Scatter Creek Unit
The Scatter Creek Unit is a 915-acre protected area and wildlife reserve in southern Thurston County, Washington. It is located immediately north of Grand Mound, Washington and east of Rochester. The site is owned and managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and is one of five units that comprise the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area. The unit is split into two sections, the North site and the South site. The parcel is the site of a former homestead.[1]
| Scatter Creek Unit | |
|---|---|
 Garry oaks (Quercus garryana) bordering Scatter Creek | |
  Location of Scatter Creek Unit | |
| Location | Southwest Washington, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 46.833°N 123.007°W |
| Area | 915 acres (370 ha) |
| Governing body | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife |
| Website | wdfw.wa.gov |
The Scatter Creek Unit is home to one of the few remaining sections of south Puget Sound prairie. Garry oaks (Quercus garryana) can be found growing in riparian areas, along with Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia). In the forested hills on the north side of the reserve, conifers such as Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) predominate.
Mima mounds can be found at both the North and South site.
Scatter Creek Wildlife Area
The area contains the West Rocky Prairie Unit near Tenino. The unit is 119.0 acres (48.2 ha) and contains Oregon white oak, Oregon ash, Douglas fir, and maple. In 2023, the WDFW undertook a tree-thinning operation to restore the prarie oak habitat by removing heavy densities of ash, fir, and maple. The project would also overhaul the roads in the parcel.[2]
Northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea)
Camas (Camassia quamash)
White morph of Camassia quamash
Garry oaks (Quercus garryana) with senescing leaves
Controlled burn
References
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- The Chronicle staff (July 27, 2023). "WDFW to start forest thinning project to restore prairie habitat near Tenino". The Chronicle. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
External links
