 |
Sticky geranium (Geranium viscosissimum) Photo: T. Brown
|
Management, Goals, and Objectives
The Rose Creek Nature Preserve (RCNP) is a special place located only
7.5 miles northwest of Pullman, Washinton, near Albion (Directions).
Rose Creek Preserve is the best example of the distinct quaking
aspen-black hawthorn-cow parsnip community type of its kind remaining
in the endangered Palouse prairie (shrub-steppe) ecosystem. The
twelve-acre preserve is bisected by Rose Creek with a plant community
of native bunchgrass species in the upland, and a lush community of
species such as Fendler’s waterleaf, and purple trillium in the wet
meadow. The Nature
Conservancy of Washington (TNC) curently owns the historical
preserve and PCEI has an agreement with TNC to manage the area.
PCEI is very excited about working with TNC and the local community to
maintain and monitor the RCNP. Through outreach, education programs,
and volunteer opportunities, PCEI hopes to expand its vision and
dedication towards natural places. Our mission is compatible with the
goals of TNC in the future management and restoration of the Rose Creek
Preserve.
This year, PCEI‘s Rose Creek Nature Preserve projects include aspen
restoration, weed control, trail maintenance and public outreach. The
Preserve is a beautiful public area and PCEI is proud to be involved in
the improvement and protection of this unique natural sanctuary. We look
forward to working with you to make great progress in our conservation,
education, and restoration efforts on the preserve.
|
Photo: PCEI
|
Public Education and Outreach
PCEI will focus on increasing local support for our management
activities through community volunteer
events. PCEI offers hands-on educational learning at the Preserve.
Learn more about the PCEI
Education Program and Rose Creek Nature Preserve environmental education
events.
|
Aspen Restoration
Aspens (Populus tremuloides) reproduce readily from suckers, but
browsing by deer on RCNP severely reduces the survival of young aspens.
Volunteers have kept aspen browse in check for the past 15 years by
placing protective plastic tubes over suckers and wire cages around
saplings. As a result, the extent of the grove has increased. PCEI
will continue the aspen restoration to reduce impacts of browse on
aspen groves by improving the current protection with better caging and
thorough blue tube maintenance.
|
Before Restoration: this photo shows the ecotone between the aspen grove
and the meadow in 1986, before measures were taken to protect aspens
from herbivory. Photo by B. Weddell, May 16, 1986.
|
|
After Restoration: this photo was taken from the same vantage point in
1994. Photo by B. Weddell |
|
Weed Control
Nonnative species have invaded some parts of the Preserve. Teasel
(Dipsacus fullonum), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum),
and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) are the most problematic
weedy species on the preserve. These weeds have been kept in check
through volunteer efforts since 1992. PCEI will continue with manual
control of teasel and poison hemlock on the Preserve. Follow these
links for more information on weed control in Washington
or
Idaho.
|
Poison hemlock Conium maculatum
The ultimate goal, through manual control of poison hemlock on the
Preserve, is eradication. Pulling weeds during the growing season is
an effective method for Poision hemlock control. |
Photo: E. Wolf 2006 |
|
Photo: E. Wolf |
|
Canada thistle Cirsium arvense
Control of Canada thistle will be completed in accordance with County
and State mandates. |
Teasel Dipsacus fullonum
The ultimate goal, through manual control of teasel on the Preserve, is
eradication. Pulling teasel during the rosette stage in spring or
bolting stage of second year plants is an effective method for reducing
teasel populations. Control will continue throughout the growing season
by preventing flowering and seed set. This will be accomplished through
removal of mature plants. |
Photo: E. Wolf |
|
Photo: T. Brown |
Trail Maintenance
Currently the RCNP trail is about 2 to 3 feet wide. To maintain the
pedestrian trail system on the Preserve, an existing narrow path will
be periodically maintained throughout the growing season. Trail
maintenance will allow preserve visitors to easily navigate the
established trail system. |
