Restoring Land Through Indigenous Knowledge: Wisdom of the Elders & Leach Botanical Garden

Wisdom of the Elders has proudly partnered with Leach Botanical Garden and its transformative Back 5 Project for many years, cultivating a relationship rooted in restoration, education, and respect for the land. This collaboration represents more than just environmental work; it’s a living example of how Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) can guide sustainable practices and help restore ecosystems to their natural balance.

Located in the heart of Portland, Leach Botanical Garden is a place where history, community, and nature converge. The Back 5 Project focuses on restoring previously underutilized land into a thriving natural space filled with native plants and diverse habitats. With the support of Wisdom of the Elders, this work goes beyond traditional landscaping by incorporating time-tested Indigenous methods that prioritize harmony with nature rather than control over it.

At the core of this partnership is a shared mission: to restore land to what it once was while educating the community about sustainable and culturally respectful practices. Wisdom of the Elders brings invaluable knowledge to the project, emphasizing land stewardship techniques that avoid the use of pesticides and harmful chemicals. Instead, the focus is placed on natural processes—working with the ecosystem rather than against it.

This approach not only protects the environment but also supports biodiversity, improves soil health, and ensures that future generations can experience the land as it was meant to be. Native plants play a critical role in this restoration, providing essential habitats for pollinators and wildlife while maintaining the ecological integrity of the region. Through these efforts, the Back 5 Project has become a model for how urban spaces can be revitalized in a way that is both environmentally responsible and culturally meaningful.

The partnership also serves as a powerful educational platform. Visitors to Leach Botanical Garden can witness firsthand how Indigenous knowledge systems contribute to modern environmental solutions. Workshops, storytelling, and hands-on experiences help bridge the gap between traditional practices and contemporary conservation efforts. This not only raises awareness but also fosters a deeper connection between people and the land they inhabit.

In collaboration with Portland Parks & Recreation, the project continues to expand its impact, reaching a wider audience and inspiring others to rethink how we approach land management. The involvement of local organizations and the broader community ensures that this work remains dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

Wisdom of the Elders’ role in this partnership highlights the importance of honoring Indigenous voices in environmental stewardship. By centering ITEK, the organization helps reshape the narrative around conservation—moving away from extractive practices and toward a more balanced, respectful relationship with nature.

Whether you’re a resident, a visitor planning a family trip, or simply someone interested in sustainable living, the Back 5 Project offers a meaningful glimpse into what’s possible when tradition and innovation come together. It stands as a reminder that the solutions to many of today’s environmental challenges can be found in the wisdom of the past.