Home - Sanctuary Forest Sanctuary Forest is a land and water trust whose mission is to conserve the Mattole River watershed and surrounding areas for wildlife habitat and aesthetic spiritual and intrinsic values in cooperation with our diverse community. Our Land Conservation Program protects key lands old growth forests pristine tributaries and subbasins that contribute to restoring the health and resiliency of the Mattole River ecosystem. Our Water Stewardship Program is addressing water shortages in the Mattole River watershed using four main approaches water storage and forbearance stream flow monitoring groundwater recharge projects and public education. Our Education Outreach Program promotes appreciation respect and understanding for the uniqueness of the Mattole temperate rain forest ecosystem and is helping to build a community with strong conservation ethics.