Conservation & Natural Areas
Natural Area Preserves, Natural Resources Conservation Areas & other lands in conservation
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Come help at Camas Meadows NAP this Saturday, and earn a bonus guided tour!
The namesake for “Camasland ” is the beautiful blue camas plant that burst into bloom throughout the meadow at the Camas Meadows Natural Area Preserve (NAP) from late May through early-mid June. The shallow basin and large, flat grassy floor of… Continue reading
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Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve management plan in review
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for more than 2.6 million acres of aquatic lands, lands that are submerged under Puget Sound, and lands of navigable lakes and rivers. As land steward, DNR manages and protects… Continue reading
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The U.S. Army works with DNR, other partners to improve wildlife habitat
The Scatter Creek Wildlife Area includes a colony of the increasingly endangered Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly. Located in southern Thurston County, the restoration of this prairieland is getting a boost from the U.S. Army. What is the Army’s role in enhancing habitat for… Continue reading
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Help a natural area and be treated to a tour!
Saturday, June 19, 2010, is Natural Areas Appreciation Day. What better way to appreciate some of the most exquisite native ecosystems in Washington State than to improve a trail, help protect it from invasive plants, and take a tour. Help us celebrate… Continue reading
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DNR managing Forest Service project to restore turtle habitat and reduce wildfire dangers in Columbia Gorge Scenic Area
DNR-supervised work crews from the Larch Corrections Center are doing some good forest restoration work in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In this latest project, the U.S. Forest Service contracted with DNR to reduce fire hazards and restore… Continue reading
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DNR’s Middle Fork Snoqualmie is a prime addition to open land conservation efforts in the I-90 corridor
In 2009, the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) was designated. The area’s features include patches of natural-origin forests, mid-elevation habitat and some very scenic views. There are about 10,270 acres within the proposed boundary of the area, which is… Continue reading
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DNR purchases forestland for Stavis NRCA
On April 29, DNR purchased a 74.5 acre property for inclusion in the Stavis Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA). The property consists of seven parcels with approximately 1,450 feet of marine frontage on Hood Canal, in the southwestern portion of the Stavis NRCA. The… Continue reading
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Work Party this Sunday at McLane Creek Nature Trail
Help clear brush from McLane Creek Nature Trail and get the area ready for the spring growing season from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, May 23. The WSU Native Plant Salvage Project and the Thurston County Stream Team are sponsoring… Continue reading
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Spokane Valley natural area coming back to life after fire
They planted a lot of trees at Dishman Hills outside of Spokane a couple of weeks ago. A lot! We just got more photos of the recent Dishman Hills Service Day — and hope to post many more soon on… Continue reading
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State trust land to become part of the federally managed San Juan Island Historical Park
In the mid-19th Century British and American forces were seeking to establish their nations’ claims on islands in the northern reaches of Puget Sound. They set up military camps near each other on San Juan Island and, as the U.… Continue reading