| The Refuge contains
a variety of habitat types with the majority of the region made
up of large, contiguous areas of shrub-steppe lands. Other habitat
types found on the Refuge include wetlands, riparian woodlands,
creeks, and cliffs. |
Shrub-steppe |
 |
| Typical
shrub-steppe habitat on the Refuge |
The primary habitat type
of the Refuge is the shrub-steppe, covering over 15,000 acres. This
dry habitat is characterized by a mixture of shrubs and grasses.
The most common shrub is big sagebrush; other shrubs include gray
and green rabbitbrush, greasewood and hopsage. Many grasses also
grow in this habitat including bluebunch wheatgrass, Sandburg’s
bluegrass and the invasive cheat grass. Another important component
of the shrub-steppe community is a layer of mosses and lichens known
as the cryptogam crust that covers the fine soils of this habitat.
|
Wetlands |
 |
| A
wetland in marsh unit two |
The Columbia Basin Irrigation
Project increased the presences of water in this region creating
wetland habitats in many low lying areas. With the addition of constructed
mash units there are currently over 3,500 acres of wetlands on the
Refuge. This habitat type is dominated by emergent plants such as
cattails, bulrushes and sedges. In addition to supplying water,
wetlands provided food, resting and nesting sites for a variety
of wildlife. |
Cliffs |
 |
There
is extensive cliff habitat throughout the Refuge |
The buttes, canyons and
coulees found throughout the Refuge create an abundance of cliff
habitat. The ledges, cracks and holes that abound in the numerous
basalt cliffs provide important nesting habitat for lots of wildlife.
For example, the cliffs are used by large colonies of cliff swallows
to hold and shelter their mud nests. Birds also perch on ledges
and outcroppings of the cliffs. Snakes and other reptiles can be
found sunning on cliff ledges. Many cliff sides, particularly north
faces, are covered in a colorful collogue of lichen and moss. |
Riparian
Woodlands |
| There are over 290
acres of riparian woodlands on the Refuge. This habitat is primarily
restricted to the shoreline of creeks, wetlands and lakes. Several
species of willows comprise the native vegetation but extensive
growth of exotic Russian-olive is evident. The understory is covered
by numerous species of wild rose and currents. |
Crab
Creek |
 |
| Crab
Creek flows through the heart of the Refuge |
Before the Columbia Basin
Irrigation Project Crab creek only flowed intermittently. Now it
flows year round, creating important aquatic and riparian habitats
on the Refuge. The creek meanders its way through the Refuge as
it flows towards the Columbia River. |
