Nurturing Forest

Nurturing Forest. . , From ancient times to the present, the forest before you has provided many of the things people need to survive and thrive. Game animals and fish, along with berries, roots, and other plant foods, provide sustenance. Clear mountain rivers, creeks, and springs deliver water to drink and irrigate crops in the San Luis Valley to the east. Abundant trees offer timber to be harvested and shaped into homes. Forest herbs and trees supply nature's medicine for the comfort and cure of illnesses and injuries. Even the simple beauty and grandeur of the forest offers a soothing balm for the senses and the soul. , For thousands of years, people have witnessed the dynamic changes of this nurturing forest. Disturbances, both natural and manmade, have modified the landscape. Fires, drought, insects, and simply the passage of time have transformed the area. Yet this forest never ceases to yield extraordinary gifts to those who come here. , [photo captions] , . Highly nutritious, the sweet, inner bark of the ponderosa pine bark was often enjoyed by indigenous people. As you can see in this modern picture, careful peeling allowed trees to continue to live and grow. , . Piñón Pine and Piñón Nuts in Cone. Tasty piñón seeds or nuts are still a popular treat today. The highly sticky piñón pitch was used to treat cuts, colds and flu, fevers, and sore muscles. , . Chokecherries, or “capulin,” can be used to treat coughs and colds, and boiled to make delicious vinegar, jams, or jellies. Eaten straight off the bush, they produce an uncomfortable astringent and drying effect to the mouth. , . Rosehips, or the seed pod on rose bushes, are still used today as a tremendous source of vitamin C. Known locally by the Spanish name “champe,” the hips are used to make tea, jams and jellies. , . Aspen Tree. Preparations from aspen tree bark were used to treat headaches, colds and coughs, fever, and stomach ailments. The sweet inner bark was a tasty food source. , Timeline [across bottom of interpretive panel] , 1812 . War of 18 12 between U.S. and Britain , 1832 . Conejos Guadalupe Land Grant bestowed by Mexico to 50 New Mexican families , 1843 . Sangre de Cristo Land Grant bestowed by Mexico to Narcisco Beaubien and Stephen Lee , 1846-1848 . Mexican American War , 1848 . U.S. defeated Mexico, Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed , 1851 . Settlement of San Luis established (oldest town in Colorado) , 1852 . U.S. military establishes Fort Massachusetts , 1852-1860 . Other settlements established on east side of valley: San Pablo Garcia, San Pedro, San Acacio, Chama, Los Fuertes, Jaroso, San Francisco, Mesita , 1854-1870 . Guadalupe settled (earliest permanent settlement on west side of the San Luis Valley): Mogote, Conejos, Los Rincones, Las Mesitas, San Rafael, Ceniceros/Lobatos, Cañon, Capulin, Los Sauces, Los Cerritos, La Florida, La Isla, Espinoza, El Centrito , 1858 . Fort Garland established , 1861 . San Luis Valley becomes part of Colorado Territory , 1861 . Colorado becomes U.S. Territory , 1861-1865 . U.S. Civil War , 1874-1888 . Mormon settlers establish: Manassa, Richfield, Romeo, Sanford, Morgan , 1876 . Colorado granted U.S. statehood , 1877 . Denver and Rio Grande Railroad arrives in San Luis Valley near Fort Garland , 1878-1880 . Railroad settlements/towns established: Alamosa, La Jara, Antonito , 1883 . Fort Garland abandoned , 1900 . La Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU) founded in Antonito, NEVER east plants that you are not familiar with or are not sure are edible. Doing so could cause serous health complications or even death. Many plants may look alike and can resemble edible plants. Know your plants before you pick and eat!.