Native plants root new Penn State building in tradition
April 23, 2025
Landscaping at Penn State’s new Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building highlights Indigenous traditions through the intentional use of native plants. University staff collaborated with anthropology faculty and the Indigenous Faculty Staff Alliance to incorporate plants historically used by the Erie, Haudenosaunee, Lenape, and other nations. The design features six areas, including a Sweetgrass Prairie and the Great Tree of Peace, honoring the Haudenosaunee confederacy. According to project leaders, the effort blends sustainability with cultural recognition.
- 1.PennState.
We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.