On May 5, the third grade classes from Cambridge School visited Rush Ranch in the Suisun Marsh. This following information was gathered in a brain-storming session upon our return.

We learned how the Patwin Indians lived on Grizzly Island many years ago. They used the tule grass to make their huts, ropes, duck decoys, canoes, and baskets. They colored their baskets using berry juice and charcoal. When the Patwins wanted to cook acorn meal, they would put the ground meal in a basket with water. The basket had to be water-tight. Then they would take round soapstones from the hot fire and place them in the basket. A paddle was used to stir the acorn meal and helped keep the basket from burning.

Our classes were able to use a mortar and pestle to grind our own acorn flour. It was hard work!

The Patwins used shells for trading. The shells had contained clams and other mollusks that they had eaten. Instead of throwing the shells ways, the Patwins used a wooden drill to drill holes in the shells. They then would string the shells on necklaces to use when they traded with other tribes.

We got to use wooden drills to make our own necklaces. Working in teams, one person had to hold the shell, while the other person worked the drill. It took a long time to drill through a thick shell.

The Patwin Indians used many of the marsh plants for food, medicine, and crafts. We saw a fat hen plant and tasted pickleweed! The soap plant was used to stun fish, wash hands, and was eaten as a bulb. The top part of the plant was bound together like a small broom and was used to sweep acorn flour out of the mortars. We also saw cattails and miner's lettuce.

The Patwin Indians used porcupine quills as needles. We saw some beautiful arrow heads (which the Indians attached to spears for hunting). We had fun throwing sticks though a hoop! Two docents showed us fox and raccoon tracks and an otter sliding place!

We were so lucky to see some of these marsh creatures: great blue heron,  red-winged blackbirds,  mallard ducks coots, and  a non-poisonous snake goldfinches.

We saw lots of animals that live on the ranch:horses, cows and calves, a bull, and pigs.

Rush Ranch is a public place. You are welcome to hike and picnic at any time. There are trails, wildflowers, windmills, and bathrooms. There is no fee to visit Rush Ranch. On weekends, there may be docents to show you around. There is a museum you can visit. Dogs on a leash are allowed on one of the trails.

Rush Ranch is a great place to see spring wildflowers and a variety of birds and waterfowl.
There is a "grinding rock" on one of the trails. The grinding rock is where the Patwin women ground their acorn flour.

We had a super time!

For more information call 707-422-4491 or 707-427-0546, or visit their web site at www.rushranch.org.