In December 2024, Tree San Diego joined Indigenous Regeneration (IRG) and community members for a meaningful event on one of IRG's plots in northeast San Diego. The day began with a grounding ceremony led by Matthew Alvarado of the Waipuk Clan, fostering gratitude and connection to the land’s history. Participants engaged in a discussion on the cultural significance of Indigenous practices such as brush clearing and ceremonial burning, highlighting their role in sustainable land stewardship and ecosystem care. These traditional methods, rooted in ancestral knowledge, were explored alongside modern approaches to land management, emphasizing the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into contemporary environmental practices.
The event brought together approximately 25 participants, including IRG members, SDG&E representatives, Tree San Diego, and volunteers, who worked collaboratively to clear and chip an acre of brush. This effort is part of a joint initiative to plant 100 native willows on the site, contributing to habitat restoration and ecosystem resilience. The day not only prepared the land for future planting but also strengthened community connections and honored the critical role of cultural knowledge in addressing environmental challenges. We’re excited to see the positive impact of this partnership and the continued collaboration in the future.
