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Description
The Sierra Valley Preserve is a natural area located at the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Feather River in California. It spans over 2,500 acres and the preserve protects the largest freshwater wetlands in the Sierrra Nevada, which host a stunning array of birds, including 17 rare or threatened bird species.
The preserve is part of a larger conservation effort to protect the unique ecosystem of the Sierra Valley, which sits at the intersection of three ecoregions: the Northern Sierra Nevada, the Southern Cascade and the Great Basin. This confluence creates a unique assortment of species, from arid sagebrush specialists like Sage Thrasher and Brewer's Sparrow to water birds, grassland species and raptors.
Up until recently, the valley was almost entirely under private ownership, which meant that it was largely inaccessible to the public. However, a partnership by the Nature Conservancy with The Feather River Land Trust and The Northern Sierra Partnership has led to a substantial area of the valley being preserved for both wildlife and public access.
There are 3 access points with walking trails scattered across the preserve (with road in-between) that each take one through sagebrush meadows and wetlands. There is a bird blind over one section of the wetland with an excellent viewing platform. In the winter and spring, ducks like Northern Shoveler, as well as wetland loving birds like Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Northern Harrier and Sandhill Cranes can be seen. Grassland and open country birds like Savannah Sparrow, Horned Lark and Vesper Sparrow inhabit the fields, Western Kingbirds, Sage Thrashers and Mountain Bluebirds forage on fence posts, and waders like Great Blue Herons, Sora, Wilson's Snipe and American Avocet stalk the marsh grasses. A variety of raptors can also be seen in the valley, including American Kestrel, Rough-legged Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon and Golden Eagle.
Details
Access
The Sierra Valley Preserve is located off of A23 (Beckwourthe Calpine Road). There is parking at the Visitor Center as well as limited parking at the West and East entrances. Press a P on the map for directions to one of the areas. The Visitor Center is only open Thursday-Sunday, but the trails are open dawn to dusk. There is no public transportation to the preserve. It is best observed on foot or driving around the valley. The preserve can be seen both on foot as well as by car, stopping to look through a spotting scope in areas where birds congregate.