The Arroyo Willow – Salix lasiolepis – is a native shrub or tree in California and in most Western states. Wetland Habitat Willo is important in riparian (creek and waterway) environments; it provides habitat and food for insects, birds, amphibians and other animals in spring, birds use a cottony substance released by the seeds to build nests The Arroyo Willow likes to keep … Read More
Dammed Disrupted Salmon
When responding to the urge to spawn, Salmon become a powerful delivery system. If allowed to move freely through rivers and streams, they transport ocean nitrogen and other nutrients thousands of miles inland while providing humans and animals with a rich source of food. They did this successfully until man decided to industrialize their reproduction. Now billions are spent each … Read More
Exclusionist State Governor
Peter Hardeman Burnett: California’s First Governor Before securing his position as California’s first Governor (1849 – 1851), Burnett moved his family from Missouri to Oregon on a wagon train. “As a legislator in Oregon, Burnett proposed that all free blacks be forced to leave the state. Any who failed to leave were to be arrested and flogged every six months … Read More
Name History: Oustomah, Deer Creek Dry Diggings & Nevada City
Before the Gold Rush: The Nisenan people called the Nevada City area Oustomah. At one time, it was home to approximately 2,000 Indians. It was part of a network of villages along Deer Creek. August 1849: According to, California Place Name, Deer Creek was named by Isaac Wistar and Mr. Hunt after leaving a freshly-killed deer. Hostile Indians scared them away. “Next day … Read More
Nisenan Book Review, Culture, Historic Trauma & Healing
Book Review History of Us, Nisenan Tribe of the Nevada City Rancheria by Richard B. Johnson First published August 10, 2018 In his recently published book, Johnson describes the indigenous lifestyle (before white men came to California) in a way that makes the heart long to experience the close family ties and feel the intimate connection with the land. He … Read More
