The Re-establishment of Juneberries on the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Tribal Lands

1. The Re-establishment of Juneberries on the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Tribal Lands Chris McLaughlin Fort Berthold Community College Natural Resources Education Grant A Land Grant Network to Enhance Tribal College Community Natural Resources Education Programs Sponsored by USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems

2. Origin of the Juneberry Project • Tillie Walker: Respected Community Elder • Ron Klein: FBCC Agriculture Department • Ruth Hall Short Bull: FBCC NRE Instructor • Kerry Hartman: FBCC Science Instructor • Chris McLaughlin: FBCC Student/Research Asst.

3. Abstract • Before the flooding of our bottomlands along the Missouri River on Fort Berthold, our area was rich in abundance of juneberries. Juneberries were a natural food and a way of life for centuries. But after the flooding caused by the Corps of Engineers and the Garrison Dam, we lost a high percentage of our juneberries and we no longer had the ample fruits we always had. • The Fort Berthold Community College has planted two plots of approximately five hundred each in White Shield. We also have planted plots in Mandaree and New Town with approximately five hundred trees also. • Historically, they grew in the wild and became abundant through time, finding the best ground to make roots in. Today, we have to conduct research to investigate ideal juneberry establishment conditions. Such conditions would be soil types, topography, which direction slopes are, water needs, land availability, and actual planting and monitoring. • We are currently analyzing and determining the ideal soil types.

4. Introduction • In 1954, the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation was flooded by a devastating act of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. • This resulted in a catastrophic loss of fertile land, naturally inhabited hardwoods, and fruit bearings shrubs. • This was brought to light 6 years ago to FBCC by Tillie Walker, a respected community elder. • FBCC, with the help of three USDA grants, was then able to bring this project to life. • After planting, we will start analyzing soil, topography, and other variables to locate and establish the best growing conditions.

5. Historic Event Leading to the Reduction of Juneberries on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Devastating Decision • The Garrison Dam • Altered Hydrology • Man Made Reservoir

6. Land Loss/Historic Event Approximately 155,000 acres of quality, naturally inhabited, fertile land was lost. Fort Berthold Reservation Prior to the Flooding Fort Berthold Reservation After the Flooding

7. Objective • To re-establish our Native Juneberries for the Mandan, Arikara, and Hidatsa people to utilize.

8. Juneberry Taxonomy • Order: Rosales • Family: Rosaceae • Genus: Amelanchier • Species: alnifolia, canadensis, & arborea • Common Names: Juneberry, Saskatoon, and Serviceberry • Cultivars of: Honeywood, Smokey, and Martin

9. Juneberry Botany • Bear fruit in 2 to 3 years • Significant yields at 7 to 8 years • Very long lived 30 to 50 years

10. Juneberry Distribution

11. Hypothesis • By monitoring the variables, ideal conditions and locations will be established for optimal growth and significant yields.

12. Methodology • Complete a literature review of current research on Juneberries. • Locate and compile any previous data from FBCC Juneberry plots. • Continue collecting data from the Juneberry plots. • Analyze the data. • Compile the results. • Formulate conclusions.

13. Variables to be monitored • Soil Types • Attrition • Water needs • Irrigation Type • Cultivar • Location/Topography • Predation

14. Resources • FBCC currently has four plots of Juneberry trees. • 1. White Shield • 2. War Coulee • 3. New Town • 4. Mandaree

15. Historical Ranges • Native ranges have been extremely impacted by urban development and agricultural practices • Experts estimates believe Juneberries have decreased to less than 10% of historical population

16. Characteristics of some Amelanchier species: • Most prefer moist, well drained, acid soil • Full sun or partial shade • White flowers in spring • Sweet tasting berries in summer • Bright red or orange foliage in fall • Fissured bark during winter months

17. Discussion/Conclusion • In the four plots of Juneberry trees planted, there are three different types of soils, and two different types of irrigation being used. We have found out thus far, our best results have been trees planted in the Williams-Bowbells loams type soils with a drip style irrigation system. • The plan to re-establish juneberries on Fort Berthold is fittingly grounded and in effect. With FBCC’s involvement, the implementation of science, and community awareness, support, and participation, this vision is well within grasp.

18. Soil Types/Irrigation • Mandaree: • Has Williams-Loam Soil, which is a well drained, gently rolling soil, located on glacial till uplands. • A spray irrigation system is used here. • New Town (Land Lab): • Has a Bowdle Loam Soil, which is a level well drained soil, located on terraces. • This plot has a drip system in place. • White Shield & War Coulee: • Both have 70%Williams-30%Bowbells Loam Soils, Williams is the same as above and Bowbells is moderately well drained, formed in glacial till. • Both plots have a drip system in place.

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