samsavage's Journal

The discovery of the Sitka Alder on this blustery day in Homer, a place most Alaskans know for its rugged coastal beauty and abundant wildlife, gave me insight into the tenacity of native plant species in the face of challenging environmental conditions. Its multifaceted role in promoting biodiversity, stabilizing coastal ecosystems, and offering sustenance to wildlife (Sitka alder) underscores its ecological significance in our region.

The Sitka Alder, an integral part of Alaska's native flora, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Alnus genus in the Betulaceae family. Typically ranging in height from 3 to 12 feet (1 to 4 meters), this shrub is instantly recognizable by its serrated leaves, small cones, and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Frankia Alni.). These traits contribute to its remarkable resilience and adaptability.

Traditionally, Native Alaskans used the Sitka Alder for a number of things from availing themselves fo the tannins found in the bark as a tanning agent, to building sheters , band basketry, as a medicine to treat inflammation, and even a dye to produce shades of red and brown (Turner, Nancy).

As we continue to explore and appreciate the natural wonders around us, it is essential to recognize and protect species like the Sitka Alder. Their contribution to the resilience and beauty of our natural landscapes is a reminder of the intricate web of life that thrives even in the harshest of environments and I’m afraid with all the development around us, we are interfering with that perfect natural balance.

Works Cited
"Frankia Alni." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 May 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankia_alni#:~:text=Frankia%20alni%20is%20a%20Gram,the%20roots%20of%20alder%20trees. Accessed 6 Oct. 2023.
"Sitka Alder." Biodiversity of the ECentral Coast, 6 Oct. 2023, www.centralcoastbiodiversity.org/sitka-alder-bull-alnus-viridis-ssp-sinuata.html.
Turner, Nancy J. Plants Used by the Haida Indians of Alaska. University of Washington Press, 2005.

Sea stars, celebrated for their resilience and regenerative abilities, have painted the coastal waters of Homer, Alaska, with their vibrant colors and striking patterns for millennia. An emblem of the rich marine biodiversity, they enliven the dock and tidal pools, contributing to the ecological balance by preying on mollusks, barnacles, snails, and other smaller organisms (Sea Star). We’re lucky here in Homer, renowned for its spectacular views and prolific marine life, that we see a tapestry of sea stars beneath the waves, a visual feast.

During low tide, the marine veil withdrew, revealing a biotic panorama beneath! The piers of the dock, once submerged became islands of life, inhabited by a myriad of organisms including these stunning sea stars. On this low tide day, locals and tourists alike found themselves drawn to the dock to explore these temporary landscapes, observing the life that usually remains hidden beneath the sea’s surface.

Historically, the indigenous people of Alaska, including the Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) and Dena'ina, manifested a deep-rooted connection with the marine environment, forging an existence intertwined with the sea and its creatures. The sea stars were not merely organisms to observe; they were entities entwined in stories, symbols, and occasionally, sustenance and utility. The durable skin of some sea star species was occasionally utilized in traditional practices, while others might become components in medicinal preparations. Sea stars and other marine life also find a place in native folklore and spiritual beliefs, symbolizing various elements like regeneration, mystery, and adaptability (Native American Starfish Mythology).

These marine entities thus represent more than their biological attributes; they are threads in a cultural tapestry that spans generations. The ebb and flow of the tides in Homer not only unveil the biotic wonders below but also symbolically reveal a window into the past, where nature and culture elegantly collide, entwining tales of survival, coexistence, and reverence between the indigenous peoples and the vibrant life beneath the Alaskan waves.

Works Cited

"Native American Starfish Mythology." Native Languages, 13 Oct. 2023, www.native-languages.org/legends-starfish.htm.

"Sea Star." Britannica, 13 Oct. 2023, www.britannica.com/animal/sea-star.

On a bright early fall morning, the sunlight spread like golden syrup, its warmth cutting through the cool air. My yard, with its freshly fallen leaves, seemed to shimmer in the light. That's when I saw them— a group of sandhill cranes, their tall, regal frames standing out against the green. Their gray feathers, tinged with a rustic red, glistened as they pecked and pranced around, a surprising, yet welcome, sight in my own back yard.

