Ecological and Cultural Restoration of an iconic Food Plant (Fritillaria camschatcensis (L.) Ker-Gawl) in the Squamish River Estuary, British Columbia

 Riceroot (Fritillaria camschatcensis) was an important food plant to the Squamish First Nations. The population of this species in the Squamish territory is very sparse due to extensive habitat loss. There is currently a great interest on behalf of the Squamish Nation to explore opportunities for restoring the population of this species back to levels that would be high enough to sustain a certain level of food harvesting in the future. Towards this end, we intend to plant propagules of this species into an experimental native plant garden to be located in the Squamish estuary. In this setting, experimental harvesting and management mimicking traditional practices can be carried out without further depleting existing populations. There is great cultural and ecological importance in strengthening the populations of this food plants for future generations to enjoy.