Revitalizing Nature: How New York’s Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna

Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Bringing Back Bald Eagles Through Raptor Recovery

The majestic bald eagle holds a special place in Native American culture as a symbol of spiritual guidance and connection to ancestral lands. But by the mid-20th century, this iconic raptor was nearly wiped out across North America due to hunting, habitat loss and the pesticide DDT. With bald eagle populations decimated, many tribes felt a deep sense of loss for both ecological and cultural reasons.

In the 1980s, New York's Native communities decided to take action to bring back their treasured eagles. They partnered with conservation groups and state wildlife agencies to launch bald eagle recovery programs centered around raptor rehabilitation. These collaborative efforts involved rescuing injured eagles, nursing them back to health and releasing them into suitable habitats across New York.
For the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe along the St. Lawrence River, playing an active role in bald eagle recovery held special meaning. As Joe Kennedy, a Mohawk raptor specialist, explained, "The eagle is such an important cultural symbol for our people that we felt a responsibility to ensure their return." The tribe worked tirelessly to rescue fledgling eaglets that fell from nests and provide the around-the-clock care needed to mend broken wings and other injuries. They found caring for the eagles and watching them return to the skies profoundly gratifying.
The Onondaga Nation also contributed greatly to bald eagle rehabilitation through their Raptor Center. As Raptor Center director Alison Kocek shared, "It's been incredibly rewarding to give these eagles a second chance and support the overall species recovery." Under Kocek's guidance, Onondaga volunteers have raised hundreds of orphaned and injured eaglets. Their dedication played a major role in the dramatic bald eagle population rebound in central New York.

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1. Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Bringing Back Bald Eagles Through Raptor Recovery
2. Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Reintroducing River Otters to Restore Riparian Ecosystems
3. Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Repopulating Lakes with Heritage Fish Species
4. Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Limiting Pesticides to Protect Pollinator Insects
5. Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Removing Invasive Species to Aid Native Trees and Shrubs
6. Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Establishing Indigenous Nurseries for Reforestation Efforts
7. Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Educating Youth on Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Reintroducing River Otters to Restore Riparian Ecosystems

The whistles and splashes of river otters cavorting in creeks and rivers were once a common sight throughout New York. But after nearly a century of trapping and habitat degradation, these aquatic mammals had disappeared from most of the state by the early 1900s. Their absence left a big hole in riparian ecosystems. Without river otters to prey on overpopulated fish, keep waterways clear and distribute seeds and nutrients, these habitats suffered.

In the 1990s, New York's Department of Environmental Conservation and local zoos launched an ambitious river otter reintroduction program. They released hundreds of rescued otters into suitable creeks, rivers and lakes across the state. The aim was to restore self-sustaining otter populations and let nature take its course.

For the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, bringing back river otters held deep cultural meaning. As Tribal Chief Eric Thompson explained, "Otters have long been part of our ancestral lands here along the St. Lawrence River. We're honored to be part of returning them home where they belong." The tribe worked closely with state biologists to identify optimal release sites like creeks flowing into the St. Lawrence and its tributaries. They also helped track the newly released otters to monitor the success of the program.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe wasn't alone in their excitement. "We were thrilled to see the otters return; their presence makes the whole landscape feel more complete," shared Ben Powless, an educator with the Onondaga Nation School System. As word spread of otters spotted in local waters, Powless incorporated them into environmental lessons. His students were inspired to protect otters and steward creek habitats in their ancestral territory.

Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Repopulating Lakes with Heritage Fish Species

For centuries, New York’s lakes brimmed with diverse populations of native fish like brook trout, lake trout and Atlantic salmon. But due to overfishing, pollution, invasive species and habitat destruction, many heritage fish species dwindled or disappeared completely from parts of the state by the early 1900s. Their absence left a void in both ecosystems and local cultures.

To reverse the decline, New York tribes have collaborated with conservation groups on reintroduction efforts across the state. “Repopulating our ancestral lakes with heritage fish species like brook trout holds deep cultural significance,” explained Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe member Roger Jock. “We rely on their return not just to restore biodiversity, but to pass on traditions like ice fishing to future generations.”

