Plants used by the native peoples of the Southern Plains

Native American Garden at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site growing plants important to the Cheyenne. Learn more by attending the presentation on August 2 at 2:00 p.m.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: July 27, 2015

Contact: Kevin Bowles Mohr, [phone] ext. 3003

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is pleased to welcome Dr. Wayne Elisens from the University of Oklahoma, to the park's Summer Lecture Series on Sunday, August 2 at 2:00 p.m. in the park visitor center.

A Professor of Botany in the Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, Dr. Elisens is also the Curator of the Robert Bebb Herbarium. Among his research interests, is plant usage by Native Americans on the southern Great Plains. In 2000, he and Dr. Paul E. Minnis published Biodiversity and Native Americans, a book "which explores the relationship between Native Americans and the natural world."

At Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, the National Park Service partnered with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Language Program to create a native garden with a variety of plant species that would have been important to a tribal community. Dr. Elisen's talk will showcase some of these plants, and introduce our audience to many others.

Everyone is cordially invited to come hear Dr. Elisens' presentation on "Plants used by the native peoples of the Southern Plains." Afterwards, please join us for refreshments.

WHAT: "Plants used by native peoples of the Southern Plains"

WHEN: Sunday, August 2, 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Visitor Center

Upcoming Events:

WHAT: Cheyenne Warrior Societies and Ledger Art

WHEN: Sunday, August 9, 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Visitor Center