palouse prairie, forever preserved
Photo: Erica Sloniker
Home to many rare and special plants and animals like the broad-fruit mariposa lily, Palouse goldenweed, Spalding's catchfly, and the grasshopper sparrow, the 102-acre Dave Skinner Ecological Preserve protects one of the most endangered habitats in the United States, the native Palouse Prairie.
Dave Skinner, leading a prairie remnant tour in 2015
The Preserve is named for David Skinner, a true prairie conservation champion. Dave worked for 32 years with USDA for the Natural Resource Conservation Service at the Pullman Plant Material Center. His passion expanded to being a founding member of The Palouse Prairie Foundation, as well as co-author of Palouse Prairie Field Guide. Dave worked passionately to protect, preserve, and share the uniqueness of the Native Palouse Prairie ecosystem until his passing in 2016. His love for the Prairie can still be felt while enjoying this marvelous place.
Due to the fragility of the site, public access is limited, including for researchers. If you would like to access the Preserve for research and educational purposes (including class, independent study and service learning) please submit a permit request.
research interest form here
We are more than happy to schedule small tours of the site! Email Ava Cocking to coordinate.
Sign up for our monthly e-news for updated information about our work on the Preserve, as well as opportunities to get involved. You can also check back here and our Facebook page!