The Tule Gathering Project

by Candace Rho, Open Space Naturalist 

Honoring the Land Through Indigenous Stewardship

The Tule Gathering Project and its dedicated stewards care for the land through an Indigenous lens, strengthening connections between people, culture, and the natural world. Their efforts support flood prevention, enhance habitat health, and encourage cultural revitalization rooted in traditional ecological knowledge.

Hands-On Learning in Sycamore Grove Park

In October, volunteers gathered at Sycamore Grove Park for a hands-on experience harvesting tule, wading through the creek, and building relationships with one another. These activities offered participants a meaningful way to engage with the landscape while learning about the long-standing cultural importance of tule in the region.

The Cultural Significance of Tule

Tule, a tall, perennial wetland sedge, is found in freshwater habitats throughout California, including in Sycamore Grove Park. Its significance spans thousands of years. The history of the Bay Area’s Indigenous Peoples, including their partnership with and stewardship of the land, extends back at least 20,000 years and continues to guide modern ecological practices.

A Collaborative Effort with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe

The Tule Gathering Project is a collaborative effort led by Open Space Naturalist Candace Rho and Tina Henson, Director of the Tri-Valley Native American Center. The program’s purpose is multifaceted: to strengthen partnerships between Sycamore Grove Park Open Space staff and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, a Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people of the Bay Area. With guidance and leadership from Muwekma representatives, Tina and Candace aim to co-host additional volunteer days focused on tule gathering and cultural education.

Learn More

More information on this project can be found HERE.

To explore ongoing preservation efforts and Indigenous-led cultural revitalization, visit the Muwekma Ohlone Preservation blog.