The larger area where Russell Reservation is now located was once occupied by the Costanoan Native Americans. It is believed that these people made a living by hunting, fishing, and gathering acorns and wild plants. It is likely that these people burned the area periodically to clear grasslands, and improve acorn harvests.

In 1840 the area which encompasses Briones Park and Russell Reservation was granted to the widow of Felipe Briones by the Spanish government. The Briones used the land primarily for cattle ranching. As early as 1850 Happy Valley Road, the road on which the research station is located, was the main thoroughfare from Martinez to San Jose and on to San Francisco.

The Moore ranch was established in 1890 on what is now Russell Reservation. Some of the lowlands were farmed and the remainder used for grazing cattle.

In 1934, Alexander Stewart Russell purchased the land in the watershed. Following the suggestions of UC extension forester Woody Metcalf Mr. Russell planted more than 22,000 trees including Monterey pines, coast redwoods, Arizona cypresses, and Giant Sequoias.

In 1966, following Mr. Russell's wishes, his family donated a 283 acre parcel to the University of California for research with the stipulation that "the natural beauty of the area be preserved and enhanced."

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