iDIA Roots
iDIA Roots reconnects our community to the land, water, and living systems that sustain us through elder-led field experiences, seasonal teachings, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) curricula.
Ecological Intelligence
Traditional Ecological Knowledge
For a lot of participants, iDIA Roots is the first time land-based learning hasn’t felt like an add-on to “real” education it’s the whole lesson. Sessions are led by elders and land stewards who carry Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) not as an academic subject but as a lived practice: how to read what a plant is telling you about the season, when a particular gathering is appropriate, how water moves through a watershed and what that means for stewardship. That knowledge doesn’t transfer well through a textbook, so it isn’t taught through one.
Focus Area
iDIA Roots reconnects our community to the land, water, and living systems that sustain us.
Elder-Led Field Days
Guided time on Ipai Yuman homelands, led by the people who carry the knowledge.
Seasonal TEK Curriculum
Lessons built around what the land and water are doing right now.
Land & Water Stewardship
Hands-on restoration and care practice, not observation from a distance.
Intergenerational Circles
Teaching held outdoors, where elders and youth learn side by side.
Land Steward
Who is it for
iDIA Roots is open to youth, families, educators, and community members drawn to land-based learning, and it’s deliberately structured so that no prior knowledge is required to join. A family with young children, a teacher looking to bring TEK concepts into a classroom, or an adult reconnecting with land-based practice after years away are all equally welcome; the program meets people where they are and adjusts pacing and depth accordingly.
Don't See What You're Looking For?
iDIA is growing. New programs, workshops, and fellowship opportunities are launching through 2025–2027. Join our mailing list or reach out directly to learn what’s coming next.