Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Sign at entrance
Map showing the location of Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Map showing the location of Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Location of Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve in Washington
LocationSouthwest Washington, Washington, United States
Nearest townThurston County
Coordinates46°53′N 123°03′W / 46.89°N 123.05°W / 46.89; -123.05
Area637 acres (258 ha)
Established1976[1]
Governing bodyWashington Department of Natural Resources
Websitednr.wa.gov

Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve is a state-protected Natural Area in southwest Washington state, United States. The preserve includes some of the Washington mima mounds, the origin of which still is not fully understood.[2] The site comprises 637 acres (258 ha) of Garry oak woodland, oak savanna, and prairie grasslands.[3][4] Several state and federal endangered species of butterfly depending on the unique prairie conditions can be found in the preserve, including Mardon skipper, zerene fritillary, Puget blue and Taylor's checkerspot.[5]

In 1966, the mima mounds were designated a National Natural Landmark.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ "DNR seeks comments on Mima Mounds boundary", Tacoma News Tribune, January 22, 2012, archived from the original on February 4, 2013
  2. ^ "Thurston County Place Names: A Heritage Guide" (PDF). Thurston County Historical Commission. 1992. p. 52. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  3. ^ Grivas, Erica Browne (May 9, 2023). "Why conservation groups are trying to restore native prairies in WA". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  4. ^ "Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve". Washington Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  5. ^ "Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve butterfly guide" (PDF). Washington Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  6. ^ Richard Seven (July 6, 2008), "Mima Mounds: Mystery hides in vast prairie", The Seattle Times, retrieved December 20, 2012

External links

Protected areas of Washington
Categories