WBA Mima Mounds Field Trip Report

Aug 19, 2023

–

Mima Mounds field trip in May. (R. Johnson)

On Thursday, May 18^th, the WBA field trip to Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve enjoyed a beautiful sunny day exploring the mysterious mounds set in a Western Washington prairie just south of Olympia. The trip was led by Regina, WBA Treasurer and Gnum editor, who is the Assistant Natural Areas Ecologist for Western WA. She was assisted by Renee Mitchell, who is the Natural Areas Manager for Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. Both are with the Dept. of Natural Resources and both work on restoration of native prairie habitat at Mima, controlling invasive plants, using prescribed fire to restore natural processes, and planting native prairie vegetation particularly things that support prairie-dependent butterflies.

Two-banded Checkered Skipper. (M. Weiss)

Regina and Renee presented a discussion of the prairies of Western Wash- ington, and the Mima Mounds Preserve in particular as an important part of that. They explained the evolution of the prairies, indigenous people’s use, subsequent white settlement and use and present efforts to preserve them. They discussed the flora on the Preserve and the relationship of fauna and butterflies. Of course, the mysterious mounds which dominate the landscape were also discussed to everyone’s fascination. We walked throughout the Preserve noting plants and butterflies. Early emerging butterflies were the subject and the star of the show was the Hoary Elfin which was seen in great numbers. What a treat to see this species in the small area of W. WA where it is common. Kinnikinik abounded on the mounds and the Elfin was all over it. The Two Banded Checkered Skipper with its much greater range by comparison was also regularly spotted. Other species seen less or in the distance or in single individuals were Ochre Ringlet, Western Tiger Swallowtail, Echo Azure, Julia’s Orange-tip, and Cinnabar Moth.

Wilson’s Warblers in the forested area delighted the birders in the group. (E. Kuehn)

The field trip was well attended. Part of the enjoyment was being out on what for many was an initial field trip of the year and also seeing many of our friends in person face to face for the first time after a long time of Covid separation.