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
Map showing the location of Scatter Creek Unit
Map showing the location of Scatter Creek Unit
Location of Scatter Creek Unit
LocationSouthwest Washington, Washington, United States
Coordinates46.833°N 123.007°W / 46.833; -123.007
Area915 acres (370 ha)
Governing bodyWashington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Websitewdfw.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]

References

  1. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
  2. The Chronicle staff (July 27, 2023). "WDFW to start forest thinning project to restore prairie habitat near Tenino". The Chronicle. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
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