Plant propagation for the environment and the Cherokee community
Jessie Owle Dugan Native Plant & Greenhouse Facility
The Jessie Owle Dugan Native Plant & Greenhouse Facility was constructed in the fall/winter of 2013. The facility’s primary responsibility is the propagation of native and cultural significant plants for aquatic restoration and wildlife habitat improvement projects. The Facility has also expanded to produce vegetable transplants, blueberries, fruit trees, honey, and seeds for tribal farmers.
The production area consists of a Greenhouse 36’x60’ (2,160 sq. ft.), cold frame 30’x96’ (2,880 sq. ft.), high tunnel 30’x72’ (2,160 sq. ft.), 2.5-acre nursery grow yard, 3 acres for field production, 30 raised beds, and 8 mini cold frames 4’x8’.
The Facility has an Organic Management Plan in place to begin transitioning some of its production to organic.
The Facility works with the NC State Cooperative Extension to provide many educational opportunities and events throughout the year, including Fall Frenzy, Earth Day, School Field Trips and community plant give-away days.
Native Plant Production
We have 30 + species of native plants primarily used in stream bank restoration projects and for community plantings.
Seeds
We collect seed from various native plants and traditional foods. A seed storage unit is currently planned for the near future.
Food Production
The facility produces tomato, pepper, cabbage, and rhubarb transplants. We also produce blueberry bushes (12 Varieties) and apple trees (10 varieties). Our raised beds are also used for season vegetable production and demonstration/education. The facility started three acres of field production in Fall 2017.
Honey Bees
Currently the Horticulture Program manages eight stands of honey bees with plans to expand. The honey bees assist with the pollination of a number of plants being produced at The Jessie Owle Dugan Native Plant & Greenhouse Facility. The honey bees are also used for demonstration/educational purposes, and the excess honey produced is harvested and distributed to EBCI enrolled members.
Culturally Significant Plants
The Horticulture Program maintains a special inventory of plants with significant cultural ties to the EBCI.