- Marcellus Shrub Steppe Natural Area Preserve (dnr.wa.gov)
This 386-acre preserve protects two types of native shrub-grasslands that were once widespread in this portion of the Columbia Basin. Situated amid acres of cultivated farmland, this site provides native habitat for a myriad of birds and other wildlife associated with the shrub-steppe environment, such as sage thrashers and grasshopper sparrows. Seasonal ponds, very rare and easily-disturbed habitats, are also found on this site and support unusual plant and animal assemblages.
- Menkib (stars.astro.illinois.edu)
Perseus (the Hero) may be the champion not only of Andromeda but also of unnamed stars as well. The top two, Mirfak (Alpha) and Algol (Beta) have proper names, and then the list stops until we arrive at number 10, a fourth magnitude star called “Atik” and Bayer’s “Omicron” star. Fainter yet is number 12 in brightness, mid-fourth magnitude Menkib (Bayer’s “Xi”).