The Natural Area, along with Beazell Memorial Forest, contains 75 percent of the Taylor's Checkerspot butterfly population. Because current evidence suggests that Taylor's Checkerspot will become extinct in the forseeable future, it has been proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. I was lucky to see one basking in the sun during a trip in April. There are only 14 known populations in Washington and Oregon according to the Xerces Society.
There have been recent efforts to improve butterfly habitat at the preserve through prescribed burns. Following the burns, the area will be seeded for nectar plants. The hope is to improve habitat for Taylor's Checkerspot and Fender's Blue, another endangered species making a comeback after being added to the federal Endangered Species List in 2000.
The trails offer a very easy hike with beautiful views just 4 miles west of Corvallis. The Benton County website provides an online map. At higher elevations (1,200 ft.) there are views of Marys Peak and the Marys River Valley, Cardwell Hills Valley, the Willamette Valley, and the Cascade Mountains.
