The Feather River Land Trust, with its partners The Nature Conservancy and Northern Sierra Partnership, invites the public to the the Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center’s grand opening Saturday, Dec. 7. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Guests can explore interactive exhibits indoors, as well as scenic viewpoints and interpretive trails around the grounds of the nature center. FRLT staff request that those interested in attending visit their website to receive a more detailed itinerary and help them anticipate attendance. The event will take place regardless of weather.
The Sierra Valley Preserve is the only place in the valley that offers public access. The 2,575-acre preserve is the result of many years’ work with local landowners, the Northern Sierra Partnership and The Nature Conservancy. It is strategically located where the braided channels of the Sierra Valley wetlands converge to form the wild and scenic middle fork Feather River.
The preserve’s nature center includes an exhibit hall that highlights Sierra Valley’s natural wonders and cultural history. In addition, the multipurpose building will host programs and activities. The center’s grounds include patios and picnic areas with expansive views, an outdoor classroom, and several trails, including accessible trails at each of the three entrances. An accessible wildlife overlook is still under construction.
The new facilities provide a headquarters for FRLT staff to host public programs; manage and maintain trails and visitor amenities; and provide for ecological stewardship and restoration of the preserve’s diverse habitats and resources. FRLT already welcomes local students for field trips and aims to expand opportunities for students and schools across the wider region.
Public Programs Manager Jenna Holland developed a year-round calendar of events, educational programs and volunteer opportunities. Programs include K-12 lessons and field trips that meet California and Nevada state standards. Rob Wade, FRLT’s learning landscapes coordinator, and Will Richardson, of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, collaborated on curriculum development.
Organizers hope the Sierra Valley Preserve and Nature Center will become a destination for nature-based tourism and benefit the local economy. The land trust planned the center as a place of learning and recreation for anyone who supports healthy Sierra Nevada ecosystems.
After Dec. 7, the nature center is open Thursday through Sunday. For hours and conditions, check the preserve website. Trails and outdoor facilities are open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Information provided by Feather River Land Trust
