Botanizing Kana’tsioharè:ke ('the place of the washed pot')

Kierin Bell | Naturalist

Sunday, June 1st | 10 am – 4 pm

On this trip, we will botanize two culturally significant and ecologically fascinating sites around the area of Kana’tsioharè:ke (‘the place of the washed pot’) — the namesake of the town of Canajoharie — in the heart of the traditional homelands of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk people).

We will begin the day at Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community, located on several hundred acres of forested valleys and ridges adjacent to the Mohawk River. The Community was (re)established in 1993 with the important goal of facilitating the return of the Kanien’kehá:ka people, language, and culture to their homelands. They have graciously provided us with an opportunity to visit and explore the numerous trails on the property.

We will walk about one mile along a forested trail, ending in a wet meadow along the shores of the Mohawk River. The forest is rich and characterized by species such as hackberry, basswood, ashes, elms, and sycamores. We’ll have the chance see plenty of spring ephemerals, sedges, bryophytes, and, with any luck, at least twelve species of ferns and horsetails.

Throughout the day, there will be opportunities to learn more about Kanatsiohareke and its mission. In the afternoon, we will drive a short distance to the nearby Caughnawaga Village Site. There, we will botanize the network of trails owned and operated by the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha National Shrine.

This is the site of a former Kanien’kehá:ka village and historical home of Kateri Tekakwitha (born circa 1656). Even centuries after the village was depopulated, we can still find species that are often indicative of past Indigenous burning practices, including black birch, white oak, and hickories. For those interested, there should be a chance at the end of the day to visit the Shrine museum to learn more about the site and its history.

Please consider donating to Kanatsioshareke Mohawk Community to support their important work here: https://www.mohawkcommunity.org/donate

If you have any questions about the trip before registering, please email Kanatsiohareke@nyflora.org.

All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.

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