Habitat for the greatest diversity of birds in the Sierra Nevada

About Sierra Valley Preserve

Where the Middle Fork Feather River begins

Fast Facts

• 2,575 acres near Beckwourth, CA
• Purchased 2003-2019
• Protected for:  Water, Wetlands, Biodiversity, Rare or threatened species, Climate resilience, Native homelands
• 1,100 acres of seasonal and permanent wetlands
• Home of the Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center
• Landowner: Feather River Land Trust 

Water & Ecology

The Sierra Valley Preserve’s network of braided wetland channels form the headwaters of the Middle Fork Feather River, a Wild and Scenic River. These high elevation freshwater wetlands support a rich variety of wildlife and botanical habitats including open water, and montane meadows, while upland areas include sagebrush, bitterbrush scrub, and dune habitats.

Flora & Fauna

Located along the Pacific Flyway, the Preserve’s 1,100 acres of seasonal and permanent wetlands and open water provide migratory and breeding habitat for 100+ bird species, including 17 rare or threatened species such as:

• Greater Sandhill Crane, Black Tern, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. 

Upland habitats support a diversity of wildlife species such as:

•  Pronghorn, American Badger, Coyote, Western Meadowlark, Sage Thrasher, and mule deer herds. 

Located at the convergence of three geographical regions, Sierra Valley is botanically biodiverse and includes unique plant species like:

• flowering bitterbrush, camas, Brown’s peony, sand lilies, Sierra Valley evening primrose, meadow penstemon, and wild iris.

Culture & History

The human history of Sierra Valley Preserve is as rich as its natural history. The Washoe and Maidu people are the first known inhabitants of Sierra Valley, managing and harvesting the valley’s abundant resources to sustain robust cultures, communities, and intertribal trade. Sierra Valley remains an important gathering place for Native people and continues to be an intermixing zone of cultural traditions from the Cascade, Sierra Nevada, and Great Basin regions.

The Preserve features a vibrant human history including prehistoric settlement and technology, native food and material procurement, historic exploration and transportation, European settlement, early settler agricultural practices, and water conveyance systems.  

Stewardship of Sierra Valley Preserve

In 2018, FRLT adopted an ambitious land management plan for the Sierra Valley Preserve. Our approach to management is guided by the Preserve’s unique conservation values, visitor experience, and long-term sustainability. We use a wide range of adaptive management techniques to protect the Preserve’s ecological functions and water resources, including targeted livestock grazing of invasive species to enhance botanical species diversity. Scientific and anthropological research guides our work to protect the Preserve’s rich cultural and historical resources. An objective of the management plan is to work with tribal partners to incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge for stewardship and land-use when possible. 

Recreation & Access

Sierra Valley Preserve offers a variety of recreational opportunities including birding, picnicking, trail walking, nature photography, and botanizing. Visitors can currently access the Preserve from three different entrance points. The Nature Center and North Entrance is located less than a mile south of the intersection of Highway 70 and County Road A23. There, experience exhibits and trails and learn about Sierra Valley’s unique ecology and cultural importance. The West Entrance is located approximately 2 miles south of the Nature Center on County Road A23, and features ADA access, a botanical trail, big views from the bluff trail and the historic Bulson House. The East Entrance (near the Maddalena corrals) is located on County Road A24, approximately 1.7 miles south of the intersection of Highway 70 and County Road A24. This property features a wildlife viewing platform, interpretive trail, picnic table, and benches. All outdoor facilities are open year-round, sunrise to sunset. The Nature Center is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10am to 3:30pm. 

Visit Sierra Valley Preserve

SEE ALL CONSERVED LANDS

You Can Count On Us

As a nationally accredited land trust, we are built to last. We leverage your donations with state, federal, and foundation dollars and strategic partnerships to achieve the greatest possible impact for the lands, waters, and people of the Feather River region. You can count on us to make careful and effective use of your support.