Wakamatsu Farm: How Volunteers Preserve the Site of America's First Japanese Settlement

Just a short drive from Sacramento, Wakamatsu Farm in El Dorado County holds a piece of American history that few people know about. In 1869, the first Japanese immigrants to the United States established a settlement on this land, launching a story that continues to unfold more than 150 years later. The American River Conservancy now protects the property, along with 15,000 acres along the American and Cosumnes rivers, but the conservancy relies heavily on volunteers to keep both the land and its history thriving.

Volunteers like Marcia Hanebutt, who has dedicated a decade to the farm, and Herb Tanimoto, a docent of Japanese ancestry, handle everything from removing invasive weeds to guiding visitors through the property’s remarkable past. Executive Director Elena DeLacy emphasizes that hands-on stewardship creates a personal bond with nature that no lecture can replicate. Even simple tasks like weeding come with a sense of camaraderie, as one volunteer put it, making the experience about community as much as conservation.

The farm offers a unique opportunity to engage with Japanese-American heritage, environmental restoration, and local history all in one visit. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, taking a tour, or just enjoying the open space, Wakamatsu Farm is a reminder that some of our region’s most important stories are waiting to be discovered. Have you ever visited a historic site in the Sacramento area that changed how you see our region? Let us know in the comments.