High-quality examples of native shrub-grassland ecosystems ("shrub-steppe"), that were once abundant along the southern margin of central Washington, occur on this 640 acre site.  Intact examples of these ecosystems, which are highly sensitive to disturbance, are very rare within this limited range.  Located along the margin of the Columbia Basin and Eastern Cascades, this site also includes a woodland with oak, aspen, juniper, and ponderosa pine, as well as a spring and stream that provide habitat for an array of wildlife species.  In 1997 a rare species of soil-dwelling lichen, previously unknown from Washington, was discovered growing within the grasslands at this site.  (Klickitat County)