May 9, 2026

By Melanie Weiss

WBA received an off-trail permit from the Department of Natural Resources to survey the beautiful and unique Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve. If you choose to visit, be aware that regular visitors are asked to remain on the 2 mile trail to avoid crushing native plants and the sensitive cryptobiotic soil crusts, communities of living organisms that help prevent erosion and feed nearby plants.

Although butterflies were not abundant, nine species were detected on our visit including Western and Pale Tiger Swallowtails, Becker’s White, Cabbage White, Boisduval’s Blue, Clouded Sulphur, Coronis Fritillary, Ochre Ringlet and Juba Skipper. Mustard was the most common nectar source. Also present were Purple Sage, Lomatium, Fiddlehead, Yarrow, Globe Mallow, Eriogonum thymoides and Eriogonum heracleoides.

In addition to butterflies and native plants, there are other items of interest. Cracks in the basalt cliffs of the canyon support the protected Basalt Daisy. The plants are high on the cliff face and difficult to see without binoculars or a zoom lens. The Natural Area designation for Selah Cliffs was created for the protection of this species. We were awed by beautiful lichens and the fauna present, especially the Common Side-blotched Lizard with its turquoise and orange patterns.

The area can become quite hot, so the end of our trip was spent near the only water present in the preserve. Unsurprisingly, this is where half of our species were sighted!

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