- This 2,165-acre preserve serves several critical conservation features. It is one of six known areas in Washington where Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis tabida) (a state endangered species) can be found nesting. This NAP also hosts a population of Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) (a federally threatened species with a small number of existing populations throughout the state). The entire site, including the marsh habitat and adjacent forested uplands, is one of the highest quality mid-elevation wetland ecosystems in south-central Washington, providing vital habitat for hundreds of wildlife species. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded on the site, including many neotropical migratory species of conservation concern. It is part of the Pacific Flyway, providing important feeding and resting habitat for migratory waterfowl such as redhead ducks (Aythya americana), cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera), hooded mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus), and pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps). Several rare plant species listed below are found in seasonal wetland and oak woodland habitats on the preserve.
- Mineralogy (opengeology.org)
Minerals are our planet. They form the Earth and the bedrock that we live on, making up all of Earth’s rocks and sediments, and they are important components in soils. So, they literally are the foundations for our lives. Perhaps because they are ubiquitous, most people don’t even notice them or consider that all rock is made of minerals. But, engineers do because building a bridge or other structure on unstable material, or using poor ingredients for construction of all sorts, would lead to disasters. And, farmers care about minerals because healthy soils produce great crops. Petrologists who study rocks of all sorts need to know about minerals. And others who use resources in manufacturing need minerals. So, the world’s people rely on minerals. And, minerals, mineral production, and the study of minerals are absolutely essential to maintain our lifestyles.