Plant Identification

Plant Identification

Plant identification in Saskatchewan offers the opportunity to explore over 2,500 plant species, showcasing the province's rich biodiversity. This activity connects participants with the region's diverse flora, including many plants traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for food, medicine, and cultural practices. The history of plant use in Saskatchewan is deeply intertwined with Indigenous knowledge, passed down through generations, highlighting the significance of these plants in sustaining and enriching Indigenous cultures.

What do you do?

1. Gather the materials needed and choose an area rich in plant diversity, such as a park, nature reserve, or school garden.
2. Explain the purpose of the activity and introduce the guidebooks and apps. Discuss the importance of plants to Indigenous peoples, especially in Saskatchewan, highlighting their uses for food, medicine, and cultural practices.
3. Exploration:
• Walk through the chosen area, observing different plants.
• Use the guidebook or app to identify plants by examining their leaves, flowers, stems, and overall shape.
• Take notes and photos of each plant for further study.
• Look for plants like Saskatoon berries, sweetgrass, and cedar, which are significant to Indigenous cultures in Saskatchewan.
• Encourage drawing or describing the plants in the notebook.

What do you need?

1. Plant identification guidebook or app (e.g., "Plants of the Western Boreal Forest & Aspen Parkland" by Johnson, Kershaw, MacKinnon, and Pojar)
2. Notebook and pencil
3. Camera or smartphone
4. Magnifying glass (optional)
5. Field guide on Indigenous plant uses (e.g., "Traditional Plant Foods of Canadian Indigenous Peoples: Nutrition, Botany, and Use" by Harriet V. Kuhnlein and Nancy J. Turner)

Resources: 

1. "Plants of the Western Boreal Forest & Aspen Parkland" by Johnson, Kershaw, MacKinnon, and Pojar
2. "Traditional Plant Foods of Canadian Indigenous Peoples: Nutrition, Botany, and Use" by Harriet V. Kuhnlein and Nancy J. Turner
3. iNaturalist
4. PlantSnap
5. Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre
6. Nature Saskatchewan
7. Field Guides and Floras
8. Plant Identification Medicine Wheel Garden 

Safety Considerations:

Supervise children to ensure they don’t touch or ingest unknown plants. Teach children to recognize and avoid poisonous plants. Ensure everyone stays within the designated safe area.

Benefits:

Physical: Walking and exploring provide exercise and fresh air. Using sight, touch, and smell to study plants enhances sensory development.

Intellectual: Identifying plants and learning their names and uses expands botanical knowledge and critical thinking skills. Understanding Indigenous uses of plants fosters respect and appreciation for cultural diversity.

Spiritual: Spending time in nature and learning about plant life fosters a deeper connection to the environment. Engaging with traditional plant uses promotes respect for Indigenous wisdom and practices.

Emotional: Discovering new plants can inspire awe and curiosity. The calm and focus required for plant identification can be relaxing.