California Swan Festival

Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust is thrilled to be hosting the California Swan Festival in Marysville, celebrating the return of the graceful tundra swans and other migrating waterfowl that make their winter home in the verdant rice fields and wetlands in the North Sacramento Valley.  As part of the Pacific Flyaway, the Central Valley alone supports nearly 8 million wintering waterfowl!  Just before winter sets in, more than 100,000 Tundra Swans migrate from their remote breeding grounds in the Arctic, along the Pacific Flyway, to spend winter in California. Our rural region contains vitally important habitat that supports a variety of birds and other wildlife that are under constant threat from habitat loss.T

This spectacular three-day birding festival is a must-see for bird and animals lovers alike. The festival timing and location were thoughtfully set to create the best opportunity to see the most swans of anywhere in California!  Enjoy bird-watching tours, explore the beauty of local flora and fauna, hike in the mysterious Sutter Buttes volcanic range, visit a local rice farm, or be captivated by our knowledgeable presenters.  The festival will have a variety of tours and activities for all interest levels and ages.  Families with children will have an opportunity to enjoy free hands-on learning experiences and crafts that are sure to inspire the budding birdwatcher.  The festival will also host a vendor fair and unique presenters on Saturday and Sunday, in the Swan Central building, all part of a full weekend of wholesome outdoor fun and education.

The Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust, along with many public and private partners, are actively working to protect, restore and enhance habitat areas that support wildlife. The festival serves to advance awareness and conservation of wintering waterfowl and other diverse wildlife that migrate through (and live in) the Pacific Flyway in the Yuba, Sutter, and Colusa region. Our region’s role in sustaining wildlife is additionally showcased. The festival will bring people together on the land and connect attendees and conservation partners, creating a larger, more impactful, and meaningful event. Excess proceeds from the event will benefit the land trust mission, to protect the natural and agricultural resources of the Sutter Buttes and surrounding region for present and future generations.  To learn more about the land trust, visit www.sutterbutteslandtrust.org.