Tri-Cities Official Visitors Guide 2008 - (Page 19) Here are a few places to explore amon basin Amon Basin is the drainage of Amon Creek, which happens to be the final tributary to enter the Yakima River before the Yakima itself empties into the Columbia River in Richland. While the natural landscape in this area is relatively dry and inhospitable, Amon Creek and its associated wetlands and riparian areas provide a cool refuge for wildlife and people alike. Visitors might be lucky enough to view river otter or beavers busy with their activities in the stream. If one wanders onto higher ground, jack rabbits and occasional deer can be found. The entire area is an attractant for birds during all seasons and birding enthusiasts should be treated to a variety of both migrating and resident avifauna on their visit. auDubon nature trail Located along the Columbia River in Columbia Park, this trail provides an easy, paved loop for the birding enthusiast. Raised viewing platforms and interpretive signage help visitors discover a wide variety of migrating waterfowl and nesting birds which inhabit the Columbia Basin. The trail also includes a nature pond for insect and fish identification. baDger mountain Centennial preserVe Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve is one of the last remaining shrub-steppe habitats bordering the southwestern edge of the Tri-Cities. When hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding on Badger Mountain, the elevation gain is about 800 feet from the base to summit and sagebrush is the tallest plant, so views are unimpeded. In fact, the top of Badger affords spectacular vistas of the Tri-Cities and Columbia, Yakima, and Snake River valleys. Much of the native vegetation is intact, and an interesting mix of small mammals and rodents are also found there, including coyote, jack rabbit, lizard, and the Western Rattlesnake. Maps and directions are available at: www.FriendsofBadger.org. bateman islanD Located on the Columbia River between the cities of Richland and Kennewick, this remarkable island is classified as an Urban Watchable Wildlife Area. The island is accessible via a small land-bridge and hard-packed, single-track trails make it easy to hike or mountain bike the entire island. Bring your binoculars and discover this riverbank habitat that is home to many species of birds and wildlife. mCnarY national wilDliFe reFuge saCagawea heritage trail One of the easiest ways to explore the outdoors is along the 23-miles of contiguous riverfront paths known as the Sacagawea Heritage Trail. This trail is perfect for walking or biking along the Columbia River. Weaving between the three cities, the trail offers a view of nature’s scenic beauty from an easily accessible, paved trail system. The trail was developed to identify the area’s ties to the Lewis & Clark Expedition; to provide opportunities for heritage, cultural, and environmental interpretation; to ensure the pursuit of safe and enjoyable shoreline recreation; and to diversify the local economy through tourism and rivershore enhancement. For more information log on to www.FriendsOfOurTrail.com. tapteal greenwaY / Chamna natural preserVe A 30-mile corridor along the Yakima River where trails, interpretive kiosks, signage, and trail maps define a natural space with a wealth of recreational, historical, and natural attractions for adventurers, day-hikers, and birding enthusiasts. The Yakima River provides an intimate setting, winding through farmlands, thickly-vegetated riparian areas, and incised mini-gorges with sandy bluffs towering overhead. Boaters who get on the water can explore countless sloughs, islands, and rapids on a river that is a popular breeding area for waterfowl and raptors, as well as salmon and steelhead. The Chamna Natural Preserve is the “birthplace of the Greenway,” featuring the most extensive hiker, cyclist, and equestrian trail network of any of the parks along the river. www.tapteal.org. www.winecountrycreations.com Located in the Lower Columbia Basin of eastern Washington, adjacent to the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers near Pasco, the McNary National Wildlife Refuge is an important resting and feeding area for migratory waterfowl. A variety of refuge habitats provide important nesting areas for a rich diversity of other birds. Visitors have an excellent chance to view many species of animal, songbird, waterfowl, and migratory birds including tundra swans and snow geese. More than 212 species of birds are regularly sighted at the Refuge, including several endangered species. http://nwr.mcnary.wa.us. See CENTER MAP for wildlife watching locations. www.VisitTri-Cities.com (800) 254-5824 or (509) 735-8486 19 John Clement Photography The Tri-Cities is home to eight National Wildlife Refuges and Reserves which are criss-crossed with nature trails and shoreline viewpoints. http://www.FriendsofBadger.org http://winecountrycreations.com http://nwr.mcnary.wa.us http://www.FriendsOfOurTrail.com http://www.tapteal.org http://www.VisitTri-Cities.com
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