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.

The Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center officially opened on December 7th, 2024. The Nature Center will be a regional center for ecological and cultural learning. Our new facilities include:

• A new Nature Center where interpretive exhibits 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 the Feather River Land Trust, who stewards the Preserve, is planning 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 is the base for Preserve stewardship.

The Preserve is 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, Feather River Land Trust 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 are also working with the Washoe and Maidu people to co-host programs that bring greater awareness to their long and continued stewardship of this land. 

The Preserve and Nature Center welcome visitors year-round, offering a chance to experience the changing landscapes and biodiversity with each season. The Nature Center is open for exploration Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while the Preserve is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. To be kept informed about public programs at the Nature Center, please click here. To see upcoming events at the Nature Center, please click here.