The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan has collected more than 20,000 seeds of the black ash tree.

The seeds will be frozen and planted at a later date. The goal is to save the tree from the emerald ash borer, an invasive species that has killed more than 14 million ash trees in southeastern Michigan.

The ash tree is important in Chippewa culture because it is used for baskets. Tribal members are documenting the basket making process so that it won't be lost by the time the trees can be planted.

Get the Story:
Culture preserved (The Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun 9/27)

Relevant Links:
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe - http://www.sagchip.org