A group of Olivet University faculty members attended a special ethnobotany lecture this week, hosted by Knöppelåsen, an Aguanga-based nonprofit dedicated to regenerative agriculture and sustainable gardening. The event featured guest speaker William Pink of the Agua Caliente Tribe of Cupeno Indians, Pala, offering a rich exploration of edible and medicinal plants traditionally foraged and cultivated by local tribes.
William Pink, a respected advocate for native plant conservation, shared insights from his extensive work, including his involvement with the native plant nursery at Pechanga and his service as a past member of the California Desert Conservation Area Advisory Committee. Pink also formerly served as the Tribal Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians.
Throughout the lecture, participants learned about the historical and contemporary uses of native plants within the California desert region, deepening their understanding of ethnobotany and indigenous land stewardship practices. The event also featured samples of traditionally foraged and prepared foods, offering a tangible taste of the region’s cultural and botanical heritage.
Olivet University faculty expressed sincere appreciation to Knöppelåsen for organizing the event and to William Pink for his time, expertise, and generous sharing of knowledge.