By Janelle Eklund
If you can get above tree line to the tundra in the Copper Basin you are in for a real treat during the summer when all the high alpine flowers are blooming. As we got up above tree line overlooking the spectacular view of the Wrangell Mountains and sweeping landscape we were greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors. The land changed from trees to low bush shrubs to hummocky mounds dotted with flowers of many hues that took our breath away. One of these take-your-breath-away hues stood like stately bright pink torches lighting up the tundra. These Bistort torches delighted my spirit and brought back memories of young adult years roaming sacred alpine recesses. Being in communion with these sacred places brings a certain and special peace to the body and soul. They are places everyone should go, especially when the world seems like it is falling apart around you. They talk with you in silent moments. Your senses become attuned to the message conveyed - slow down - enjoy the beauty - be silent - take care - be happy - give thanks.
 
When I went on an adventure with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in 1973 it brought me to heights that shaped and formed where I am today. During that five week time spent in the Teton Mountains of Wyoming I was introduced to Bistort. One of the lessons was to learn as many of the edible plants as we could on our journey. Bistort was one of them. The leaves and roots were used in salads and soups or in a stir fry.
 
Bistort is derived from Latin. ‘Bis’ means twice and ‘tort’ means twisted. If you were to dig up the root of this plant your eyes would rest on a twisted creeping blackish root. Removing this outer layer of bark will reveal an inner reddish color that is rich in tannic and gallic acids. Gallic acid is found in plants or combined in tannins and used in dyes and writing ink. This plant is safe to use but, having high tannic acid, if used in large amounts over a long period of time can cause some digestive and kidney problems.
 
Bistort root is a very strong astringent medicine. It is able to stop bleeding both externally and internally, including nose bleeds, bleeding hemorrhoids, and hemorrhages from the lungs and stomach. It also helps with diarrhea, dysentery, cholera and many bowel problems. Powder the root and put a teaspoon in a cup of boiling water to drink, as needed internally. Use the dried powdered root externally to stop bleeding. Making a distilled water from the leaves and roots can be used to wash bee stings or any other venomous bite including sores and ulcers. The distilled water can also be used in the mouth to help firm up gums or as gargle for sore throat.
 
There are many uses of this plant that brings brightness to the tundra. Check out 'A Modern Herbal' by Mrs. M. Grieve for more insight into the good qualities of this lovely plant. If harvesting remember to only pick where the plant is abundant and leave some to continue the propagation.
 
Enter the alpine world and feast your spirit in its depths.
 
From my light to yours-
 
 
References: A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve; Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary.
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Copper River Record  2015
By Robin Mayo
In the twelve years WISE has been doing programs many of our participants in those programs have graduated and pursued careers in fields connected with the natural environment. WISE will be doing a series of articles about those graduates, how WISE may have influenced their path in life, and what it means to them.
 
Trevor Grams grew up in an outdoors-loving family , with the great Copper River Watershed as his extended backyard.  “The Copper Valley is special.  It is the place where I grew up.  It helped define who I am today.”  This confident young man seems equally at ease shredding the backcountry on his snowboard, or wearing a tie and speaking as valedictorian of his high school class.  
Trevor grew up attending WISE programs at school, and in 2011 participated in the Copper River Stewardship Program.  He had an “aha” moment when learning about the complex land management interactions in the watershed. “It made me realize how small I am, how many different interests are at work here. BLM, Park Service, Forest Service, Native Corporations, all with completely different strategies.”
In October 2013 Trevor joined a group from WISE that travelled to the WILD10 wilderness conference in Spain, and had another awakening. “It opened my eyes up to what is going on around the world, and made me realize how good we have it in Alaska.  People were comparing land management strategies, citing Alaska as a good example.”  Trevor was pleased to hear that the management of the fisheries in Bristol Bay and tourism in the Tongass are considered models for sustainable industries around the world.  The experience in Spain also had an impact on his future plans, as he learned to think about things on a global scale.
What are those future plans?  A typical college freshman, Trevor admits they change nearly every week.  Officially an earth science major, he has been thinking a lot about geography and economics, both open-ended flexible subjects which deal with global issues.  On the day we spoke, he’d just heard that UAF has a new 200 foot icebreaking research vessel, and he was wondering what path might get him a chance to get on that ship.  Whatever he ends up doing, he wants it to have a global impact, and enable him to live in a place where he can continue to live the active outdoors lifestyle he loves.  “Every time I go out in the backcountry it opens my eyes.  I feel refreshed and have a better perspective on things, and it helps me stay motivated.”
When asked about the motivation, Trevor grins.  “If I know I have a trip coming up, it helps me get my homework done, so I am free for the weekend.” For teenagers growing up in the Copper River Valley, Trevor advised “get after it!  If you want something go for it.  Opportunities may be hidden, you need to keep your eyes open.”  He also acknowledged that in the long run, it is networking and connecting with people that is most important.
WISE is proud to count young people like Trevor Grams among our “Alumni.”  His thoughtfulness about the world around him, and his many connections with people and the natural world will serve him well wherever his paths take him.