Glacial Heritage Wildlife Area Unit

This unit has limited access under special circumstances; please contact the Wildlife Area Manager for more information.

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Field at the Glacial Heritage Unit
Photo by WDFW

The Glacial Heritage Unit is part of a larger complex of conservation and recreation lands that encompass Mima Prairie and the Black River. The unit was acquired in 2005 for the purpose of perpetuating the rare south Puget Sound prairie ecosystem that benefits many threatened and endangered species. The unit is surrounded by Thurston County conservation land and is ONLY open to the public once a year on Prairie Appreciation Day, offering a great opportunity to view wildlife and enjoy nature, along a network of maintained trails and roads surrounded by the beautiful Mima Prairie.

This unit is located 4 miles southwest of Littlerock in Thurston County.

This unit is part of the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area.

Game Management Unit: 663

Contact

Bill Kronland
Wildlife Area Manager

360-701-5145

16801 Case Road SW
Rochester, WA 98579

Recreation and public access

A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.

Wildlife viewing

Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.

Conservation

The Glacial Heritage Unit is primarily managed by local partners to enhance the habitat that benefits many threatened and endangered species, provide education opportunities, and conduct scientific research.

Special habitats and species

This unit is comprised of south Puget Sound prairie ecosystem, including Mima Prairie. Extensive habitat restoration began on the unit in 2005 and is ongoing.

Conservation goals

  • Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
  • Protect and restore native plant communities
  • Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife resources

Land stewardship

The Glacial Heritage Unit was acquired in 2005 with state and federal funding sources and is designated for the purpose of perpetuating the rare south Puget Sound prairie ecosystem that benefits many threatened and endangered species.

Acquisition history

The parcels making up this area were purchased in 2005.

FunderFund
WA Recreation and Conservation OfficeWashington Wildlife and Recreation Program

Management planning

2020 Scatter Creek Wildlife Area Management Plan
In 2020, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) updated the management plan for the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area. The management plan addresses the status of wildlife species in the area and their habitat, the progress of restoration efforts, and public recreation opportunities. Every eight to 10 years, WDFW revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments.

Planning Advisory Committee

Scatter Creek Wildlife Area Advisory Committee

Plan Updates