Summer and my fingers working in the dark rich Earth!

Ok, I freely admit it, I am a plant-junkie. But you know, it's not a bad thing to be. I know how to grow my own vegetables. I know how to identify many of the plants and trees around me. I know many wild, edible plants as well as the poisonous ones to avoid. I know how to grow, harvest, and use many herbs, both culinary & medicinal. I know the "invasive" plants that should be eradicated for other flora as well as fauna. And best of all, I can share that knowledge with the young people in my life.

There's a quote in the video "Get 'em Outside" by the "No Child Left Inside" group that says young people can identify 1000 corporate logos but fewer than 10 plants and animals native to their backyard. That is sad. How can you care about the world around you when you know so little about it?

So here's my winter blues beater suggestion: plan to grow something this year. Start your planning now. Check out seed and plant catalogs - many places will send them to you for free. Even if you buy local (which I always suggest!), the catalogs are great ways to learn and plan.

If you haven't gardened before, start small. Try a patio tomato. Or some marigolds. Anything easy that has appeal for you.

If you live in an apartment or have limitations on your mobility, container gardening is just the thing. Here's a great forum to ask questions on container gardening.

Already a gardener? Grow some vegetables. They taste great and many are easy as well as attractive in the garden.

Veggies not your thing? Then try growing native plants. Native plants are the plants that are indigenous to this region. They are wonderfully hardy and ideally suited to grow here. If you are an experienced gardener, this symposium on designing with native plants may be of interest.

In all your planning, make sure to stay as "green" as possible. I wrote an article on green gardening, Things to Make your Garden Greener, that may help you get growing green.

And finally, please share the beauty and wonder of this great Earth with the young ones in your life. Or share with students at a local school, at a library, or perhaps even in a community garden. I have had the opportunity to present rocks & minerals, fossils, and wild edible plants to primary and elementary school kids. I can't tell you the excitement there was to see, to touch, and to ask questions. The students were fully engaged and learning. You don't have to be an expert - a little bit of knowledge and a whole lot of love for the subject matter is all you need!

So get planning and dreaming of warmer days to drive away those gray days of winter!

-kim

The Walk Home: Journey to Native American Wellness

2010-01-11T13:04:00.008-05:00

During Ganondagan's 2009 Native American Dance and Music Festival, Ganondagan was honored to receive guests from the Tohono O’odham Nation. The article below is based on an interview conducted with Terrol Dew Johnson, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Tohono O’odham Community Association during the group's visit:

Walkers from the Tohono O'odham Nation were welcomed warmly at Ganondagan's 2009 Native American Dance & Music Festival

L to R, Maray Johnson (age 14), Shane Johnson (age 16), Terrol Dew Johnson and G. Peter Jemison (Seneca). Photo by David Mitchell.

Terrol Dew Johnson is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Tohono O’odham Community Association (TOCA), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a healthy, sustainable and culturally vital community on the Tohono O’odham Nation.

If you had told him 19 years ago that he would be walking with family members from Bar Harbor, Maine to his home in Southern Arizona where the Tohono O’odham Nation is located, he’d probably have looked at you in skeptical disbelief.

In July, Terrol, his niece and nephew took time out of their 3000 mile walk to participate in the annual Native American Dance & Music Festival at Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, NY. where he shared insights about his mission.

“I was fortunate to grow up with my grandparents. My grandfather was a Medicine Man and my grandmother was knowledgeable about herbs and plants. I was raised with the idea that I should help my family and my people.”

Terrol learned basketweaving at an early age and traveled the world through his art, but brought his skills home to share with his people.“I was giving basket weaving lessons and the size of the classes was starting to outgrow my home when a Missionary came to our Nation. He wasn’t like many, only interested in sharing his beliefs. He was my age and interested in our indigenous foods and gardens. He was also knowledgeable about grant writing.

“When I discovered he was doing gardening, I went to visit him. As we talked and found out more about each other, he offered to write grants to provide services that would enrich the community. That was the beginning of TOCA.”

Today, under the nurturing efforts of Johnson and TOCA business partner, Missionary Tristan Reader, the non-profit organization has grown in size and scope. The organization’s activities include Food System and Wellness initiatives, a Basketweavers’ Guild, Arts and Cultural Revitalization, Youth & Elders Programming and Food and Fitness Collaborations. Johnson and Reader have achieved most of the things they set out to do including growing the farm to 1800 acres, building classrooms in which to teach, founding an art gallery and a café and offering enhanced economic opportunity to the community.

So how does that lead to a 3,000 mile walk?

“For most of my life, I’ve been focused on my people, but I realized if I didn’t take better care of myself, I wouldn’t be there for them. I am a diabetic and I wasn’t eating right or getting exercise. I needed to make a stand, which is how ‘The Walk Home: Journey to Native American Wellness’ came about. The walk is a fundraiser for TOCA, but it’s also meant as an inspirational message to the Native community.”

