Planting Trees Protects Both Climate and Culture
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Provided by: Our Living Lands|Published on: June 25, 2026
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This 5-minute radio segment reports on the Chickasaw Nation in southern Oklahoma, where planting trees is used to combat climate change while also passing Chickasaw culture down to the next generation.
- It features Jennie Mosely, the Chickasaw Nation’s Sustainability Director, who reflects on how lessons from her father about honoring and caring for the land—land her ancestors fought to keep—guide her work today.
Subjects: Biology, Geography
Authors: Sarah Liese (Twilla)
Region: USA - South, United States, Oklahoma
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- Use this short segment to introduce the connection between Indigenous-led climate solutions and cultural preservation.
- Pair the audio with a class discussion or written reflection on how caring for the land can serve both ecological goals, such as addressing climate change, and cultural goals, such as honoring ancestors.
Extensions:
- Have students investigate tree-planting or reforestation efforts in their own region and compare the motivations and goals to those described in the segment.
- Use this lesson plan about Wangari Maathai and The Green Belt Movement to illustrate another example of how tree-planting can restore ecosystems while empowering the communities that depend on them.
This news audio clip discusses how the Chickasaw Nation plants native trees to both combat climate change and preserve and pass down their culture. The clip highlights the importance of these trees to the local environment and to the Chickasaws' history and culture. It serves as an example of how humans are connected to the environment. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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