The Natural Areas you Treasure
Washington State should soon have a new protected area, thanks to the NatureServe Network. Our biologists are out in the field day in, day out, and often they discover new places that need protection. Joe Rocchio, from our affiliate the Washington Natural Heritage Program, recently discovered a rare bog—the only one of its kind in the Western U.S. This bog is “raised,” meaning that its center is 9 feet above its sides, which is highly unusual. The bog is home to three rare species, including the Makah copper butterfly (Lycaena mariposa charlottensis). Because of Joe’s discovery, this special place is now in the process of becoming a new state natural area.
“If Joe had not been out there, surveying rare plant communities, we might never know that our state has the only raised bog in the Western United States. And without previous efforts by the Washington Natural Heritage Program’s zoologist, John Fleckenstein, we may never have known that it is home to a rare butterfly species! Joe and his colleagues in NatureServe’s member program, the Washington Natural Heritage Program, are the reason why this special place is on our radar, and why it is possible to protect it for generations to come.” - Peter Dunwiddie, Chair of the Washington Natural Heritage Advisory Council