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Great Sand Dunes National Park and PreserveGreat Sand Dunes and Medano Creek
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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
History & Culture
 
Ponderosa pine peeled by Ute or Apache people in the 17th or 18th century

NPS Photo by Scott Hansen

Ponderosa pine tree historically peeled for food or medicine by American Indian tribes. Over 100 of these living artifacts are found around Great Sand Dunes.

Great Sand Dunes has been a cultural crossroads for millenia.  Please visit our feature pages on history and culture.
The Memory Oasis
The Memory Oasis
Oral history of longtime residents of the area
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Culturally peeled ponderosa pine  

Did You Know?
Ute, Apache, and other tribes peeled bark from pine trees for food and medicine. Over 100 of these culturally peeled trees are still living in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
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Last Updated: September 21, 2006 at 13:35 EST