Rooted in Community
Reflections on Our BIPOC-Focused Tree Planting
BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
As we conclude our tree planting season, Marielle, the Forestry Program Coordinator for Mississippi Park Connection, reflects on the final tree planting event of the year.
The last tree planting event was a BIPOC-focused collaboration among Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi (formerly known as Lower Phalen Creek Project), National Park Service, Friends of the Mississippi River, Mississippi Park Connection, and Urban Roots.
Photos Courtesy of Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi
The day was crisp and sunny, with temperatures around the 50s, creating perfect conditions for planting. We began the event by introducing Mississippi Park Connection and Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi staff, as well as introducing the land, Wakáŋ Tipi, or the "dwelling of the sacred." A light, sweet smoke permeated the air as our Wakan Tipi partners burned sage and offered it to all participants. Following the smudging, we walked with the participants through the golden prairie, past the warm red and orange oak-lined trail, and to the hillside where we would be planting. At the planting area, we had arranged all our plants, snacks, and medicinal tea for the participants.
The event brought 25 folks to join the planting effort. After demonstrating how to plant a tree, everyone sprang into action, grabbing supplies and digging holes. We had 50 containerized trees and shrubs from Mississippi Park Connection, about 20 bare-root trees and shrubs from the National Park Service, and a box full of native plant plugs, including Dutchman's breeches, wild garlic, and jack-in-the-pulpit from Friends of the Mississippi and Urban Roots. Chatter and music floated through the air as participants got to know each other or played songs while planting. The determination and buzz of energy were palpable as people moved trees, dug holes, and placed protection around the newly planted trees.
I had the opportunity to converse with some participants who shared snippets of their lives with me—one reminiscing about days when their abuela would call them over for yard work, and another expressing that they hadn't had much outdoor experience and that this was their first time planting a tree. What I realized from these interactions is that despite our varied experiences with the outdoors, we all have an innate connection with nature. What I love about these events is that we strengthen that connection even more by bringing people together, learning the history of the land, and achieving our goal of planting all 70 trees, shrubs, and plugs—leaving a lasting, positive impact on the land.
Interested in supporting more BIPOC lead programs? Designate your gift to BIPOC in the Outdoors. Donate Here.
Interested in joining future BIPOC events? Email bipoc.events@parkconnection.org
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