Discovery by Sketch
Sitka Spruce Shéiyi
I sat between the giant root legs of a Shéiyi Sitka Spruce, all thoughts melting into the moss carpet of the mature mixed canopy forest. Later in the season, I revisited a younger forest on soil recently raised by glacial rebound above the high tide line. The second location is one where the famous twisting spruce roots spread widely beneath the moss, making them perfect for basketry. As I sketched, I remembered accompanying a traditional weaver on a root-gathering venture to this spot.
The sharp-needled spruce are integral to Southeast Alaskan ecology and traditions. They yield light, flexible wood prized for boats and musical instruments. Their roots can be woven to be nearly waterproof. The flavorful young tips make medicinal teas. The pitch works as firestarter, as a wound treatment, and to repair cracks in wood items.
This watercolor, pen and ink image is part of a collaborative project with Tlingit artist and traditional plant expert Yak x waan tláa Lisa Andersson. Nature journaling this experience was part of my stewardship project for my Nature Journal Educator Certificate through the Wild Wonder Foundation.