Johnson enlisted four nieces and nephews, age 12 to 16 to join him in his walk.

“Like many of our people, my family members are dealing with painful situations at home – drugs, alcoholism, teen pregnancy, premature death – and I wanted to share the world with them and give them hope for change.”

Two of the four young people who started out have returned home due to family complications.

“I was really upset at first, but I realized I just had to ‘Let Go, Let God’ and believe there was a reason for their early return home.”

It was by fortuitous coincidence that Terrol and his two companions arrived at Ganondagan in time for the late July Festival.

“When I was looking at our route, I put a message out on Facebook, asking for contacts in this area. A mutual friend, Loretta Oden who has been a chef at Ganondagan’s Native Foods Feast, suggested I contact Jeanette [Miller] and Peter [Jemison].

“Since we’ve been here at Ganondagan, the outpouring of support and friendship has been amazing. People have come up and given us food baskets and money. They’ve offered prayers and blessings. I’m used to caring for others, so it feels odd to have others taking care of me. I’m certain there will be future collaborations between TOCA and Ganondagan.

“If there was something I’d like others to take away from our walk, it’s that there are people out here who are trying to make a difference. That’s why we’re walking.”

For more about TOCA, The Walk Home: Journey to Native American Wellness, or to make donations toward this initiative, visit http://www.tocaonline.org/.

By Carol White Llewellyn

Photo by David Mitchell.

Winter Games & Seneca Snow Shoe Run

2009-12-30T10:30:00.006-05:00

While I dearly love the quiet stillness that the winter season brings, we all have to get out of the house, move around, and enjoy the crisp winter air. A perfect way to get some winter fun is to visit our Native American Winter Games and Sports event on February 6, 2010, 10am - 4pm.

The event is FREE to the public and features:

Dog Sledding
Story Telling
Food
Snowshoeing
Snow Snake
"Seneca Winter Camp" Demonstrations

See all the Native American Winter Games and Sports event details at our Winter Games web page.

New this year to the Winter Games event, we are adding a Seneca Snow Shoe Run Competition. This three part competition includes a snow shoe run on a course laid out at Ganondagan, an archery shoot, and the snow snake throw. The competition has two levels: The Pro Snow Shoe Run and the Fun Snow Shoe Run.

Please see our Seneca Snow Shoe Run web page for more details and registration information.

I hope to see you there!!

-kim

Giving Thanks for 2009 and All Who Contributed

2009-12-08T16:08:00.016-05:00

For Ganondagan, 2009 has been a very busy year! We wanted to share news of some of our accomplishments and the many things for which we’re thankful:

Green Initiatives – This year, we strengthened the focus on environmental practices at our Native American Dance & Music Festival, implementing the use of solar power for the stage area and a waste station to sort trash for recycling and composting.
Expanded Programming – Throughout the summer, we offered our new “Savor the Summer” series, which was free to Members. This series was so popular that we’ll be offering many of the favorites along with new events next summer. We also offered a bus tour to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, and hosted a very successful Native American Dance & Music Festival, a sumptuous Native Foods Feast and a Living History event that were offered to members at discount.
Garden and Trail Projects – Next year, when you visit Ganondagan’s gardens, new signage will identify the various plants. Thanks to Brendan Marozas, Tay House Scout Troupe 19 and Ganondagan’s Steve Richman, a new walkway was added to The Earth is Our Mother Trail.
Website revamp – We’ve reinvigorated our website. You can now become a member or renew your membership online, sign up to receive our e-newsletter, donate to Ganondagan and discover many new resources such as a more comprehensive online calendar, online videos, a page on wampum belts, a recipes page and more.
News Sharing – This year, we stepped into the world of Social Media in a big way. In addition to our Blog (http://ganondagan.blogspot.com), we launched a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a monthly e-newsletter. If you would like to receive this newsletter, simply email friends@frontiernet.net with the subject line “Add me to e-newsletter list.”
Partnering – This year, we have successfully partnered with a number of organizations and would like to thank Wegmans, Nazareth College, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John Fisher College and many of the heritage attractions in Ontario County for their friendship, collaboration and support.
New Products – The Friends of Ganondagan created new books and booklets, as well as Children’s Discovery Kits that were for sale in our gift shop. Next year, we’ll add a number of new children’s books written by Ganondagan’s Executive Director, Jeanette Miller, and books written through our partnership with Nazareth College. Mark your calendar now to attend Inside/Out Haudenosaunee at Nazareth College Arts Center on February 14 from 2 PM-4PM for the opening of an Iroquois Art Exhibition curated by Peter Jemison and a book signing of all our new releases!

