CEDAR BOX

Visit a prairie in the springtime and you will see an ocean of blooming purple camas flowers. Butterflies pollinate flowers, birds sing, and deer graze on the rich grasslands. Many Native families historically traveled to prairies and camped for several weeks to harvest and cook camas bulbs. Berries, edible roots, nuts, and medicinal plants also thrive on the prairies. Families managed prairie patches with fire, aerated the soil with digging sticks, and weeded out unwanted plants. These practices increased the abundance of useful plants, and prevented the prairies from turning into conifer forests. People have cared for the prairies and the prairies have cared for people in return. This practice continues today.