Over the last two decades, the Feather River Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy and the Northern Sierra Partnership have worked with local ranchers and landowners to protect critical wildlife habitat in Sierra Valley, the largest montane valley in the Sierra Nevada and a place of extraordinary biodiversity.  

We have also worked to expand public access to the natural wonders of Sierra Valley by creating a 2,575-acre preserve in the northwest corner of Sierra Valley, where the braided channels through the Sierra Valley wetlands come together to form the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Feather River. The Sierra Valley Preserve is the only place the public can get out on the land year-round to walk, watch birds and enjoy Sierra Valley’s unique beauty.

We are now working together to transform the Preserve into a regional center for ecological and cultural learning. Our new facilities will include:

• A new Nature Center where interpretive exhibits will introduce visitors to the natural and cultural history of Sierra Valley, and collaborative efforts to conserve and restore natural systems in the Sierra;

• A new education and event space in the Nature Center where FRLT will host a rich variety of public programs for locals and visitors of all ages;

• An expanded network of trails, wetland overlooks, interpretive experiences, restrooms and picnic areas that will facilitate public enjoyment of the Preserve; and

• A new maintenance facility which will be the base for Preserve stewardship.

The Preserve will be a place where people from all walks of life come together to learn more about the natural systems that sustain life in the Sierra and beyond. In addition to programs for students, FRLT plans to host gatherings where scientists, landowners, local residents, and conservationists collaborate on strategies to address emerging opportunities and challenges in the Sierra, from rapid population growth and climate change, to the return of elk and wolves to our region. We will also work with the Washoe and Maidu people to co-host programs that bring greater awareness to their long and continued stewardship of this land. 

Construction of the Nature Center began in the summer of 2022 and is expected to conclude in June 2024. Visitors can still access the Preserve via the East Entrance on A-24 and the West Entrance on A-23. Click here for more information on visiting the Sierra Valley Preserve.

To support this exciting effort, please contact NSP President, Lucy Blake, at lblake@northernsierrapartnership.org.