Today, I learned some interesting facts about the Serrano Indians who once inhabited the San Bernardino Mountains. The Serranos, which means “Mountain People,” used various natural resources to live off the fat of the land.

The Serranos used acorns from California black oaks to make a nourishing meal. They dried the acorns and then grinded the nuts with a long rounded grinding stone into a fine flour. The flour was then placed in a reed basket, and then poured water over the flour to filter out tannic acids. The flour was then boiled to make an oatmeal-type of cereal that was used as a main source for their diets.

Another important plant the Serranos used for dietary needs was serviceberry bushes. They picked the tiny apple-like fruits and either ate the fruits fresh, or made jellies, jams and wine with the sweet and luscious fruits. In addition, the branches of the serviceberry bushes are straight and durable, which were ideal for arrow shafts.

Pinyon pines are plentiful in the San Bernardino Mountains. The Serranos used the pine nuts from pinyon pines as a source of protein. The nuts were eaten raw, roasted, brewed as soups for infants and baked into cakes. The pine pitch was also a valuable resource used to cure colds, sore throats and heal cuts.

Speaking of healing powers, the yerba santa shrubs were brewed up as an herbal remedy for colds, asthma and nausea. The early settlers and gold miners in Big Bear Valley referred to the leaves as “Indian Chewing Gum.”

One more fascinating aspect about Serrano Indians, is the women used western juniper bark for making skirts. This makes since because the bark is stringy and easy to peel from the trees.

I suggest you purchase a book about the trees of the San Bernardino Mountains, which you can pick up at Big Bear Discovery Center. Use the book as a guide as you explore the woods to identify the trees the Serranos used for dietary resources and other uses.

Peace,

Daniel Pea

9/18/07