The Sacred Grove is one of the few remaining riverside redwood groves on the Mattole River and as such is vital habitat for the King and Coho salmon, endangered indicator species of the California north coast forest eco-system.  Coastal tribes tell stories of how the salmon were once so abundant that during their spawning season one could walk across the river on their backs.  They tell of how the salmon returned each year under the protective cloak of Fog Woman.  The mist that gathered in the tips of the trees was the blanket she wore.  A covenant was made between the fish and the two leggeds: in exchange for human protection of the forests and the streams, the fish promised to return each year.  In the cool of the fog shrouded environment, the salmon found their way upstream.  Groves such as the Sacred Grove, containing 1,000 year old trees and home to hundreds of plant and animal species, are the barest remains of what was once a gigantic forest system that covered the entire continent. - The Editors

by Siri Beringer

European Mistletoe (Viscum album), not to be confused with American mistletoe (Phoradendenaron macrophyllum), is a parasitic shrub belonging to the family Viscaceae. According to legend, the Druid culture held mistletoe in high reverence. It was considered both a strong magical herb and a reputable medicine. During the sixth day of the waxing moon, the Druids would dress in fine white robes and search for mistletoe. Once discovered, they gathered it in a great ceremony by ascending the tree (oak being the most revered) and separating the mistletoe with a golden dagger. Druids were guided by visions to seek the plant. When logn periods of time went by without a vision, or if mistletoe by chance fell tot the ground, a bad omen was considered to lay upon their Nation.

According to Scandinavian legend, Balder, the god of peace, was slain with an arrow made of mistletoe. The gods and goddesses went into deep mourning and requested his revival. After Balder was restored to life, he presented the mistletoe to the goddess of love. It was then ordained to be that anyone who passed under it should receive a kiss of peace. This was to ensure that mistletoe would become a symbol of love and not of hate.