Finally, without our loyal and dedicated Board Members, Volunteers and Staff, we could not have accomplished all that we have done this year, so CHEERS TO YOU!

Website updates & more!

2009-12-02T09:30:00.006-05:00

If you haven't visited our website recently, you've missed a lot of changes. We've:

Reorganized our menu and navigation options

Added a new interactive events calendar
Added online payments for new member registration and membership renewals
Added a holiday membership special
Added new donation and giving pages, including online donation payments
Added a volunteering page
Added electronic newsletter email list sign-up. Our electronic newsletter has different content than our print newsletter.
On-going effort to add more content including articles, videos, slideshows, and more.

Please come and pay us a virtual visit!

-kim

ps....if you are curious about the corn in the picture above, it is a picture of the Heirloom Native variety of corn I grew in my vegetable garden this year called "White Eagle." It is a Cherokee variety of corn that was carried by the Cherokee people over the Trail of Tears. It is a historic and beautiful corn with a great variety of color as visible above. If you are interested in trying some yourself, this is the place I purchased the seed from. Enjoy!

2009-11-12T16:35:00.002-05:00

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20091112/NEWS01/911120328/Native-Americans-call--for-1794-Treaty-action

2009-11-12T16:34:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vplGwXdoMjA&videos=sTdy1gRDNaI

Canandaguia Treaty Commemoration Day

2009-11-10T15:31:00.003-05:00

The anniversary of the 1794 Canandaigua Treaty will be commemorated tomorrow. Be sure to see our event page for all the event details and directions:

http://www.ganondagan.org/TreatyCelebration.html

Due to the death of a community Elder, Dr. Elm will be speaking at 6:30 p.m. after the pot-luck dinner but out of respect, the Iroquois social & dance has been canceled. Thank you.

-kim

The Canandaigua Fire Must Be Preserved

2009-11-04T15:22:00.003-05:00

We've just added a piece written by Doug George-Kanentiio on the Canandaigua Treaty titled The Canandaigua Fire Must Be Preserved. It is an interesting read - be sure to check it out!

-kim

Canandaigua Treaty

2009-10-27T09:14:00.006-04:00

The Canandaigua Treaty is a treaty between the United States of America and the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy - Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk and Tuscarora. This treaty was signed on November 11, 1794 and each year this treaty is celebrated on the anniversary of the signing, November 11, in Canandaigua, New York.

In order to help teach about the treaty and celebrate this event we have created a number of informational pages on our website about the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794, wampum belts, and more.

This year's Canandaigua Treaty Celebration features:

A parade on Main Street
A ceremony and keynote speakers at Council Rock
A Native craftspeople and vendors
A pot-luck dinner and social

All events are free and open to the public. We welcome you to come and join us in celebrating this wonderful historic event!

See our Canandaigua Treaty Celebration Event webpage for full event details and locations.

-kim

Fall Color at Ganondagan

2009-10-22T16:51:00.004-04:00

The trees are putting on an impressive show this fall and this week is probably our peak color at the Ganondagan State Historic Site.

The maples, oaks, sassafras, staghorn sumacs, and more are in full color. Every leaf color is visible somewhere, in the tree canopy or underfoot.

While a walk on any of the three trails on site would be beautiful this time of year, I would suggest the Fort Hill Trail. It not only offers views of beautiful foliage and serene walks through wooded trails, it also offers a spectacular view of the neighboring vicinity from the top of the Fort Hill mesa. The sight of the patchwork of trees with Autumn colors and green pastures is breath-taking and is more than worth the short hike. And most certainly, bring your camera for the "Kodak moments" you are sure to have.

Why not make a fun Fall day of it? Pack a picnic lunch - there are tables and benches at the top of Fort Hill. Do some trail walking, "leaf peeping," and have a picnic lunch. And afterwards why not stop down to our neighbor The Apple Farm for apples and cider. It's a fun place to take the kids or just yourself to pick some apples at their U-pick orchard. They've had a very good harvest this year and the trees are still very full of apples.

All too soon Fall will pass and snow will fly. Take some time soon to enjoy the beauty and the fun that this season has to offer you.

-kim

Fall Herb Walk at Ganondagan

2009-09-28T09:08:00.010-04:00

Fall is a beautiful time for trail walking. The late summer bloomers like goldenrod, asters, various eupatoriums (white snakeroot, joe pye weed, boneset, etc.), touch-me-nots, and others add many colors. Berries and other fruit growing all season on trees and shrubs have got their mature colors and sizes. And soon all the trees will be wearing their fancy fall shawls and dresses of autumn colors.

Fall is also a good time to view and learn about the wild medicinal plants growing all about us. On October 10th there will be a guided herb walk at Ganondagan. The walk will be lead by Dr. Les Moore N.D., M.S.O.M., L.Ac. who is the Director of Integrative Medicine at the Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic. Dr. Moore will identify medicinal plants at the site and he will speak to the uses of these plants in Eastern and Western herbal traditions.

