David Cozzo is an ethnobotanist, a term you may have only heard before in a Jeopordy! question. But, sixteen years ago, after reading a newspaper article on enthnobotany, he knew that was exactly what he wanted to be: a scientist who studies the plants and growing customs of a culture. In David's case, his work began with the Cherokee while pursuing a doctorate in an ecologically based anthropology program at the University of Georgia. His work with the nation continues today, as project director for the Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources, or RTCAR, a grant-making initiative of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. "When I was offered the position at RTCAR, it seemed like a natural fit," David says. "The hiring committee wanted someone who could work with a Cherokee-oriented ethnobotanist, instead they got a Cherokee-oriented ethnobotanist."

"The nature of our work is to fund projects that secure the natural and cultural resources for future generations of Cherokee artisans," David shares. They do so from their base at Western Carolina University. "We funded a river cane research project through WCU's Center for the Study of Developed Shorelines. There are professors and students working on river cane-related projects and integrating the information garnered by our work with grass-roots community organizations like the Appalachian Heritage Alliance."

River cane is an important component of traditional Cherokee basket making and has become a large part of David's world since arriving at RTCAR. "I have become a bit evangelical about the benefits of river cane. The more I have learned about its value in stream bank stabilization, agricultural runoff mitigation, wildlife habitat and cultural value to the Cherokee, the easier it has been to sell others in its overall value."

According to David, the public's response to RTCAR's mission has been very positive. "This is a hard project not to love. By combining cultural and environmental preservation, you have the best of both worlds."

What are some accomplishments as an ethnobotanist of which you're most proud?

I am most pleased about our work in Cherokee. Our funding has helped establish the Cherokee Plants Center, and we're in the process of enhancing the Cherokee Native Plant Study Group, soon to be a charter member of the North Carolina Native Plant Society. We worked with the Cherokee Cultural Summer School to prepare kits so the children could make traditional craft projects, and we're now promoting a video project that helps preserve the Cherokee language through videos of artists making baskets and explaining the steps in Cherokee.

What is your work's current focus? Is there a future milestone you're working toward?

I have been spending a lot of time working on the landscape committee for a new school complex in Cherokee. We're focusing on using culturally significant native plants on the campus, making every step a potential learning experience. I also made connections this year with Cherokee Nation folks who are interested in ethnobotany. We are very excited about cultural exchange projects and continuing the preservation of Cherokee botanical knowledge.

What will be your next project or journey?

The Southern Appalachians stole my heart many years ago, and it is still a wonderful relationship. I feel at home here. I have enough challenges and incentives in this role to last a lifetime.

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