Planting Trees Protects Both Climate and Culture

Provided by: Our Living Lands |Published on: June 25, 2026

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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.

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Subjects: Biology, Geography

Authors: Sarah Liese (Twilla)

Region: USA - South, United States, Oklahoma

Languages: English

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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.

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Scientist Reviewed

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Planting Trees Protects Both Climate and Culture

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources