- Mima Mounds (wa100.dnr.wa.gov)
In Thurston County, Washington, mysterious mounded landforms create a wavy surface at the 637-acre Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve (NAP). This fascinating geological phenomenon will likely leave you wondering, “How did these mounds form?” Don’t worry, you’re not the only person asking this question. Researchers are also puzzled. For many, the appeal is more than the mystery—it’s the views and picturesque hikes. As you wander the trails of this secluded natural area, the raw beauty of the landscape will consume your senses. Enjoy views of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens to the east, and the green hills of Capitol State Forest to the west. In the spring, purple camas flowers speckle the lush green grass that blankets these puzzling landforms. Come visit the Mima mounds and see what theory you come up with while enjoying this beautiful Washington natural area.
- Tetraodontidae (Wikipedia)
Tetraodontidae is a family of primarily marine and estuarine fish of the order Tetraodontiformes. The family includes many familiar species variously called pufferfish, puffers, balloonfish, blowfish, blowies, bubblefish, globefish, swellfish, toadfish, toadies, toadle, honey toads, Haaris Anwar fish, sugar toads, and sea squab. They are morphologically similar to the closely related porcupinefish, which have large external spines (unlike the thinner, hidden spines of the Tetraodontidae, which are only visible when the fish have puffed up). The scientific name refers to the four large teeth, fused into an upper and lower plate, which are used for crushing the hard shells of crustaceans and mollusks, their natural prey.