Environmental Resources consist of tangible and intangible elements in our surroundings that are of value to our society. Humans cannot survive without relying on their environment, which hosts an abundance of resources far too numerous to list here all inclusively. A few examples include plants, animals, land, water, and forestry. Whether considering basic needs (food sources, housing materials) or societal activities (transportation, sporting & recreation, economic development); an overlapping pattern is seen among what resources are available and how they should best be utilized. When interwoven with tribal tradition and cultural preservation, these issues only grow more intricate. Effective management of environmental resources from a tribal perspective requires tailored skills, cultural sensitivity, and familiarity with government programs necessary for co-management of shared resources and consultation across jurisdictions.
Plants and animals have always held places of importance to the Cherokee people.
The garden serves as an educational platform in the present and provides a legacy for future generations to understand the plants that their ancestors used.
The Seed Bank is a plant and cultural preservation program that provides seeds to tribal citizens who are interested in growing traditional Cherokees crops.
