Grand Opening of the Sierra Valley Nature Center

BECKWOURTH — This past Saturday, December 7, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM, the Feather River Land Trust (FRLT) and their project partners, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Northern Sierra Partnership (NSP), culminated over a decade of work by celebrating the grand opening of the new Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center.

Located near the northwest corner of the Sierra Valley (the largest valley in the Sierra), within the 2,575-acre Sierra Valley Preserve supporting an abundance of bird life and a remarkable variety of other wild animals and plants, the Nature Center is the product of an unusual collaboration between the three non-profit organizations.

As a result of the FRLT, TNC, and SNP working together to acquire the land and build the facility, the public now has a net zero energy facility featuring exhibits on wildlife, water, geology, and natural systems in the Sierra Nevada to visit.

In addition, with the help of the Washoe and Mountain Maidu People, groups who have lived in the region since time immemorial, the Nature Center has collected materials detailing the history and culture of their long history and ongoing presence in the region.

Going forward, the FRLT, owner and manager of the Sierra Valley Preserve, will be hosting a year-round calendar of activities 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, artists, and other nature-related programs.

“People are eager to learn more about the Sierra Valley and the natural world. We’re excited to provide a home for that exploration and learning,” said Jenna Holland, FRLT’s Public Programs Manager.

Besides serving locals who are interested in their rich environment, the Sierra Valley Preserve and Nature Center also intends to be an outstanding new destination for visitors who want to explore the Sierra Valley for the first time. “The Nature Center is already attracting new

visitors to Sierra Valley and those numbers will only grow over time, benefiting our local economy,” said Lucy Blake, President of the Northern Sierra Partnership.

The Sierra Valley Preserve is about 45 minutes from Truckee and Reno and will be open year-round, from Thursday through Sunday. Please check frlt.org/sierra-valley-preserve for hours and conditions before your visit.

The trails around the Nature Center are open all year long, from sunrise to sunset.