Cultural Uses of Rivercane
Thursday, June 12th, 10 am Central
Presenter: Ian Thompson, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Join us for the first session in our webinar series exploring the cultural significance of river cane. This presentation will introduce a unique collection of 18th-century Native American arrows housed at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris, France. Made primarily from river cane and crafted by diverse Tribal arrow-makers, these arrows offer insight into early design traditions and cultural practices. The session will highlight what this historic collection can teach us today, especially in support of cultural revitalization and traditional craftsmanship in Tribal communities.
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Restoration and Propagation Techniques
Thursday, July 10th, 10 am Central
Presenter: Laura Young, Southwest region steward in the Virginia Natural Heritage Program
This session explores how river cane can be successfully restored using simple, low-cost methods and limited resources. Drawing from a pilot project in Southwest Virginia, the presentation highlights practical techniques such as rhizome harvesting and home cultivation that make restoration efforts accessible to staff, volunteers, and community members.
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Rivercane Mapping Techniques
Thursday, August 7th, 10 am Central
Presenters: Theo Witsell, Chief Conservation Officer and Co-founder, South-eastern Grasslands Institute; Tina Rotenbury, GIS Specialist at Ozark St. Francis National Forest
This session features two presentations highlighting innovative approaches to identifying and documenting river cane landscapes in the Ozark region. The first explores modern mapping methods using aerial imagery, LiDAR, and GIS tools to locate existing canebrakes in northwestern Arkansas. The second presentation draws from historical land records to develop spatial data for river cane in the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests. Together, they demonstrate how both contemporary and historical tools can support restoration and research efforts.
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Canebrake Health and Care
Thursday, September 11th, 10 am Central
Panel: Jaime Smith, Choctaw Nation, Roger Cain, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, Adam Griffith, EBCI Cooperative Extension Agent, Environmental Restorationist and Land Manager
This panel discussion brings together practitioners and experts to share insights on the care and management of river cane and canebrakes. Panelists will discuss key factors that influence cane health, common challenges in maintaining stands, and practical strategies for supporting long-term growth and resilience.
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Rivercane Genetics
Thursday, October 9th, 10 am Central
Presenters: Michael P. Fedoroff, Director of CONSERVE Research Group, Michael R. McKain, Assistant Director of Watershed Biodiversity, CONSERVE Research Group
This session explores current research into the genetics of river cane. The presentation will discuss what scientists are learning about river cane genetic diversity and potential applications in conservation and restoration. Attendees will gain insight into how genetic research can support the future care and use of river cane.