Get to know the Feather River Watershed
Our preserves offer a diversity of experiences within the Sierra’s largest watershed. Meander flower-filled meadows and oak woodlands, view shorebirds and songbirds in lush wetlands and among rolling sagebrush, or explore hand-crafted barns and walk a neighborhood trail. Each preserve showcases a different aspect of the Lost Sierra. As a local land trust, FRLT owns and manages these lands for diverse uses including nature-based recreation and outdoor education.
Explore what makes our watershed special
With some of the lowest population density in California, the Feather River region is a place of big pines, quiet river spots, and small towns. FRLT’s preserves are located in five distinct communities and each has a different story to tell with its history and unique habitats. Our work is more than conserving land; it’s also about conserving and restoring people’s relationship to land. Let’s get out there and explore!
12345Sierra Valley Preserve + Nature Center
Highlights
World-class birding and the only year-round public access to the wetland and meadow ecosystems of Sierra Valley.
Recreation Activities
Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Events, Interpretive Trail, Nature Center, Photography, Picnicking, Road Biking, Walking, Wildflowers
Leonhardt Ranch Learning Landscape
Highlights
An easy interpretive trail out into beautiful American Valley for walking, jogging, and birding right from the town of Quincy.
Recreation Activities
Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Interpretive Trail, Photography, Walking
Heart K Ranch
Highlights
A historic working ranch and biodiversity hotspot in the heart of the Feather River Watershed.
Recreation Activities
Birding, Fall Foliage, Fishing, Photography, Picnicking, Road Biking, Swimming, Walking
Mountain Meadows Gateway
Highlights
Walking access to Mountain Meadows Reservoir, excellent bird habitat in old-growth willow stands along Robbers Creek, and big views of Keddie Ridge.
Recreation Activities
Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Photography, Picnicking, Walking, Wildflowers
Olsen Barn Meadow
Highlights
Access to the North Fork of the Feather River, a 130+ year old barn in a picturesque open meadow, walking paths, wildlife, and views of Lassen Peak and Lake Almanor.
Recreation Activities
Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Fall Foliage, Fishing, Photography, Picnicking, Swimming, Walking
Before you visit
FRLT’s preserves are private property managed for diverse uses. We steward our lands to best protect the environment, sensitive wildlife habitats, and the human connection to nature. Most are rustic and natural with only amenities needed to provide low-intensity recreation and occasional group outings. Please read our general guidelines before visiting the preserves.
Dogs are not permitted at the Leonhardt Preserve or at the Sierra Valley Preserve. At Heart K Ranch, Mountain Meadows Gateway, and Olsen Barn Meadow, dogs must either be on-leash or responsive to voice commands and under your control* at all times. It is not acceptable for dogs to harass wildlife or other visitors on FRLT Preserves. ALWAYS clean up after your pet. There may be times when four-legged friends are not permitted, including at certain events. We reserve the right to close areas and trails to dogs at any time to protect wildlife or livestock.
*Under your control means: Dog is always within view and voice range, dog comes at first calling, and dog may not approach people in a threatening manner or in any way harass people, wildlife, or other animals.
A picture is worth a thousand words! Photography is a favorite activity at our beautiful preserves. From spring flowers to fall colors to amazing winter wildlife, we love seeing photos from our communities in the Lost Sierra! If you’re a professional photographer and are planning a portrait photo shoot, to teach a photography class, or to bring lights, gear, and/or fly a drone on our conserved lands, please contact us first: info@frlt.org or (530) 283-5758.
We are so grateful to all the photographers who have donated hundreds of amazing images to FRLT over the years.
Please follow all State and Local Public Health guidelines for social distancing due to COVID-19.
At this time FRLT is not hosting large, private events or weddings on our preserves. As a non-profit conservation organization these types of activities are not within our current scope of work. We do however encourage low-impact, nature-based events, workshops, and field trips. If you are interested in gathering on our lands please contact us—we’d love to hear from you. An event permit is required for all non-school related events. Fill out the form below to inquire.
We value and understand the importance of the human connection to sustainable food resources and wildlife.
Some of our preserves offer access to fishing on the North Fork of the Feather River, the Middle Fork, and Indian Creek. Please follow our other preserve guidelines and all CDFW regulations. You must have a current fishing license. We strongly encourage a catch-and-release ethic, especially on Indian Creek and its tributaries. For more information about fishing in the watershed please contact Feather River Trout Unlimited.
While boating in the wetlands of Sierra Valley has long been a coveted recreation opportunity in the region, the season when there is sufficient water coincides with sensitive bird nesting and migration habitat. Boating from the Sierra Valley Preserve is regulated seasonally, so please check our boating guidelines before planning a trip. If you have questions, please call our office at (530) 283-5758.
Wildflowers, pollinators, and rare plants thrive on our protected lands. Please do your part by not picking wildflowers so that insects, birds, and other humans can enjoy them. Think you found something special (or just extra pretty)? Snap a picture, share on iNaturalist, and/or send us an email. We love knowing what flowers are blooming and when. Plants are more than just flowers. Many plants in our watershed have a connection to the human communities that have lived here since the beginning of time. Out of respect for local indigenous people (and sensitive ecosystems) we ask that you do not wildcraft or gather herbs and plants on our lands. As a general rule take only photos.
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About the Feather River Land Trust
The Feather River Land Trust is a non-profit, member-supported organization that conserves private lands for the public good in the Feather River Watershed. Together with willing landowners, we are working to protect clean water, wildlife habitat, open space, and the human connection to the land.
More Ways to Explore
A new Nature Center at the Sierra Valley Preserve
A new Nature Center at the Sierra Valley Preserve is now open, where visitors and locals alike can experience the wonders of Sierra Valley and deepen our understanding of the natural world and our place in it.
FRLT Preserve Coloring Pages
Our gift to you - coloring pages of all five of our preserves, illustrated by an FRLT staff member.
Wildlife and Fire
Sierra Nevada wildlife biologists, Paul Hardy and Ryan Burnett, share the impacts of wildfire on native wildlife species.
2023 Events
Get out and experience the beauty of the Feather River Watershed with FRLT's events. From birding and botany to history and building community there's something for everyone!
Birding in the Feather River region
Workshop Video: Birds of the Feather River region and where to see them with wildlife biologist and FRLT founder Paul Hardy.
Sierra Valley Birder's Guidebook
Get the Sierra Valley Birder's Guidebook, and start exploring the Sierra Nevada's biggest birding hotspot.
Mountain Meadows Reservoir Conservation Story
Mountain Meadows is a hidden gem of scenic beauty, fresh water, and habitat for a rich diversity of wildlife and plants. This special Maidu homeland and beloved place for quiet recreation was protected in 2018.
Improve Leonhardt Trail
Help improve the Leonhardt Ranch Trail, a beautiful nature trail located in downtown Quincy.
2022 Conservation Successes
Take a look back at 2022 with us and celebrate the successes made possible by our supporters. It was a fulfilling year of community, collaboration, and conservation success!
