Cultural Burn with the Traditional Ecological Inquiry Program at Smithfield Oaks

On June 29, we had the amazing opportunity to host a Cultural Burn at our property, Smithfield Oaks. This event represented a first step towards re-kindling a long-term relationship among local Tribes with this particular site and the use of indigenous fire science in management of the oak habitat present here. We are grateful to have been able to help organize this event with our partners at The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, members of The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Traditional Ecological Inquiry Program (TEIP), the Luckiamute Watershed Council, Ecostudies Institute's Willamette Valley Fire Collaboration and the Wagon Burners all-indigenous fire crew. A BIG thank you also goes to Forestry and Natural Resources Extension - Oregon State University, SW Polk Fire District and Roundhouse Foundation for supporting this event! We are currently working with a videographer to create a video showcasing this Cultural Burn, and hope to have it ready for release in the next couple of months!