The techniques used offer injured or threatened fish a second chance while also benefiting wild populations. Atlases Green, an educator with the Shinnecock Indian Nation, highlights hatchery breeding. “Special hatcheries propagate endangered fish locally so they’re best adapted to reintegrate into the wild.” The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe helps operate one such hatchery, raising brook trout, Atlantic salmon and more to stock Adirondack waters.

Angela Ferguson, a conservation biologist with the Onondaga Nation, adds, “For some lakes, put-and-take stocking introduces fish to boost recreational fishing.” Heritage species raised in tribal hatcheries get released into suitable habitats so locals and tourists can fish sustainably.
According to Green, habitat restoration is also key. "We’re working to remove dams, fight pollution and restore shorelines so native fish can thrive." These efforts provide spawning areas plus the food and shelter fish need. The results can be remarkable. Green shares that Atlantic salmon numbers in Lake Ontario tributaries like the Oswego River have rebounded from near zero in the 1990s to over 8,000 today thanks to reintroduction programs.

Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Limiting Pesticides to Protect Pollinator Insects

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, beetles and more play an invaluable role in ecosystems and agriculture. But decades of widespread pesticide use have taken a major toll on these important insects. With pollinator populations plummeting, New York’s Native tribes have made safeguarding them a top priority. They’re using cultural burning techniques, establishing pollinator gardens and limiting pesticides through integrated pest management.

For the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, protecting pollinators holds deep cultural roots. As tribal member Ronda Joe explains, “Our ancestral seeds and medicines depend on the bees, butterflies and beetles long honored through our oral traditions.” The tribe is now putting those lessons into practice to heal both the land and their heritage seeds.

They’re using cultural burns on ancestral lands along the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries to restore pollinator habitats. Expertly setting controlled fires removes invasive species and encourages flowers and nesting sites bees and butterflies need. The tribe also plants pollinator gardens with native flowering species like milkweed, asters, goldenrods and more to attract diverse pollinators.

To curb pesticide use, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe partners with farmers through integrated pest management (IPM) workshops. As organic farmer Jackie Thompson shares, “IPM teaches pest prevention using natural predators and targeted, low-impact options.” Strategies include pest-resistant crop varieties, polyculture planting and non-chemical controls like pheromone traps. This empowers farmers to drastically reduce pesticide applications.
The Shinnecock Indian Nation has taken a similar approach through their Sustainability Department’s beekeeping programs. “We teach hobby beekeepers and train future tribal apiarists,” notes program director Kimo Pihana. Beyond managing hives gently through targeted treatments, they’re establishing pollinator habitats across Shinnecock lands on Long Island. Limiting mowing and planting wildflower meadows provides essential forage.

Pihana adds, “We’re also creating brochures on pesticide-free lawn care and pollinator gardens for tribal members.” Reducing home and garden chemicals safeguards bees buzzing between blossoms. As former Shinnecock apiarist Lena Bunn shares, “I’m blown away by the transformation on properties going pesticide-free; bees are noticeably more abundant.”

Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Removing Invasive Species to Aid Native Trees and Shrubs

Invasive plant species pose one of the biggest threats to New York’s native flora. Aggressive foreigners like knotweed, garlic mustard, purple loosestrife and more have seeded prolifically across the state, crowding out indigenous trees, shrubs and wildflowers. To turn back this botanical invasion, New York tribes have launched a multipronged assault to remove invasive plants and restore native biodiversity.

For the Onondaga Nation, the fight against invasive species is deeply personal. “We rely on traditional plants for medicine, food and crafts passed down over generations,” explains tribal ethnobotanist Rebecca Webster. “Losing our native flora to these invaders jeopardizes our culture.”

