MARCELLUS SHRUB STEPPE NATURAL AREA PRESERVE

Features Protected: Big sagebrush/Idaho fescue plant community, threetip sagebrush/Idaho fescue plant community, and vernal ponds
Ecoregion:  Columbia Plateau (Adams County)

Site Description
This 122-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.

Science, Research and Monitoring
Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Marcellus Shrub Steppe NAP, please contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov. 

Examples of research and monitoring projects that have been carried out at Marcellus Shrub Steppe NAP

• Schroeder, M. A., and W. M. Vander Haegen. 2006. Use of Conservation Reserve Program fields by greater sage-grouse and other shrub steppe-associated wildlife in Washington state. Technical report prepared for US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, WA.
• Blinnikov, M.S. 2005. Phytoliths in plants and soils of the interior Pacific Northwest, USA. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology 135 (2005) 71–98.

Environmental Education and Public Access
Currently no formal educational programs are available at Marcellus Shrub Steppe NAP. The site is not ADA accessible and facilities are not available. For more information, contact the DNR Southeast Region natural areas manager.