The walk will include trail walking so be sure to wear appropriate footwear and make sure to bring a bottle of water.

See our event calendar or contact Classical Formulas at 315-462-0190 for time, registration details and more information.

-kim

They're Nature's Fireworks...

2009-09-20T09:32:00.011-04:00

"They're Nature's fireworks!" said my youngest about the touch-me-not-plants. And so they are.

Late summer is a wonderful time for trail-walking in general. You get to see the late summer plants in bloom, various bushes with colorful berries, the hints of fall color, and one of our favorites, touch-me-not plants with ripe seed pods. Along a boardwalk section of the Earth is Our Mother Trail at the Ganondagan State Historic Site, there is a happy and vigorous colony of spotted touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis). Touch-me-not is also called "jewelweed." This is a native wildflower and member of the impatiens family that has a curious method of seed dispersal - the seed pods explode sending seeds flying every which way.

The ripe seed capsules are rather reminiscent of tiny pea-pods, although they have 5 parts whereas the pea pods have two. (See the picture to the left.) The ripe seed capsules fly apart when disturbed sending the seeds far and wide. You just gotta love the inventive ways Mother Nature found for species to perpetuate themselves!

Once split, the parts of the seed capsule curl up into curious little shapes. The seeds are oblong, and pointed. If you can manage to get the capsule to "pop" in your hand, you'll see the seeds and what's left of the pod. (See the picture to the right for a view of the seeds and pod bits.)

We spent no less than 20 minutes at this stand of touch-me-not on the way out of our hike and 20 minutes on the way back. Giggles abounded. Learning too. The kids learned that these plants have exploding seed pods to spread their seed, hopefully giving the seeds good places to sprout next year. They learned that these plants are called "Spotted Touch-me-not" but they also are called "jewelweed." If you see how the leaves resist water - dew beads up on the leaves and leaves under water look like silver, you'll understand why they are called "jewelweed." But the kids also learned that this plant's sap is a common herbal remedy for poison ivy and wise old Mother Nature grows this beauty in the same places as poison ivy. She gives you the poison but the cure is right there too.

In these days where too often children sit by themselves at computers and hand-held electronics on beautiful days, I urge you to take a few minutes and share the beauty and wonder of Nature with the children in your life. My own greatest and most enjoyed memories of childhood are simple pleasures - things that cost nothing or very little at all. Picnics. Climbing trees. Building sandcastles. Gardening with my parents. Making hollyhock flower dolls and clover flower necklaces which my mom showed me how to make. Throwing burdock at each other with my sisters and cousins which was all "fun and games" until someone got it in the hair! But anyways....make some memories. You'll never regret the time spent making these kind of memories but you will regret it if you let the opportunity pass you by.

-kim

Have you got your tickets for the Native Food Feast yet?

2009-09-11T20:25:00.006-04:00

In order to give everyone a chance to get tickets for this spectacular event, we have extended the deadline for registration until Monday, September 14, 2009.

But hurry! You don't want to miss out!

Please see the Native Food Feast page for all the details. By the way, if you've already been to our Feast webpage, be sure to visit again. We have just included the sumptuous menu for this feast.

Hope to see you there!

-kim

Ganondagan August News

2009-08-18T13:49:00.005-04:00

The new webpage has been created for the A Seneca Encounter with LaSalle Event that is September 26 & 27. Please check it out for full details on the event.

A new slideshow, the first of the Native American Dance & Music Festival slideshows, has been put up. It features pictures of Cercle Celtique's performance and a personal letter from Jeanette Miller, Executive Director of the Friends of Ganondagan, about this exciting traditional music and dance group. Go to our main Gallery page to find the slideshow.

Look for another slideshow to be up within the next week of the "Native Grasses" Hike that took place on August 16th. It was a wonderful hike and a learning experience for all! The picture to the left is from the hike and is a picture of the native grass big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii).

Each year we hold an event for teachers and other educator's which we call "Educators' Day." The themed event features a full day of activities and talks designed to share with educators information on that year's theme. This year's the event will be titled "Educators' Day 2009: A Living History Event - LaSalle Visits Ganondagan" and will be held Friday September 25, 2009 9am - 4pm. For more details as well as the registration form, please see our events calendar or the email newsletter for the event.

We are still taking reservations for our Rockwell Museum Tour & Day Trip on August 29, 2009 8:30am - 5:30pm. This is a unique opportunity - don't miss it! See the Rockwell Tour page for more details.

Finally, on August 22, 2009 starting at 7pm we will be holding a "Long Ball and Storytelling" Event that will be a wonderful family event. It is an event that is FREE for Friends of Ganondagan Members - show current membership card as proof of membership. General public admission fee $3 adults, $2 children. The event will feature a Long ball game that event goers are welcome to take part in, storytelling, and more. See our event calendar page for more details.

