The Hanford Reach National Monument protects over three hundred square miles of Columbia River watershed in southeastern Washington.  

Much of this land surrounding the Hanford Site is shrub-steppe, a diverse, arid ecosystem that once sprawled throughout many western states. With just enough rainfall to support grasses and shrubs such as sagebrush, the shrub-steppe is home to a variety of wildlife including burrowing owls, ground squirrels, and elk. 

Explore these pages for more information and education activities about the shrub-steppe community of plants and wildlife.

For guided investigations, schedule a program with REACH Educators for your class or other group of learners through our Virtual Field Trip program.