Marcellus Shrub Steppe Natural Area Preserve

Golden native shrub-grasslands.
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.

Features Protected: Big sagebrush/Idaho fescue plant community, threetip sagebrush/Idaho fescue plant community, and vernal ponds

Ecoregion: Columbia Plateau (Adams County)

Science, Research and Monitoring

Field staff gathering native shrub-grasslands.

Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you re 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

Environmental Education and Public Access

Currently no formal educational program 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.