-kim

Native American Dance & Music Festival - This Weekend!

2009-07-24T16:36:00.005-04:00

Be sure to come out and visit our 18th annual Native American Dance and Music Festival this weekend!

Our performers this year include:

Arvel Bird
World music violinist Arvel Bird is the ultimate fusion artist, integrating his Native American and Scottish heritage with a variety of musical styles to deliver an accomplished sound that spans nearly every genre, including classical, folk, Celtic, country, fusion jazz and bluegrass.

Chef David Wolfman
Chef David Wolfman is a culinary arts professor at George Brown College in Toronto and is Host, Writer, and Executive Producer of the nationally televised Cooking with the Wolfman program on The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). David discovered his love for cooking at a young age and has devoted himself to the preservation and promotion of traditional Aboriginal foods and cooking methods.

Cercle Celtique
The award-winning 'Cercle Celtique,' was founded in Rennes, France in 1932 to preserve and promote traditional Breton dance and music. The dancers and musicians wear traditional Breton attire. Round dancing, square dancing, line dancing and the gavotte are all part of their repertoire and are traditionally performed during a Fest Nzo event. The music is performed with authentic instruments, such as the biniou and bombarde. This Celtic ethnic group located in northwest France, trace their heritage to first Celtic indigenous peoples from southwestern Great Britain.

Iroquois Social Dancing
With Ganondagan's Spirit Dancers and Buffalo Creek Dancers.

We also feature master traditional artist demonstrations including:

William (Bill) Loran - Traditional Gustoweh
Bill Loran will demonstrate making the traditional Iroquois men's headdress, the Gustoweh.

Marilyn Isaacs - Fingerweaving
Marilyn Isaacs will demonstrate making sashes in a traditional fingerweaving style, which is a weaving style that does not use complicated loom equipment.

Tonia Loran - Moccasin Making
Tonia Loran is an accomplished leatherworker and beadworker with pieces shown in national art shows as well as adorning the Native clothing of her friends and family. She will demonstrate moccasin making.

Rosemary Rickard-Hill - Raised Beadwork
Growing up in a family of beadworkers, Rosemary Rickard-Hill seemed to be destined to become internationally recognized her skills as a fine beadworker. She will demonstrate raised beadwork.

Please see our website www.ganondagan.org/NADMF.html for more details.

-kim

Native American Dance & Music Festival 7/25 - 7/26

2009-07-14T09:53:00.008-04:00

This summer is flying by and the Native American Dance & Music Festival is just around the corner! It is Saturday and Sunday July 25th & 26th 10am - 6pm.

One of the most popular questions to show up in the Friends of Ganondagan email inbox this time of the year regards our scheduling of events at the festival. We have just put both our full festival program and schedule on-line and made them down-loadable for you. Just visit our Festival event page to download either document.

For those looking for "staycations" or low-cost, local summer fun in Western NY State and the Finger Lakes Region or for our out-of-the-area visitors, be sure to check out our festival. It is a full-day of events and programming for very low admission prices. We even have a very low cost family admission rate - $20 for 2 adults and up to 6 children. Where else can you and your family get so much entertainment for so little? (See our Festival event page for full list of admission prices.) Our festival features free children's activities, storytellers, guided trail walks, tours through the bark longhouse, dancing, musicians, artist demonstrations, a celebrity chef demonstration, a family drum jam, and more all for your low admission price.

By the way, this is a wonderful time for all of you who have driven by the site and wondered "just what is Ganondagan?" to explore all the site has to offer. We know there are many of you because this is something we hear from visitors quite often.

Please come. We know you will enjoy yourself at our festival!

-kim

The Dance & Music Festival & More!

2009-07-01T07:46:00.007-04:00

The Native American Dance & Music Festival is just around the corner! This year it is 10am - 6pm on July 25 & 26th and we have a webpage for the event. Be sure to keep your eyes on that page for updates and detailed information about the artists and performers that will be attending this year's festival. The final changes are being made to the schedule - be sure to look for that soon to be on the event page too!

If you haven't stopped by the Friends of Ganondagan Gift Shop yet this year, be sure to do so. (See the Gift Shop page for hours.) This year the Gift Shop has tried to focus on items produced by the Friends of Ganondagan and other unique locally produced items as well as a re-focus on items of or about the Six Nations (Iroquois). There are things in the Gift Shop that you will find no place else and the really exciting part is that there are more items being produced and will be available throughout the 2009 season.

The Friends of Ganondagan website continues to grow and change. New content and pages are being regularly added throughout the site. During June, two slideshows were added to the Gallery pages. Be sure to check them out!

