ABOUT US

The Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust is proud to host the California Swan Festival, a celebration of the graceful Tundra Swans and other migrating waterfowl that find their winter home in the lush rice fields and wetlands of the North Sacramento Valley.

 

This breathtaking three-day event, held from November 13–15, 2026, in the greater Sutter Buttes area, is a highlight for bird and wildlife enthusiasts and serves as a cornerstone fundraiser for the Land Trust’s conservation mission.

 

New Venue: Kick-Off at Montna Farms

The festival begins on Friday, November 13th, with a spectacular kick-off party hosted at Montna Farms, located in the heart of swan country. Set against the stunning backdrop of the majestic Sutter Buttes, this evening replaces our previous gatherings at Cordi Winery to bring you even closer to the birds and the landscape.

Start your journey with an exclusive Friday afternoon Sunset, Swans, and Rice tour at Montna Farms, culminating at the farm’s celebration hub where you’ll enjoy:

  • Local Flavors: Delicious food and refreshing drinks.

     

  • Fundraising: A curated selection of exciting auction items.

     

  • Expert Birding Presentations: Captivating sessions led by renowned birding experts and naturalists, focusing on the incredible migrations and behaviors of the Pacific Flyway’s winter residents.

     

This special evening offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the vital conservation work of the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust while standing on the very ground we strive to protect.

 

Immersive Field Experiences

From there, the three-day festival continues with a focus on immersive field engagement. Instead of a central indoor hub, we are bringing the experts to you in the wild. Our 2026 lineup includes:

 

  • In-Field Presentations: Educational sessions held directly at the viewing sites for a hands-on learning experience.

  • Expert-Led Birding: Guided tours to spot Tundra Swans, geese, ducks, and raptors in their natural habitat.

     

  • The Volcanic Range: Exclusive guided hikes through the enigmatic and private lands of the Sutter Buttes.

     

  • Working Landscapes: Tours of active rice farms that highlight the essential partnership between agriculture and wildlife conservation.

     

Support the Mission

By joining us, you are directly supporting:

  1. Land Conservation: Protecting critical open spaces and wildlife corridors.

     

  2. Stewardship: Ensuring the long-term health of our protected lands.

  3. Community Connection: Providing place-based experiences that link people to the North Sacramento Valley.

     

We look forward to seeing you in the field this November!

 

History

The California Swan Festival was started in 2013 by the Yuba Sutter Chamber of Commerce and California Department of Fish & Wildlife to highlight wintering waterfowl in the heart of the Pacific Flyway.  In 2022 Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust became the festival lead with the intention of continuing to spotlight wildlife while adding a conservation focus to bring more awareness and understanding of our connection to the land. 

Mission

Host a regional event that will provide recreation and education on local conservation efforts and natural resources, with a focus on wildlife.

Goals

  • Showcase important wildlife and habitat areas in our tri-county region
  • Create greater awareness and appreciation for conservation of natural resources
  • Provide equitable access, including opportunities for outdoor education and connecting to the land to create a greater understanding and appreciation for natural resources.
  • Promote and support wildlife tourism and agritourism, both an important part of the regional economy
  • Build conservation partnerships
  • Showcase the valuable connections between not only wild habitats and wildlife but also working lands that support and sustain regional wildlife