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Student researcher, Lucy Summers, harvesting eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) flowers for tea.
Indigenous student researchers caring for the land utilizing traditional and contemporary stewardship practices
Indigenous student researchers caring for the land utilizing traditional and contemporary stewardship practices
At the Haskell Greenhouse, we honor the traditional practices of our past relatives while integrating contemporary ways of caring for the land. Nearly all of Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU)'s lands were utilized for Western agricultural practices during the earlier years of Haskell Institute (1884 - 1933). Now, we are working to heal them to thriving, biodiverse native ecosystems for humans and our other-than-human relations.
While restoring the land, we also restore Indigenous relations with non-humans. Many species native to present-day Kansas span various cultural regions of these lands. Many Tribes have had connections to various species for millennia, and these connections are (re)awakened while partaking in land stewardship, especially when connections to these species have been severed for long periods of time.
Student researchers partake in growing vegetables and herbs for the Haskell community, caring for various native plant species, restoring the land, (re)connecting with traditional practices, leading various USDA Equity initiatives, and more.
Sharing the Histories, Cultures, and Ecologies of HINU Lands
A map displaying the current landholders of historical Haskell lands.
The Haskell Greenhouse partakes in land tours and similar events to let the community know who the lands are and how they have come to be.
Haskell Indian Nations University is situated in the Wakarusa River Valley, the original homelands of Tribes such as the Kaw (Kanza), Osage, Pawnee, Wichita, and Omaha. Historically, campus lands used to extend all the way to the Wakarusa River, the southern portion of Barker Avenue being located amongst the university's agricultural fields.
Historically, these lands were open marshlands and wet prairies, the closest trees being mostly along the Wakarusa River. The Tribes regularly burned the prairies and marshes via cultural burning to lessen woody species encroachment, promote biodiversity and soil health, and for spiritual practices. Industrialization and destruction of these lands grew significantly after the forced removal of the Kaw in 1873.
After the agricultural emphasis shifted in 1933, Haskell Institute lands started being given away to local institutions for free to $1. This includes Baker University (572.68 acres), Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (20 acres), School District 497 (20 acres), Wakarusa Township (5 acres), City of Lawrence (20 acres), and the University of Kansas (20 acres). HINU is now comprised of ~320 acres from its original 1,011, a loss of nearly 70% of its original lands.
Disking, tilling, and compaction of soil, canal installation, highway/road construction, gas pipeline installation, and more have greatly disturbed the ecosystems on campus. Today, HINU is comprised of over 165 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.
We intend to bring back balance and species that have called this land home since time immemorial, while honoring their histories, cultures, and ecologies.
Ecosystem Restoration
Invasive Species Removal
Invasive Species Removal
Removal of species that are harmful to the native ecosystems of Kansas is a first step to our restoration. Invasive species are plants that have been introduced from other countries and can cause major harm to the health and biodiversity of an ecosystem if left unchecked.
Bush honeysuckle (above) is one of the many invasive species that have harmed the woodlands, wetlands, and prairies at HINU.
Student researchers and community volunteers assist in removing invasive species on a large scale. Once adults of various species are removed, we are able to keep on top of seedlings that begin to emerge from the soil.
The greenhouse began restoration initiatives in May of 2023.
Native Species (Re)introduction
Native Species (Re)introduction
Once invasive species are removed from an area, native plant species are reintroduced via "plugging" and seeding. The Haskell Greenhouse has planted hundreds of species and spread thousands of seeds throughout the woodlands, wetlands, and prairies at HINU.
All species native to Kansas have had connections with Indigenous Peoples for millennia. Kansas native species span across many Tribal cultural regions.
Restoration areas are responding to our efforts as we continue to clear invasive species throughout the ecosystems on campus. Observations have shown that non-humans that were excluded from ecosystems due to invasive species encroachment began returning to these lands to nourish themselves with food, medicines, and fibers and rest.
Continuous Care of the Land
Continuous Care of the Land
After various species are removed and native species are planted/seeded, our efforts in our "older" restoration areas never stop. The greenhouse continually returns to these areas to remove newly-emerged seedlings and saplings to lessen the use of herbicide and to familiarize students and community members with species at various stages of growth.
Native Peoples have never been absent from the land, and continual Indigenous presence in these ecosystems that have been stewarded by Tribes since time immemorial is critical in bringing them back to health.
When our peoples (re)connect with native species, cultural connections are mended, putting Indigenous Peoples and lands on a path to healing.
Garden Restoration
Rose verbena (Glandularia canadensis) blooming at the Haskell Cultural Center & Museum two years after planting. April 2025.
The Haskell Greenhouse not only cares for larger ecosystems on Haskell lands, but also garden spaces. Since June of 2023, the greenhouse has worked to restore the Haskell Cultural Center & Museum's Monarch Waystation back to health. We have also been working at Tommaney Library, and hope to continue expanding our reach across campus as more people continue to (re)connect with these culturally significant plant species.
Garden restoration is critical. Gardens on campus allow us to bring species seen in the woodlands, wetlands, and prairies of Kansas to high-traffic areas. They provide for local non-humans, create opportunities for interpretive events, put on beautiful displays of various flora, and allow Indigenous Peoples easy access to traditional foods, medicines, dyes, and fibers. Over time, they also lessen the need for continual mowing, weed removal, and/or herbicide application, cutting overall costs for the university.
Traditional Medicines
At the greenhouse, we believe Indigenous Peoples should never have to pay for sacred/traditional medicines. The Haskell Greenhouse does what it can to provide medicines to the Native community at no cost. We have shared thousands of seeds and hundreds of medicines with the Indigenous community since 2023, including Tribes near and far.
Eastern red cedar, flat cedar, and white sage are harvested on Haskell lands or locally. Sweetgrass and tobacco are grown throughout the seasons. Student researchers harvest, bundle, dry, and prepare all medicines.
White sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) bundles being wrapped at the Eric Allen Greenhouse with the University of Kansas (KU) Indigenous Stewardship Club.
Caring for Vegetables & Herbs
Throughout the year, student researchers grow vegetables and herbs in the greenhouse and out on the land. The fresh produce is given to the Haskell community at no cost.
Student researchers grow a variety of vegetables and herbs, including the Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash), kale, lettuce, beets, radishes, melons, and more.
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