Mill Creek RNA

Mill Creek Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent a variety of mixed stands including mature Douglas-fir (Psuedotsuga menziesii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and white fir (Abies concolor). The topography of the RNA is level to moderate sloped with a spring and intermittent creeks.  White oak (Quercus alba) is the dominant tree species of the RNA. Elk sedge (Carex garberi), bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), needlegrass (Achnatherum spp.) and cheatgrass brome (Bromus tectorum) are common ground vegetation on southeast slopes of the grassland. Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine dominate stands found in swales and areas of deeper soil on the eastern and northwestern slopes.  The understories of these stands are dominated by snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), and elk sedge.