The Feather River Land Trust reports restoration work has been continuing on the historic Olsen Barn in Chester. Olsen Barn Meadow is one of FRLT’s five public nature preserves across the watershed, most recognized for its iconic 19th century barn. This summer, with community support, personnel have been restoring the historic barn and installing accessible visitor amenities near the entrance to the preserve.
The Olsen Barn Meadow Preserve is a beloved 107-acre landscape of meadow, wetland and forest next to Lake Almanor and the North Fork Feather River. It boasts stunning vistas of Lassen Peak and is best known for its 130-plus-year-old historic barn. When the property went on the market in 2014, threatening the future of the barn and community access, FRLT purchased it in 2015 with what it terms “tremendous community support.”
Several improvements have taken place on site since 2015, and now a new round of improvements are being implemented through spring 2027.
So far, contractors and FRLT’s team have completed an Americans with Disabilities Act–compliant parking pad and short path to a picnic area and scenic overlook, creating a space to rest and enjoy the views of the 107-acre meadow and barn. The structural work to stabilize the barn has also been completed, with the sill, several gables and support braces replaced.
Now, contractors are replacing siding on the south and lakeside faces of the barn, which receive the brunt of the elements. Organizers say this will help to ensure this iconic landmark will remain safe and standing for community enjoyment for years to come. FRLT “a big thank-you” to local timber company Collins Pine Co. for donating the lumber needed for the project.
In the months ahead, the land trust will develop educational interpretive signs to share with visitors about this special landscape’s unique ecology, wildlife, history and significance to Mountain Maidu people, and why this region is so important to conserve for water, wildlife and future generations. The signs are set for installation in spring 2027.
