settlers don’t realize that even their national parks are unhelpful in promoting biodiversity & mental health...

Indigenous ppl—those who have cultivated this land for thousands of years—know many plants need human cultivation; humans need plant interaction.

in the Great Smoky Mountains National park (stolen Cherokee land), it is illegal for Cherokee people to harvest plant foods and medicines. you can be taken to jail.

because of this, plants we have always harvested are growing less abundantly because they aren’t being stimulated.

wild onions (ᏩᏍᏗ) grow better in following years if you cut the onion and leave the root. wild greens (ᏐᏣᏂ) grow faster and wider if you pick them in early spring. river cane (ᎢᏯ) grows better in following years if you literally burn it all down.

growing natural gardens generally is beneficial for local environments. budding & flowering plants help sustain/ attract pollinators, in turn promoting growth in all surrounding plants/ forests.

harvesting, gardening, cultivating is some of the best work you can do for your health. not only is this challenging exercise, but being in the sun boosts your immune system (vit D) and having projects such as gardens does wonders for motivation/ mental health