Tule Reeds and Cattails: An Adventure, A Guidebook

These marsh plants can feed and shelter you! The Adventure is the history of California Indians and their wise use of these and other plants. For thousands of years plants provided survival. It looks at early visitors and how they misunderstood the Natives they met. Despite the Missions' control and the Gold Rush destruction, enough Indians survived to continue past crafts. Contemporary Indians taught the authors about their cultures and how to use plants. History of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo serve as examples. The Guidebook leads you through basic skills, such as making rope and mats. Learn to make toys and fish traps. There are even recipes because these plants are very nutritious. Links to videos and instructions provide additional training. Best of all, we provide detailed instructions on building a navigable reed boat, using photos from our own experience. We have involved classrooms and children in these projects, being aware of the value of hands-on learning. The history also includes quotes from primary sources, such as those of explorers. The materials will help any teacher approaching the revised Social Science curriculum for California 4th grade. Because these plants occur throughout the United States, the content applies outside California. Our Native history is very different from others, such as the Plains or Northeast, so offers a good contrast to understand the variety of cultures.