For Native Alaskans, these birds are more than just a beautiful spectacle; they are deeply woven into their cultural fabric. Historically, they have been hunted for their meat, which is a delicacy, and their feathers, which are used in ceremonial attire (The Contributions of Wildlife Diversity to the Subsistence and Nutrition of Indigenous Cultures). Their migratory patterns, signaling the changing of seasons, have found resonance in many local myths and legends.

In contemporary times, while hunting still continues under regulated means ensuring the species' conservation, the sandhill crane has also become a symbol of ecological preservation and the delicate balance of nature. Many Native Alaskan communities engage in practices that respect and protect the habitats of these cranes, understanding that their well-being is intricately tied to the health of the environment.

In many Native Alaskan homes, the arrival of the cranes is celebrated, much like the return of a distant relative. Children are often regaled with bedtime stories where these birds play pivotal roles— tales of bravery, love, and the timeless dance of nature. Crafts inspired by the cranes often adorn homes, with their delicate feathers being used to make keepsakes and trinkets, handed down as family heirlooms (On the Trails: An Uncommon Encounter with Sandhill Cranes).

From my personal experience in Homer, in local gatherings, it's not uncommon to hear traditional songs that pay homage to the cranes. Their distinctive calls, echoing the rhythms of the land, become a part of the melodies that resonate in Homer and other communities like ours..

Works Cited

"On the Trails: An Uncommon Encounter with Sandhill Cranes." Juneau Empire.

"The Contributions of Wildlife Diversity to the Subsistence and Nutrition of Indigenous Cultures." Traditional Animal Foods, 20 Oct. 2023, traditionalanimalfoods.org/birds/other-birds/page.aspx?id=6491.

It was an unusually sunny day in Homer, with the light bouncing off the sparkling bay, glistening in its full glory. The skies above stretched vast and clear, tinted with hues of blue that artists would dream of capturing on canvas. I was set to leave my beloved home the next day, and the thought itself evoked a mix of melancholy and anticipation over the reason for my travels. But today, I was intent on soaking in as much of Homer as I could, seeking something to ground me amidst the whirlwind of impending work through a little walk through my property. It was on this walk, I came across this felled log, home to a little patch of Cypress-leaved Plait-Moss.

Spread over the damp forest floor, these tiny, intricate mosses paint a carpet of green, exuding an aura of ancient wisdom and timelessness. Delicate and detailed, the moss seemed to have woven stories of the land in its dense, intricate mats. As I knelt closer to inspect, the moss's feathery leaves whispered secrets of the forest, holding tales of the earth and epochs gone by, I was struck by how many times I’ve breezed right by these tiny plants without a second thought.

Native Alaskans, deeply attuned to the land, have traditionally used mosses like these in multiple ways. From serving as insulation in their footwear and clothing to absorbing moisture in their homes, the moss played a pivotal role in their daily lives. In times of need, it also acted as a wound dressing, and menstrual pads thanks to its absorbent qualities (How Our Ancestors Used Moss). The symbiotic relationship between the indigenous people and moss, another testament to their profound respect for nature, left me awe-inspired.

Scientifically, the Cypress-leaved Plait-Moss, known as Hypnum cupressiforme, is fascinating. It thrives in various habitats, from woodland floors to rocky outcrops, adapting and finding its niche in diverse ecosystems. What's intriguing is its ability to survive in both extremely dry and wet conditions. The moss can lose a significant amount of its water content and remain dormant, only to rehydrate and rejuvenate when water becomes available (Hypnum Cupressiforme).

That day, amid the vastness of Homer's beauty, it was the modest Cypress-leaved Plait-Moss that offered me perspective and grounding. As I prepare to leave tomorrow, I carry with me not just my love for this magical place, but also the profound lessons from a tiny moss patch in the heart of my home.

Works Cited

"How Our Ancestors Used Moss." WabiMoss, 13 Apr. 2023, www.wabimoss.com/nature-immersion/practical-uses-mos.
"Hypnum Cupressiforme." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Apr. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnum_cupressiforme. Accessed 27 Oct. 2023.