Shrub-steppe Ecosystems

Shrub-Steppe Ecosystem

The Hanford Reach National Monument protects over 300 square miles of Columbia River watershed in southeastern Washington. Much of this landscape is shrub-steppe—an arid, yet vibrant ecosystem that once stretched across much of the western United States.

With just enough rainfall to support grasses and shrubs like sagebrush, the shrub-steppe is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including burrowing owls, ground squirrels, and elk.

Explore the resources below to learn more about this unique ecosystem and discover educational activities you can use in the classroom or out in the field.