one habitat – environmental education program
Supporting Sho-Pai Youth Through Environmental Education
A Collaborative Path of Ecological Stewardship
In 2021, TerraGraphics International Foundation (TIFO) joined forces with the Duck Valley Owyhee Combined School, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Environmental Protection Program (TEPP) and Fish and Game Department, and the North American Native Research and Education Foundation (NANREF) to launch One Habitat (in Shoshone and Paiute: Sumu’yoo Tupippuh), an environmental education program on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.
Like many Indigenous communities, the Shoshone-Paiute (Sho-Pai) Tribes face disproportionate environmental burdens due to mining pressures, fisheries collapse, and climate change. Compounding these challenges is the underrepresentation of Native students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
One Habitat blends Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with Western scientific approaches to help Sho-Pai youth explore critical topics such as:
Through classroom workshops, field trips, and hands-on environmental activities, students are developing the skills and confidence to investigate and address local environmental issues while reconnecting with their cultural roots.
Hands-On Learning, Real-World Impact
One Habitat takes students from riverbanks to science fairs, inspiring them to see themselves as environmental stewards and future scientists.
Recent highlights include:
Beaver Relocation and Water Quality Testing
Students worked with Tribal elders and scientists to relocate beavers from irrigation canals to healthier upstream riparian zones along the East Fork of the Owyhee River. They tested water quality and learned Shoshone and Paiute names for animals and habitats.
Sage Grouse Lekking Observation
Students practiced field skills, such as using binoculars and scopes, while observing sage grouse mating rituals and learning about their diets and seasonal behaviors.
Mining & Low-Carbon Technology Workshop
As lithium and other “green” minerals fuel mining expansion near Tribal lands, students participated in workshops to learn about the trade-offs of low-carbon energy. They visited the Thacker Pass lithium mine and heard stories from Tribal Elders, including the cultural significance of the land known as “Rotten Moon.”
Sagebrush Habitat Restoration
Students planted native sagebrush grown in their school greenhouse, supporting local wildlife and erosion control efforts.
STEM Conference Participation
Students attended the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference, where several presented their own environmental research projects to peers and professionals from across the country.
LOOKING AHEAD
One Habitat is more than a program. It’s the foundation for long-term collaboration and capacity-building. By weaving together cultural knowledge, environmental science, and youth leadership, this initiative is preparing the next generation of Sho-Pai leaders to protect their lands and shape their future.