An inflatable kayak enters the marshlands of a portion of the Sierra Valley Preserve on May 20. The Middle Fork of the Feather River splits here into many delta-like channels, which support the greatest diversity and abundance of birds in the entire Sierra Nevada — more than 230 species, according to the Land Trust. Photos by Steve Wathen
A pair of sandhill cranes hunting in the marshlands. Sandhill cranes can be 4 feet tall with wingspans of 7 feet. Sandhill cranes are one of the oldest bird species in North America.
View of the riverine marsh and mountains surrounding Sierra Valley from a boat.
View of Sugar Loaf Peak north of the preserve.
Floating vegetation in the marshlands in the preserve.
Beautiful patterns of floating vegetation in the preserve.