Native Issues
Education
Feb 13, 2026

WSU hires Indigenous-focused horticulturist to study traditional ecological knowledge


February 13, 2026

Washington State University has hired Jeffrey Wall as an Indigenous-focused horticulturist at the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, according to Washington State University News. Wall began Jan. 1 and is part of the Department of Horticulture within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. His work examines traditional ecological knowledge and historic Indigenous-managed landscapes, including camas meadows, crabapple habitats and aquaculture systems.

Wall said he is exploring collaborations with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, the Squaxin Island Tribal Garden and Kwiáht, a nonprofit conservation biology laboratory. His research focuses on how Indigenous plant cultivation and habitat stewardship practices can inform environmental care and food systems, according to Washington State University News.

Washington State University News

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