We are the only Historical Gabrieleno Tribe having Immemorial History
Why It Matters
The land has always been more than just a resource; it’s a living connection to our history, culture, and identity. Our work not only helps restore ecosystems but also reconnects people to their ancestral roots. By blending traditional wisdom with western environmental restoration models , we ensure that our stewardship is both effective and respectful of the sacred relationship people have with the land.
Get Involved
Support Our Work
Your support allows us to continue our vital work. From funding specific restoration projects to providing resources for educational programs, every contribution helps us create a more sustainable future for the land and the people who depend on it.
Welcome to the Gabrieleno Tongva
Land Restoration & Stewardship Crew
Restoring the Land, Revitalizing Communities, and Honoring Ancestral Wisdom
The Tongva Land Stewardship Crew is a passionate team of land stewards dedicated to restoring, protecting, and caring for the natural environment through sustainable land management practices. Rooted in the belief that the health of the land is inseparable from the well-being of the community, we blend traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with western restoration techniques to repair and protect ecosystems for future generations.
Our Mission
Our mission is to lead and support land restoration efforts that restore ecological balance, foster biodiversity, and strengthen cultural connections to the land. We work directly with Native communities, local governments, and environmental organizations to carry out projects that restore native habitats, protect water resources, and ensure sustainable land practices for the future.
Our Work
1. Ecological Restoration
Our crew works on the ground to restore ecosystems affected by erosion, invasive species, and deforestation. Through practices like replanting native vegetation, enhancing riparian zones, and restoring soil health, we work to rebuild the land’s natural resilience.
2. Land Stewardship & Management
Stewardship goes beyond restoration – it’s about long-term care. Our crew helps communities develop land management plans that are both ecologically sound and culturally relevant, ensuring that future generations can continue to care for the land as their ancestors did.
3. Cultural Revitalization
We believe that cultural knowledge and environmental sustainability are deeply interconnected. By integrating traditional ecological practices and educating younger generations, we help to foster a new era of land stewards who understand the intertwined relationship between people, culture, and nature.
4. Climate Resilience
Using Traditional Ancestral Knowledge, our projects are designed to increase the resilience of ecosystems to the impacts of climate change.
What We Do: Our Projects
We’re proud to showcase the work that we do, from local restoration projects to large-scale ecosystem rehabilitation efforts. Check out some of our featured projects below:
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[Huhuugna] – We worked on an acre of land removing invasive species, conducting soil remediation, and seed collecting and processing. Worked with local communities to
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reintroduce native plants and improve soil health. In less than a year, the crowded space became a fire resilient ecosystem on the path to full health. During the January 2025 fires, the crew’s work had a lasting effect on the neighborhood, saving several structures that would have otherwise burned.
Who We Are
The first TLS Crew is made up of 7 Gabrieleno Tongva descendants under the age of 30. Funded by a California Wildlife Conservation Board grant and philanthropic efforts, the small crew completed the following in less than 3 years.
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Restored 1 acre of severely impacted land near Eaton Canyon, saving several homes from fire damage during the January 2025 fires.
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Removed over 75 eucalyptus trees without pesticides
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Stewarding a 80% replacement of non-native plants with native plants on site in less than a year with minimal planting
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Effectively recycled over 2 tons of organic plant waste on site
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Engaged more than 300 volunteers in stewardship activities
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Provided jobs and training for 7 local youth and tribal members
These are just a few ways our crew has made a meaningful impact. But we know there’s still much to do, and we are committed to continuing this work for generations to come.
Some of the Land stewardship crew at Whittier Narrows collecting local native seed and for land restoration and plant material for cultural practices.
Before and after removing over 90 eucalyptus trees from the 1-acre work site.
