Hundreds Celebrate Opening of Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center
On December 7th, the Feather River Land Trust (FRLT), The Nature Conservancy and Northern Sierra Partnership threw open the doors of the new Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center. In the first hours we were open, we welcomed over 500 guests from communities around the region.
The Nature Center and the 2,575-acre Sierra Valley Preserve are the product of an unusual collaboration between the three non-profit partners who worked together for more than a decade to acquire the land and build the Nature Center. A net zero energy facility, the Nature Center features exhibits on wildlife, water, geology, and natural systems in the Sierra Nevada, as well as the history and culture of the Washoe and Mountain Maidu People who have lived in the region since time immemorial. Both Tribes helped to plan and create exhibits about their long history and ongoing presence in the region.
Sierra Valley, the largest mountain valley in the Sierra Nevada, has long been one of California’s best-kept secrets. Located just 25 miles north of Truckee, where the Great Basin, Cascades and Sierra Nevada converge, Sierra Valley supports the greatest diversity and abundance of birds in the Sierra Nevada and a remarkable variety of other wildlife.
“People are eager to learn more about Sierra Valley and the natural world. We’re excited to provide a home for that exploration and learning.”
FRLT, which owns and manages the Sierra Valley Preserve, will host a year-round calendar of events at the Nature Center for locals and visitors alike. These will include school field trips, outdoor learning experiences for adults, presentations by scientists, nature writers and artists, and other nature-related programs. To be kept informed about public programs at the Preserve, please sign-up here.
The Sierra Valley Preserve is just outside Beckwourth, CA, about 45 minutes from Truckee and Reno. Trails are open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. The Nature Center itself is currently open Thursday through Sunday, 10 am to 3:30 pm. Please check frlt.org/sierra-valley-preserve for hours before your visit (especially over the holidays).
Photo Credits: Nature Center © Alexis Richardson, NSP | Opening © Maggie Wise, NSP | Exhibits © Katie Bagby, FRLT | Pronghorn Portrait © Andy Wright, Lighthawk Photography | Barnowl © Andy Wright, Lighthawk Photography | American Avocet © Andy Wright, Lighthawk Photography | Coyote Portrait © Bob Lewis | White Pelicans © Andy Wright, Lighthawk Photography | Bobcat in Pursuit © Andy Wright, Lighthawk Photography | Calliope Hummingbird © Andy Wright, Lighthawk Photography | Ibis Takeoff © Darby Hayes | Rough Legged Hawk © Tom Knudson | Sandhill Crane © Andy Wright, Lighthawk Photography |