Land Stewardship
Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is Indigenous wisdom, passed down and refined from generation to generation, for the continued stewardship of the land and the survival of its plants, animals, and people. It has sustained life on this Earth since time immemorial, and it remains the path forward for living and thriving in harmony with the Land — for Native people, and for everyone who shares this land today.
TEK varies by culture and is rooted in the specific ecosystems where it is practiced. At its core, TEK means relating to nature as a living relative rather than a resource — working with her natural cycles and biodiversity through tools and practices shaped by generations of careful observation.
Native people carry this knowledge forward by recognizing our inherent relationship to the Earth, then honoring it with care and reciprocity. These are Indigenous values, passed down from our ancestors — and they matter for everyone, because restoring balance is a shared responsibility and the foundation for a healthy, sustainable future we all depend on.
TEK Resources
Below you will find a list of external resources to support your learning around TEK. If you have come across material you feel would be a good addition to the list, reach out to us here.
Webinar: What is Traditional Ecological Knowledge? Brittani Orona, Hupa/Save California Salmon/U.C. Davis, Ron Reed, Karuk Tribe
Webinar: Abalone History and Ecology in Native California, Cody Henrikson and Shoshoni Gensaw-Hostler
Webinar: TEK Series Fire & Forests, Margo Robbins, Yurok/Co-founder & Executive Director of the Cultural Fire Management Council (CFMC) Ali Meders-Knight, Mechoopda Master Traditional Ecological Practitioner
Webinar: TEK Series Rivers & Fish, Charlie Reed, Karuk/Humboldt State University Native American Studies Keith Parker, Yurok Fisheries Department Molecular Biologist
Webinar: TEK Series Oceans, Marva Jones, Tolowa Dee-ni Hillary Renick, Member Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians
Webinar: TEK Series Climate CA 30x30 Plan & Land Back, Dr. Cutcha Risling Baldy, Department Chair Native American Studies /Humboldt State University Bill Tripp, Karuk Tribe, Director of Natural Resources & Environmental Policy
Article: Rethinking Wildfire, Cultural Burning and the Art of Not Fighting Fire, Kat Kerlin
Volunteer Education Days
At TTPC, we host quarterly Volunteer Education Days which serve as an excellent opportunity to learn more about stewardship and TEK.
All are welcome to attend these hands-on learning experiences, where we remove invasive plants, strengthen wildfire resilience, and work to restore the native ecosystem.
You can learn more about Volunteer Education Days by signing up for our Volunteer List at the green button below.