Finally, if you haven't been to the site in a while, be sure to come out. All the plants have breathed a sigh of relief with the coming of the recent rain. The Three Sisters Garden, a demonstration vegetable garden of traditional Native varieties, is doing well. The corn and beans are up and the squashes are blooming. The Creator's Garden is green and growing and will soon have new labels for all the medicine plants in it. Be sure to look for those. And the abundance offered by the wild plants is visible all about the site - the wild strawberries have just finished fruiting, the juneberries (see the picture to the right) are large and ripe, and soon to be followed by the black raspberries. Come visit us, walk the trails, and enjoy the natural beauty!

-kim

1794 brought to life

2009-06-15T19:36:00.004-04:00

For the past year I have been working on a unique project with historic artist Robert Grffing. He approached me over a year ago concerning the project. He wanted to know if I could help him with a large scale representation of the 1794 Treaty. I encouraged him and was excited about helping bring the event to life. Foremost in my mind was to include the descendants of the people who were in attandance 314 years ago be a big part of the project.

The 1794 Canandaigua Treaty is the lasting agreement between the young United States and the ancient Haudenosaunee which continues to be commemorated each November 11th in the city of Canandaigua.

To this point there has never been an attempt at a faithful recreation of that historic event. It was my responsibility to research the treaty and many of the visual clues which we might use to structure a high quality recreation of what the treaty might have looked like. Tonia and I set up casting calls at Salamanca and Onondaga and solicited participants online as well. In the end, we had just under 30 Haudenosaunee people attend the photo shoot at the Seneca-Iroquois museum this weekend. Here are some glimpses into what will become a very impressive piece in the next two years.

"Niaweh" (thanks) to: The Seneca-Iroquois Museum staff, Jare, Robert, Tonia, Ward, James, Kobuck, Crowder, Don, and ALL the participant models.

Day Trip to the Rockwell Museum

2009-06-03T10:27:00.005-04:00

On August 29th the Friends of Ganondagan will be holding a day trip to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art in Corning, NY for an exclusive tour of the museum and its special exhibition of Sewing the Seeds: 200 Years of Iroquois Glass Beadwork.

In this tour, we will be joined by Iroquoian Beadwork Specialist, Dolores Elliott, who will share her expertise on the history, creation and importance of beadwork in the Iroquois culture. We are also privileged to be joined by G. Peter Jemison, Ganondagan's Site Manager and renowned Seneca Artist, who will give a guided tour of the Native American Art throughout the museum.

You don't want to miss this unique opportunity so please see our Rockwell Trip web page for full excursion details as well as registration information today!

-kim

Savor the Summer Series

2009-05-27T14:48:00.003-04:00

If you enjoyed the True Tale or Beavers at Ganondagan or think you would have, be sure to check out the rest of the events in our Savor the Summer Series.

We have full listings in our on-line event calender or our new Savor the Summer Series flyer. You may print and distribute the flyer or display it where you have permission to do so.

If you haven't done so yet, make sure to let us know what you think about our programs this year. We're pretty excited about them and we hope you are too!

-kim

The True Tale of the Beavers at Ganondagan

2009-05-18T12:18:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was the second event in the Friends of Ganondagan's Savor the Summer Series - "The True Tale of the Beavers at Ganondagan." It was a wonderful day for a hike and Peter Jemison did a spectacular job in sharing the beauty and history of the site as well as the wonderful views of the handiwork of Nature's Premier Engineer - the Beaver.

In case you missed it, we have put a slideshow gallery up at:

http://www.ganondagan.org/gallery.html

This walk was FREE to Friends of Ganondagan members and $3 for adults and $2 for children for the general public. Please check out our events calendar for more of our events and programming.

-kim

We need your help!

2009-05-10T09:11:00.003-04:00

From Jeanette Miller, Executive Director of the Friends of Ganondagan:

Hello everyone,
In our "green efforts" we are in need of a few items you might have in your home or at your business for some projects we are working on to sell in the gift shop this summer:

FROM YOUR HOME:
we need your empty 18 oz OATMEAL containers or 24 oz CORNMEAL containers (or something similar)

FROM YOUR OFFICE:
we need 30# or 40# paper

We need these as soon as possible (deadline May 22) - so if you have any (ask your family and friends, too) - please drop them off at the visitors center or gift shop 9am-5pm Tuesday through Sunday; if you must deliver after those hours - just leave at the Site Manager's back door.

Thank you everyone!
Jeanette

Ganondagan's Fort Hill Slide Show

2009-05-01T18:56:00.005-04:00

Speaking of wildflowers, be sure to take a look at our newly updated Gallery web page to see the first of many slide shows that has been created for it. This slide show is of many native wildflowers and plants currently visible from Ganondagan's Fort Hill Trails. We hope you enjoy it!

