The Land

River Dragon Ranch exists on the unceded lands of the Nisenan people

We acknowledge the Nisenan people are still here among us today, though they are nearly invisible, and their story continues to be excluded from history. We understand we are on Nisenan land that was never ceded, and the original tribal families have yet to recover from the near genocide of their people. As residents and visitors in Nisenan land, we support the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan tribe in efforts to stabilize their people as well as the campaign to restore tribal sovereignty through federal recognition.

Location

We are located at the top of the South Yuba River canyon

30 minutes to downtown Nevada City

10 minutes to the South Fork of the Yuba River

10 minutes to the nearest grocery store

Ethos

Giving First

This is land that has been exploited for extraction repeatedly over the last 200 years, primarily for gold, timber, and marijuana production.
We believe in creating a new (old) story based on giving first.
You are invited to bring an offering to give the land as your first act upon arriving. This can be something of great significance to you, or something as small as a stone from your home, a crystal, a bit of tobacco or sage, flowers, a piece of art, etc. The intent is more important than the substance.
While your hosts also accept and appreciate gifts (not expected), this first gift should be to the place, not the people, as that will be your primary relationship while you are here.

Pay it forward

You will not be charged for your stay at RD. You are encouraged to pay for “the next person.” In other words, your financial contribution ensures that someone else will have the opportunity to have an experience at RD.

Environmental Impact

The Sierra foothills are at risk for major wildfires. During fire season, absolutely no fire is allowed outside of contained spaces (candles within the temple or residences). All fire during any season must happen with our permission and supervision and only when local laws allow. Smoking during fire season is allowed only in designated locations.
You are asked to be conscious of your water usage while you are here, especially during the summer months. Water is scarce in this region and we must tend our aquifer carefully.

Social Impact

While we live in a very spacious area, we do have neighbors
To reduce impact of vehicle traffic on neighbors, groups are requested to stay onsite as much as possible and carpool to the river, town, and other destinations.

Meet the Core Team

Si Thacker

Full Time Steward and Founding Dragon

Si Thacker, the heart and soul behind the flourishing spirit of River Dragon Ranch, is a dedicated and compassionate steward of the land. With roots firmly planted in the Sierra foothills of California, Si brings a wealth of wisdom and a profound connection to nature, cultivating an environment where healing and transformation intertwine.

As a full-time guardian of River Dragon Ranch, he embodies the ethos of the sanctuary, embracing the principles of contribution, generosity, and paying it forward. Si's journey has been a tapestry woven with threads of holistic well-being, and he has dedicated his life to creating a haven where others can embark on their own healing odyssey.

Si Thacker's expertise extends beyond the conventional, as he is a practitioner of Kambo medicine, a powerful and ancient Amazonian healing ritual. With a gentle yet profound touch, Si facilitates the integration of Kambo, allowing individuals to tap into the deep wellsprings of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Alongside Kambo, Si offers a spectrum of other healing modalities, creating a diverse and inclusive tapestry of well-being for those who seek solace at River Dragon Ranch.