The Sierra Valley Preserve’s Nature Center became a stage for art and nature Feb. 21 as Plumas Arts and the Feather River Land Trust hosted a special Words & Music event. The evening was filled with creative expression celebrating the beauty of Sierra Valley and surrounding areas through live performance and community storytelling. At least 50 people attended.
Local musician Sarah Hoxie opened the show with a powerful one-hour set. Her soulful voice and acoustic melodies wove a rich soundscape that mirrored the vastness of the surrounding wetlands, rivers and canyons. Playing a mix of original folk songs, Hoxie’s performance set the tone for a reflective, intimate gathering.
As twilight deepened over the valley, the second half of the evening offered the stage to the community for an open mic session. Musicians, poets and storytellers stepped forward, sharing pieces inspired by the land, their personal journeys and the interconnectedness of nature and creativity. Some read poetry about the shifting Sierra seasons, while others shared songs and spoken word performances that echoed the landscape’s timeless rhythm.
The Sierra Valley Preserve, stewarded by FRLT, provided a fitting backdrop for the evening. Its newly opened Nature Center — designed to reflect the historic barns of the region — offered a welcoming space for gathering, learning and artistic expression. With interpretive trails and interactive exhibits, the preserve aims to serve as a sanctuary for both wildlife and human connection.
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“The space is absolutely incredible,” said Plumas Arts Executive Director Christopher Rouse Islas Hernandez. It was ideal for the nature-themed event. “It’s a powerful venue, amazing views, very inviting, and the whole team is just wonderful to work with.”
Plumas Arts aims to bring Words and Music into every community in Plumas County, “because it’s such a beloved program,” Rouse Islas Hernandez added. Residents can expect to see the event in the eastern part of the county about once a quarter. Plumas Arts also hopes to begin hosting Words and Music nights in Chester and Greenville. To help support that effort, the organization aims to expand its member base.
The Sierra Valley Words and Music highlighted the intersection of art and conservation, bringing the community together to celebrate the region’s natural landscape through music and spoken word. The next Words and Music event will take place March 3rd at Patty’s Thunder Cafe in Quincy, with FRC students as the featured artists.