Have you ever wondered how all the parts of ecosystem tie together to support life? Maine has a totally different ecosystem than DC and it is hard to miss: the weather is completely different, the trees are mostly pine and birch, there is much more moss and lichen and there are no racoons!

The Native American tribes of Maine are the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot collectively known as Wabanaki meaning "people of the dawn land" because they are one of the first to see the dawn in the US. They have been living in Maine for a whole 12,000 years! 

The different environments change how people live, and the Native Americans here are an amazing example. They heavily relied on the birch tree because of its strong flexible and waterproof bark that they used for baskets, quivers, canoes and other important household items. they white birch bark symbolizes renewal, purification and protection. Not only is it an incredible building material and spiritual concept, but it also has amazing healing power.

The Native Americans used it as an incense in smudging for cleansing the spirit and made tea from the leaves for coughs, sore throats and fever, however, it also can help in:

1. pain relief - for muscle aches, joint pain and head aches

2. skin health - it can treat skin conditions because of its antiseptic and astringent properties

3. detoxification

4. anti-inflammatory properties

5. urinary tract issues