The Miwok People

The Miwok are the Indigenous people who have lived in the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills for thousands of years. Along the Cosumnes River, they relied on the river’s abundant resources, harvesting fish, waterfowl, and acorns from the oak woodlands.

The Miwok developed deep knowledge of the land, rivers, and seasonal cycles, using it to sustain their communities while maintaining the natural balance of the ecosystem. They built villages near waterways, traveled along rivers like the Cosumnes for trade, and practiced stewardship that allowed the landscape to thrive.

Today, the Cosumnes River Preserve honors the Miwok heritage, recognizing their enduring connection to this land and the lessons it offers about living in harmony with nature.