Big hike today! We went up and down Specimen Ridge for about 9 miles in total. It was quite exhausting, as the ascent was steep and we tried to hike up as fast as possible, making it strenuous; and during the descent my interstitial cystitis decided to flare up, giving me acute pains every minute or so. Anyway, that’s a “me” problem, which is irrelevant to the place. The ridge itself was absolutely majestic! Away from civilization, and with so much life, despite the harsh conditions of the area. This is largely due to “Momma Sage,” AKA Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) from the Asteraceae family. This shrub serves as life support for numerous plant and animal species; entire ecosystems depend on it. That is specially true on Specimen Ridge where winters are extremely cold and summers are scalding, and the soil is mostly nutrient deficient, mainly due to erosion. Momma Sage comes to the rescue with its deep root system that not only goes down but also spreads up to 90 feet in diameter, which serves to hold the soil together and provide nutrients to other plants to grow. It also provides shelter to animals trying to escape the harsh cold or hot weather, such as Brewer’s Sparrow or a jackrabbit. Besides that, its seeds and leaves are important food sources to various animals.
In general, it’s just such a valuable plant to so many ecosystems that it should be remembered and appreciated. Sage is what allowed the surreal landscape of Specimen Ridge to exist and thrive.
From a more anthropocentric view, however, multiple species of sage are utilized by numerous groups, cultures and religions. We’ve learned, for instance, that it is part of the Lakota culture, where is used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Many Asian cultures, similarly to the Lakota, also seem to use it to purify places and people from bad energy and/or evil spirits.
In Brazil, actually, some religions utilize sage for the same purposes. My mom, in fact, who’s a spiritualist, loves to go around the house with burning sage trying to cover every inch of each room (and of my brother and me). Personally, I find it quite superstitious, but endearing. I respect any behavior or tradition that brings some happiness, wisdom or peace to the people involved, as long as no other beings are being oppressed or hurt.
Journal entry by Deborah
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