Manual removal offers the most precise and selective means to eliminate unwanted plants. “We organize community workdays to uproot invasives like knotweed by hand,” shares Tadodaho Sid Hill, Onondaga Nation Spiritual Leader. This protects beneficial plants intermixed with target species. Onondaga volunteers also weed out garlic mustard from forest understories to defend native wildflowers like trilliums.
While labor-intensive, manual removal provides immediate results. “Our wetlands bouncing back after digging up purple loosestrife inspires us to keep fighting invasives,” enthuses Onondaga conservation technician Ernie Danforth. Carefully controlled herbicide applications complement manual efforts on tougher infestations. Spot-treating knotweed and loosestrife kills what manual removal can’t reach.
Biocontrol offers another non-chemical approach. Beneficial insects like Japanese beetles attack invasives while avoiding native plants. Releasing them strategically controls prolific threats like purple loosestrife. “It’s amazing seeing beetles we raised devour acres of loosestrife, letting native species thrive again,” shares Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge biologist Deb Tanner.

Equally important is reestablishing native trees, shrubs and wildflowers once invasives have been removed. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe partners with the New York Natural Heritage Program to collect and propagate seeds from indigenous plants still clinging on. “We grow them in our tribal nursery and replant species like black ash and sweetgrass in areas cleared of invasives,” explains St. Regis botanist Ronda Joe. This aids ecological and cultural restoration.

Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Establishing Indigenous Nurseries for Reforestation Efforts

Revitalizing forests with native trees and shrubs holds deep meaning for New York’s indigenous communities. After centuries of logging, agriculture and development depleted wooded areas across the state, tribes have made reforestation a top priority. Establishing tribal nurseries to cultivate heritage tree species for replanting aids these efforts while passing on ancient horticultural knowledge.

For the Onondaga Nation, tribal nurseries foster a sacred connection to ancestral seeds and signify renewal. “By nurturing the Good Mind seeds of ash, hickory, maple and more, we’re revitalizing our land and culture,” shares Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Onondaga’s Turtle Clan. The tribe’s extensive nursery greenhouses propagate over 50 heritage varieties to support reforestation. Students from the Onondaga Nation School help collect seeds and tend seedlings. “Caring for our ancestral tree seeds inspires the next generation to be stewards of the land,” notes teacher Bud White.
The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe draws on their Peacemaker teachings emphasizing the Good Mind and shared responsibility as they operate an indigenous nursery. “We feel called to sustain the lifeblood of the land by growing native tree species for planting,” explains Ronda Joe, St. Regis Mohawk seed guardian. Their nursery nurtures heritage varieties like white pine, paper birch and black ash to restore tribal forests.

For New York’s Shinnecock Indian Nation, native plant nurseries aid cultural resilience. “Maintaining our woodland pharmacopeia depends on replanting important species like sassafras which were overharvested,” shares ethnobotany apprentice Lena Bunn. Shinnecock greenhouses sprout sassafras along with hickories, oaks and more to reestablish coastal plain forests.

Tribal nurseries follow natural cycles using heritage seeds collected sustainably from wild stands. “We stratify them through exposure to cold and warmth needed to break dormancy and sprout,” explains Onondaga Nation botanist Ernie Danforth. They transplant seedlings into larger pots as roots develop, and track their light and nutrient needs. While labor-intensive, this honors native varieties’ natural rhythms.
Strategic planting restores diverse forests and ecosystems. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe partners with Akwesasne Forest Restoration to reforest former agricultural plots with heritage trees. “Returning our land to its indigenous roots tree by tree brings immense joy,” shares Akwesasne Forest Restoration director Connor Thompson. The Onondaga Nation plants climax forest species like sugar maples as cornerstones along with faster-growing nurse trees to shelter them.

Revitalizing Nature: How New York's Native Tribes Are Nurturing Upstate Flora and Fauna - Educating Youth on Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Instilling an ethic of sustainability in the next generation is vital for New York’s Native tribes working to heal both ancestral lands and cultural connections. By engaging youth in hands-on environmental education, they are fostering an indigenous land stewardship that will endure for generations to come.