Why were trees important to Native Americans?
Boxelder Tree (Acer negundo) is a member of the Maple family that derives its name from its similarity to the Boxwood and the Elder trees. Both the Native American people and later settlers tapped the Boxelder for its sweetish sap to make syrup and sugar. Native Americans used the Boxelder for making weapons. They burned the wood in fires for sweat lodges because it gave off an intense heat and sweet smell when it burned. They also preferred it because of the length of time it burned. Native Americans cut off the knots on the trunk and on large branches. Then, they burned and chiseled out the knots and used them as bowls for soups and liquids. Pines (pinus): Ponderosa Pine, also referred to as Yellow or Bull Pine, is the predominant evergreen at the site of the Cave. They prefer mountain slopes and sheltered drainages. Limber Pines (Pinus flexilis) also grow at the site, but they need moisture and shade to grow well. The Limber Pine can be distinguished by its needles which are bunched