And please remember to NOT pick any wildflowers that you see in your walks. Not only is it prohibited in all New York State Parks, but many woodland plants do not tolerate picking well. It may kill some plants, like trillium. Please bring your camera and take only photos!

-kim

New Pages & Resources

2009-04-29T10:05:00.007-04:00

We've got a number of new resources for our members and friends. First, there is a FaceBook page for Ganondagan. Second, there is a new Twitter page as well. Go check these very cool pages out at:

Ganondagan FaceBook Page

Ganondagan Twitter Page

We've also set up a page for our Annual Native American Dance & Music Festival. The festival will take place this year on Saturday 7/25 and Sunday 7/26. There are many traditional artisans and performers already booked for the festival. Please check out our new page for full details:

Native American Dance & Music Festival

Finally, don't forget that the Ganondagan State Historic Site opens for the season on May 1st! This time of the year is a perfect time to do some trail walking to see the beautiful Spring wildflowers. Spring ephemerals are especially something not to be missed. They are perennial spring blooming plants that have a very short cycle in which they bloom and go back into a dormancy until next season. Trillium, bloodroot, hepatica (seen to the right), and others are special sights that if you hesitate, you will miss! Look for them and others along the site's trails. Enjoy!

-kim

We Shall Remain Begins Tonight

2009-04-13T15:17:00.003-04:00

Tonight is the first episode of the PBS's American Experience, We Shall Remain. This 5-part television series shows how Native peoples resisted expulsion from their lands and fought the extinction of their culture - from the Wampanoags of New England in the 1600s to the bold new leaders of the 1970s who harnessed the civil rights movement to forge a pan-Indian identity. We Shall Remain represents an unprecedented collaboration between Native and non-Native filmmakers and involves Native advisors and scholars at all levels of the project.

For more on this series, please see the series webpage at

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/weshallremain

My DVR is set, how about yours?

-kim

Ohio Country Conference

2009-04-01T14:37:00.003-04:00

I was invited to speak at the Bushy Run Battlefield-sponsored conference entitled, "The Ohio Country Conference" which is a scholarly conference that revolves around the Seven Years War in North America. I called my lecture, "A Good Salve for our Wounds- Native American involvement in the taking of Ft Niagara" and it seems to have been well received. I may condense the talk into a smaller article for the newsletter this summer.

A highlight of the lecture series was listening to Fintan O'Toole, author of "White Savage" a well researched book on the life of Sir William Johnson. What made Fintan's talk so interesting was his non-American view of the colonial period. He may have not been entirely in touch with current thinking or Native studies but he certainly was passionate about his subject.

We talked up the site and displayed Ganondagan's "banner" display and was able to pass out brochures to the 120-ish attendees.

I had mixed emotions upon attending because only a few day previous we learned that Pennsylvania was considering closing many historic sites across the state, including the Bushy Run Battlefield who were the sponsors of the conference! The Fort Pitt museum was also on the list as one of endangered sites. It is certainly a trend across the US for states to look at scraping money together from any source neccessary including historic sites. I hope in the future we can preserve our shared history in a responsible way and save these important places where our story is being preserved.

http://savefortpittnow.com/blog/

Want to learn how to make Seneca Corn Soup?

2009-03-31T14:05:00.009-04:00

Or find out about the Canandaigua Treaty? Then check out the new Friends of Ganondagan videos page:

http://www.ganondagan.org/video.html

We have started our new videos page with some links to very good videos that others have created that we know you will find educational and interesting.

Eventually we will be adding our own videos to this page - so be sure to check back for them!

-kim

2009-03-17T20:11:00.003-04:00

Yet another sign of spring is the gift of maple sugar and syrup. This past week Tonia, Steve, and I have been gathering sap from the trees on Ft Hill and boiling it down at the lower maintenance building. Today we boiled down a nice quart of sweet syrup. I intend to pound some white corn into some mush and pour a bit over it this week for my family.

Last week my family tapped our maple tree in the front of our house. My son was surprised and a bit upset that the resulting syrup was only enough for everyone to have a tablespoonful on a scoop of vanilla ice cream! It didn't matter though because he licked his bowl clean and was very satisfied with his share. We look forward to the maple ceremony and the promise of a wonderful summer.

Signs of Spring

2009-03-17T15:23:00.014-04:00

The weather over the past few days has been wonderful. It feels like Spring is in the air. After a lovely walk along the Earth is Our Mother Trail today, I think that Spring is in the Earth too. The early Spring plants are starting to put on their show.

First I saw some cheery little coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara). At first glance, many may think they are dandelions but they're not. Look close and you'll see the differences. These little yellow flowers appear early spring, well before their horse-hoof shaped leaves make their appearance. The seed heads appear rather quickly and they too are reminiscent of dandelion seed heads.

