Uniquely situated where the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, and Cascades ranges converge, Sierra Valley supports the greatest concentration and diversity of birds in the Sierra Nevada, as well as rich botanical diversity. As the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Feather River, the valley has critical ecological role extending well beyond its bounds.

While much of the valley has historically been ranch land, the Sierra Valley Preserve – at over 2500 acres – preserves the land and gives the public access to this landscape with trails, programs and education, helping visitors to understand and appreciate the unique natural and human history of Sierra Valley.  The new headquarters structures transform a former cattle ranch to provide an exhibit and event space, as well as critical maintenance facilities.  Other entrances feature minimal interventions – new kiosks and restroom structures and fencing of salvaged cedar posts and irrigation pipe to protect the fragile sagebrush landscape, as well as a “bird blind” for observation without disruption.

Working closely with the Sierra Preserve Partners and PR Design Engineers (civil/landscape), the subtle moves and simple barn-like buildings keep the focus on the landscape, starting with re-orienting the entry to enhance site restoration and improve drainage in this flood-prone environment. 

The main Headquarter building features passive solar design with south-east facing glass (providing a panoramic view of the wetlands) and “straw-cell” construction for carbon-storing super insulated walls.  The existing structures were dismantled providing materials for re-use in support structures, including posts, framing and metal siding.