Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Sign at entrance
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 Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Southwest Washington, Washington, United States |
| Area | 637 acres (258 ha) |
| Established | 1976 |
| Governing body | Washington Department of Natural Resources |
The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve is a special protected area in southwest Washington state, USA. It's famous for its unique landscape featuring hundreds of mysterious grassy bumps called mima mounds. This preserve covers about 637 acres, which is like 480 football fields!
The area protects important habitats such as Garry oak woodlands, oak savannas, and open grasslands. It's a crucial home for several rare and endangered butterflies. In 1966, the mima mounds were recognized as a National Natural Landmark because of their unique scientific importance.
What are Mima Mounds?
Mima mounds are unusual, naturally formed bumps of earth. They are usually round or oval and can be from a few feet to over 60 feet wide. These mounds are typically one to seven feet tall. They are found in many places around the world, but the ones at Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve are especially well-known.
How Mima Mounds Formed
Scientists are still trying to fully understand how these mounds were created. There are many ideas, but no single answer is agreed upon by everyone. One popular idea suggests that small animals, like gophers, played a big role.
The Pocket Gopher Theory
One leading theory is that pocket gophers helped build the mounds over thousands of years. As gophers dig their burrows, they push soil to the surface. Over time, this constant digging and moving of dirt could create the raised mounds. The areas between the mounds would be where water collects, making it harder for gophers to dig there.
Other Ideas for Mound Formation
Other theories suggest that ancient earthquakes might have caused the ground to shake and form these bumps. Some scientists also think that freezing and thawing of the ground during ice ages could have pushed soil into mounds. It's possible that a combination of these natural processes created the Mima Mounds we see today.
Amazing Animals and Plants
The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve is a fantastic place for wildlife. Its unique habitats support many different species, especially some very rare butterflies. The preserve's mix of woodlands, savannas, and grasslands creates perfect conditions for these creatures.
Rare Butterflies of the Preserve
The preserve is a critical habitat for several endangered butterfly species. These butterflies depend on the specific plants and conditions found in the prairie grasslands. Protecting these areas helps ensure these beautiful insects can survive.
Mardon Skipper Butterfly
The Mardon skipper is a small, orange-brown butterfly that is very rare. It needs specific types of native grasses to lay its eggs and for its caterpillars to eat. The prairie grasslands at Mima Mounds provide the perfect home for this special butterfly.
Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly
Another endangered butterfly found here is the Taylor's checkerspot. This butterfly has a striking orange, black, and white pattern. Its caterpillars feed on certain wildflowers that grow in the preserve's open areas. Protecting these flowers is key to the butterfly's survival.
Other Unique Insects
Besides the Mardon skipper and Taylor's checkerspot, you might also spot the zerene fritillary and the Puget blue butterflies. These species also rely on the unique prairie environment. Their presence shows how important the preserve is for biodiversity.
Garry Oak Woodlands
The preserve also features beautiful Garry oak woodlands. These oak trees are native to the Pacific Northwest and create a different kind of habitat. Many birds, small mammals, and insects live among these trees. The oak trees provide acorns, which are an important food source for wildlife.
Protecting the Preserve
The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve was established in 1976. It is managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Their job is to protect this special landscape and its rare species for future generations. This includes managing the land to keep it healthy for the plants and animals that live there.
Why Protection is Important
Protecting areas like Mima Mounds is vital for several reasons. It helps save endangered species from disappearing forever. It also allows scientists to study unique natural processes, like the formation of the mounds. Plus, it gives people a chance to connect with nature and learn about our planet's amazing diversity.
