Tuesday, March 22, 6-8pm, “Biomolecules and Folklore: Understanding Traditional Plant Use in the Tetons through Archaeology and Ethnography,” Teton County Library, 125 Virginian Lane, Jackson.
The Teton Plant Society is offering a presentation by Matt Stirn, Rebecca Sgouros, and Dr. Sharon Kahin of the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum. The ancient Tetons were a wealth of plant and animal 
resources for the Native American tribes who frequented the area. Wild edibles covered the valley floor of Jackson Hole and continued up into the Tetons above tree line. While some exciting research has been conducted on the historical use of plants in the Jackson Hole region, much remains to be explored. During recent years, archaeologists and ethnographers have worked together to identify culturally significant plant species throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The talk will begin by looking at research currently being conducted in the Teton and Wind River Ranges, and will explore how archaeologists use tactics such as archaeobotany, biomolecular residue analysis, and satellite imagery to uncover clues about past plant use. The presentation will also include new information gathered on the traditional use of both edible and medicinal plants in the Jackson Hole and the Greater Yellowstone Region learned from recent oral histories conducted with both Shoshone and Crow elders and healers.
Free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by the Teton Plant Society and the Teton County Library.