Upper Dry Gulch Natural Area Preserve
This 320-acre preserve protects the largest known population of Whited's milkvetch, a state-listed “endangered” plant species that is found only within a 3-square-mile area. Situated in the arid mountains southeast of Wenatchee, this site is dominated by a native shrub and bunchgrass (shrub-steppe) ecosystem that is recovering from past land uses. The drainage that flows through the site carries water seasonally and is subject to torrential flows during spring. The loggerhead shrike, a bird species known to be highly dependent on shrub-steppe habitat, is also known to frequent this area.
Science, Research and Monitoring
Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Upper Dry Gulch NAP, please contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov.
Examples of research and monitoring projects
- Combs, J., Reichard, S., Groom, M., Wilderman, D., and P. Camp. 2011. Invasive competitor and native seed predators contribute to rarity of the narrow endemic Astragalus sinuatus Piper. Ecological Applications 21(7): 2498–2509.
Environmental Education and Public Access
Currently no formal educational programs are available at Upper Dry Gulch NAP. The site is not ADA accessible and facilities are not available. For more information, contact the DNR Southeast Region natural areas manager.
