Underground Explorers

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity, making effective post-fire land restoration critical—not only for reducing future fire risk and supporting biodiversity, but for forest recovery that moves beyond timber-industry interests. This study investigates how restoration, guided by Indigenous legal orders, protocols, and teachings, influences the recovery and recolonization of beneficial fungal species following wildfire. Using a paired, comparative field design, we will sample soil fungal properties across nine restored and nine unrestored burned sites on the unceded territory of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB), controlling for environmental variables such as soil type, climate, and burn severity. We predict fungal diversity will be significantly higher in areas under Indigenous-led restoration. Co-led by the LSIB, this research integrates Indigenous knowledge and Western science in both data collection and interpretation. Findings will help support the Smelqmix Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area and support fungal inoculation of plants used in restoration.