Then came every child's favorite - the pussy willow (Salix discolor). Who doesn't remember being a kid (or big person too) and just loving to touch the silky pussy willow catkins. (Catkin is the fancy name for these kinds of flowers). Pussy willows are always special and sentimental sign of spring in my family. My grandfather, who is no longer with us, used to keep an eye out for the first pussy willows of the season. He would always cut a big bunch to bring home. I try to keep up the tradition and share pussy willows I've cut with family and friends. My own pussy willow tree has just exploded with catkins over this past weekend. I guess it's time for some bouquets to be cut!

Further along one of the most unusual late-winter/early-spring flowers greeted me. It is the skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) flower. Skunk cabbage is so named because of the foul odor that is emitted when a leaf is broke or tore. But the flowers...they are very unusual. They do not look like what everyone thinks flowers should look like. They have a mottled purple hood (spathe) around a flower spike (spadix). (If you are familiar with Jack-in-the-Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum, it too has a spathe surrounding a spadix and that will give you a rough idea of how the skunk cabbage flower is structured.) If the looks of the flower wasn't unusual enough, the strangest is yet to come. This flower makes its own heat. According to some sources, it can be 15-35°C above the air temperature. This warmth not only lets the flower melt its way through frozen ground, it attracts early spring insects who bask in the warmth these flowers offer. And I'm sure a little pollination happens along the way too.

Finally, I'll share a picture of the stream the Earth is Our Mother Trail ends at. The stream is running fast and the sound of the rushing water greeted me long before the sight of the stream did. Simply beautiful.

People can keep their 70 degrees all year long. I love the changing of the seasons and the change of winter to spring is one of my favorites!

I hope you have a wonderful late winter and early spring!!

-kim

Snowshoeing Helps Native Americans Connect With Ancestry (Rochester D&C, March 1, 2009)

2009-03-02T15:11:00.005-05:00

Be sure to check out the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle's article on Snowshoeing with Ganondagan's own Mike Galban. It's a great article - be sure to give it a read!

Snowshoeing Helps Native Americans Connect With Ancestry

-kim

2009-02-22T00:19:00.003-05:00

February 22, 2009

This past Friday the staff of Ganondagan spent the day at the Tonawanda reservation. I was there to teach a class on cornhusk twined salt bottles. We were hosted by Jamie Jacobs and Ken Poodry in the firehouse building. We had a former ELDERS gathering attendee there as well as a good group of dedicated craftsmen/women.

The husks we brought came from our earlier work with Norton Rickard (Tuscarora) and his amazing Iroquois White Corn Farm. After braiding a couple dozen long ropes of corn I made sure we kept the remaining great long husks for such projects. It is essential to dry them well and store them away from rodents. The use of corn "by-products" fits so well into the cycle of Haudenosaunee lifeways and our intrest in cultural preservation. This year it seems we are ontrack for such activities.

The skill level required to make a simple twined cornhusk bottle is high. It is not for everyone. Twining is an ancient method of weaving which can be used to make husk moccasins, mats, bottles, bowls, & baskets. This workshop would introduce the concept of twining and hopefully get some Haudenosaunee artists using the techniques and materials.

At the close of the class two students had achieved containers and others were on their way to finishing the project! I was amazed at how quickly some people caught onto the concepts. It is good to see.

As the snows began to fall we decided to leave before it got worse and headed back to Ganondagan. We left behind a huge bag of cornhusks and hopefully the knowledge to work them.

Oneh ki,

Michael Galban

"Si Wong Geh" On-line

2009-02-17T09:45:00.007-05:00

We are pleased to be able to offer back issues of the Friends of Ganondagan's quarterly newsletter, Si Wong Geh, to our on-line friends:

http://www.ganondagan.org/newsletter.html

The on-line issues will lag beyond the current issue by 3 months. If you would like to receive the current issue of Si Wong Geh, please consider becoming a member of the Friends of Ganondagan. You can learn more about the membership benefits and how to become a member at our Membership page.

Please help support the Friends of Ganondagan with your membership - it is through the support of our membership that the newsletter and our programming is possible!

May this message find you well and dreaming of melting snows and spring!

-kim

Niawen for the blog

2009-01-27T13:06:00.002-05:00

Sekon Kim, Jeanette and Pete,

Thank you for this new way to communicate with the people. Joanne and I are off to Akwesasne for the Midwinter which begins this Saturday. Kahnawake had theirs three weeks ago so I hope our relatives will be with us this weekend. I am grateful for the snow (now over 112 inches here in Oneida) and the cold as we need the while blanket to protect the roots of our plants and the freezing temperatures keep the harmful bugs away. But flooding along this area's many creeks and lakes is likely this spring. I also expect a very good year for maple syrup. Stay warm,

Doug-Kanentiio