We were excited to host 12 students of South El Monte High School, in collaboration with Amigos de los Rios, for a meaningful day of service at the San Gabriel Canyon Environmental Education Center! The day began with a local geology lesson, where students learned about the unique landscape and natural history of the San Gabriel Canyon.
Afterward, the students ventured outdoors to collect willow branches to assist in building an acorn granary. The acorn granary is part of an exhibit that highlights Native Tongva culture and traditional practices.
Before construction begins, students carefully prepare the willow branches by removing the leaves (image left). Stripping the foliage helps make the branches more flexible and easier to weave, while also ensuring a clean, durable structure.
Once prepared, the willow branches are then woven together to form the granary structure (image right).
Meanwhile, other students painted directional poles representing the cardinal directions, an important cultural tool traditionally used by the Tongva.
Thank you to the students who came out that day and we can’t wait to welcome you back!