Plant Blindness Represents the Loss of Generational Knowledge and Cultural Identity
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Abstract
Elders from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) who have gathered plants within the region have seen the plant numbers reduced and species of plants disappear. Their statements of concern for the plants and their hope for increased plant diversity led to the development of the current research study. Increasing plant knowledge is vital to rebuilding and maintaining the diversity of vegetation within the forest, grassland, and wetland habitats. The present study used an online survey to assess citizens’ ability to identify plants that belong in wetland, grassland, and forest habitats in the area; names of plants; learn how citizens use plant features to find and identify plants; and where citizens gained their knowledge. The survey also gathered demographic data, which allowed authors to determine trends across different demographic groups including age and ethnicity. In total, 212 participants took the survey, the majority were female and 91% classified themselves as Native American or Alaska Native. Participants were readily able to identify forest and wetland plants correctly, but struggled distinguishing grassland plants from the other habitat types. Participants in this study demonstrated a preference for natural areas maintained for humans for recreation purposes. Although more wild habitats may not be in the top three choices for the average citizen to spend time in, forest did have the fourth highest selection. Building on the knowledge that can be learned in familiar and comfortable environments as well as moving into new and wild areas will be important in helping citizens understand the value of biodiversity and conservation in the future. Beyond the local area, this information is useful to researchers and scientists working with plant blindness and seeking to understand how people see and identify plants and how this may change across demographic groups.