Russell future gathering spot.Russell Research Station
saklan territory · Lafayette
We restore and steward 312 acres of oak woodland, highland chaparral, and riparian corridors on land where our forebears lived in old-time villages long before colonization.
The Partnership
This work moves through a historic partnership with UC Berkeley's Forestry Department and the 'ottoy Initiative. Together, we clear the dangerous overgrowth that fuels wildfire and restore the landscape with four intentional native plant gardens: one for pollination, one for culinary use, one for medicine, and one for basketry materials, each built to encourage biodiversity.
Removing What Doesn't Belong
Alongside Berkeley's Forestry Department and CAL FIRE, we have removed stands of hemlock and eucalyptus from the land. What comes out doesn't go to waste. A bio-char kiln turns that invasive plant material into nutrient-dense soil, feeding the restoration it once threatened.
What's Next
In 2027, we will bring cultural burns back to Russell, in coordination with CAL FIRE. Fire this land has always needed, returned to it.
Early visit to Russell with UC Berkeley Forestry Club, UC faculty, Vincent, Louis and Tina before hemlock cleared
Preparing for clearing
Russell Progress
Russell Hemlock patch
Russell Valley floor, cleared for the first garden of basketry materials
Russell from the valley ridge_ the land here is in a specific area in our community has direct ancestry to named Saklan
Russell viewed from above (valley floor at center)
Russell burn piles
Russell future gathering spot