Printed in The Othello Outlook on April 21, 2005

Written by Kathy Young

“Viewing Spring Wildflowers at the Refuge”

Shrub-steppe habitat is defined by the dominance of shrubs such as big sagebrush and grasses such as Sandburg’s bluegrass. Although these plants earth tones usually shade the landscape, every spring a rainbow of other hues emerge. Wildflower season only lasts for a few months but it is a great time to observe and learn about some of the most colorful plants of the shrub-steppe.

One of the most abundant and identifiable wildflowers on the Refuge in early spring is phlox. Although there are many species of phlox, the plants on the Refuge are usually 4 to 16 inches tall and extensively branched. They produce several clusters of pink to purple flowers with each flower about a half inch in diameter. Occasionally, this weak stemmed plant can even be found winding and extending through sagebrush branches.

In contrast to the clusters of phlox flowers are the vertical single stemmed larkspur flowers. Each stem has multiple dark blue or purple flowers and is usually 7 to 16 inches tall. The name larkspur refers to the part of the flower that extends backwards and forms a spur like on the foot of a lark.

The flowers of the arrow-leafed balsamroot are among the most vivid of the shrub-steppe. It is hard to miss the bright yellow rays that form a daisy-like head 2 to 4 inch across. The leaves are also distinct; the plant is named for their arrow shape and the leaves can be up to 12 inches long and are covered in fine hairs. These three wildflowers are just a sampling of the many species that bloom in the shrub-steppe each spring.

A walk out at the Refuge provides a great opportunity to observe some of the magnificent flowers of the shrub-steppe habitat. A recommended place to take a walk is along the Frog Lake Interpretive Trail. The trail is 3 miles long with an elevation gain of 200 feet and offers a comfortable path through the Refuge.

To access this trail follow McManamon Road northwest out of Othello about 5 miles and take a right onto Morgan Lake Road. Drive about 3.5 miles and stop in the parking lot on the left side of the road; Frog Lake Trail begins directly across the road from this parking lot.

Although starting out near Crab Creek, this trail promptly guides you into the drier shrub-steppe habitat. After meandering past striking columnar basalt formations the trail ascends, circling the top of a mesa. At a leisurely pace this walk would take approximately 2 hours. The trail’s immersion in the shrub-steppe habitat and beautiful views atop the mesa offers a great weekend or evening outing.

Remember that the primary purpose of National Wildlife Refuges is to conserve and protect wildlife and their habitats. Although hiking and other recreation activities are allowed, disturbing wildlife, and collecting flowers is prohibited. Consideration and respect for all the flora and fauna on the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge will help to assure its continued health and beauty.

There are many wildflower identification books that would be helpful to take out on the Refuge. Look for ones focused specifically on the Columbia Basin and shrub-steppe habitat. The Old Hotel Art Gallery is a great local resource for these materials. For more information or a map of Frog Lake and other interpretive trails please contact the Refuge office at 488-2668 or email Kathy_Young@fws.gov.