News Release

The Wintu of Whiskeytown

NPS

News Release Date: October 6, 2021

Contact: Scott Einberger, 530-242-3450

WHISKEYTOWN, CA - How can learning about the local traditions, geography, and current livelihood of the Wintu change the relationship students have with their land as well as their perspectives on indigenous culture?  

This is the fundamental question and basis for Whiskeytown National Recreation Area’s new curriculum-based education program titled “The Wintu of Whiskeytown.”  

The program was recently developed and completed by Laken Bose, a California elementary school teacher that served as the park's Teacher Ranger Teacher last summer. The program was developed in consultation with Redding Rancheria’s Cultural Department.  

During this 45-minute-long 3rd grade virtual field trip opportunity (the program can easily be adapted for higher grade levels), students will complete activities focused on Wintu geography and settlement, Wintu traditional plant use, and indigenous use of fire.  

“Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located entirely within the homeland of the Wintu,” noted Park Superintendent Josh Hoines in a statement. “I am really excited about offering this important program to local schools.”  

The park plans on offering the program as an in-person field trip at Tower House Historic District once the COVID-19 pandemic has been overcome. Until then, it is being offered virtually.

Teachers interested in scheduling the virtual program can reach out to Scott Einberger, Visual Information Specialist, at [e-mail].  

In addition to “The Wintu of Whiskeytown” program, Whiskeytown park rangers are available to present several other education programs. These free virtual programs include:

• "Why is Whiskeytown on Fire?," a program focused on fire ecology. 
• "Fisher Fundamentals," a program spotlighting the elusive Fisher.
• "Whiskeytown Rocks," a presentation focused on park geology including geologic hazards.
• "Adapt or Survive: Howell's Alkali Grass," a presentation spotlighting a plant found in Whiskeytown and nowhere else on earth.
• "Where's the Whiskey? Where's the Town", a program focused on the former town-site.
• "Whiskeytown and the Northern Diggins," a program focused on the national recreation area's Gold Rush heritage. 

For more information on these programs, visit www.nps.gov/whis/learn/education. 

About Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Whiskeytown is one of over 420 parks within the National Park System. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area was established in 1965 to protect Whiskeytown Lake and surrounding habitat and to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the people of the United States. The park protects a diversity of plants and animals and preserves cultural history of the Wintu People and California Gold Rush. Whiskeytown is visited by almost one million people each year. For more information, visit the park website or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.