Visiting the Ute Ethnobotany Learning Garden

Colorado State University Extension office, Mesa County Fairgrounds, Grand Junction Colorado.

Students of all ages visiting this site will learn about:

The history of the Ute Indians in Western Colorado. Where they lived and why and when they were removed from Colorado to reservations in Utah and New Mexico will be covered.
The tipi (Nugan), its meaning to the Ute Indians, and tipi etiquette. Why does the door face east, why does the tipi have ears? How does the tipi differ from a wicki-up? Where were horses so important to the Ute Indians?
What other Indian tribes moved through and used the plant and animal resources of Western Colorado?
Life zones and the plants used by the Ute Indians for food, fiber and medicine. This will include a discussion on how the Ute Indians followed the developing food resources of the life zones. What plants were available and how did the Ute indians cope with starvation when their normal food sources were not available?
The three sisters – corn, beans and squash. Grind corn, cook squash and roast corn.
Learn about archaeological resource conservation and why wiki-ups, arrow heads, pictographs and other evidence of previous cultures should be left for others to enjoy.

This site can be used to cover Social Studies and Science educational benchmarks of several grade levels. The length of time classes can stay at the site and the teacher’s desire will determine the number of items covered by the docents.

To schedule a class or group visit or to learn more about this project contact Dr. Curtis Swift, Colorado State University Extension at 244-1840. If you would like to visit the site prior to scheduling a class or group visit, contact Dr. Swift. Additional information on the Ute Ethnobotany Learning Garden is available.

The opportunity to assist with weed control and install plants will depend on time and availability of plants needed for the gardens.

Financial assistance for bus transportation is available from a Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) G.R.E.E.N. network grant.

Return to the Ute Ethnobotany Learning Garden Web Site..