The
50-acre Reach site will offer interpretive trails, outdoor exhibits, walking
and biking paths, fishing access, and a kayak lockup. Visitors not intending
to enter the building—fishermen, bicyclists, walkers, and joggers—maintain
free access to the trails and paths that will be created throughout the
site.
Approximately 20 acres of the site will be planted with native shrub-steppe and riparian vegetation. The remaining areas will be managed under a long-term shrub-steppe restoration program.
Rolling
landforms reminiscent of the hills surrounding the Tri-Cities will be created
around the site with native silt loam soil. Landforms will be planted with
such vegetation as bitterbrush, sagebrush, Sandberg’s bluegrass,
and bluebunch wheatgrass. Flowers might include lupine, balsamroot, phlox,
and fleabane. Local plant biologists and habitat specialists will assist
in selecting soils and plants.
Walkways and paths to The Reach will meander through riparian habitats. Trees and shrubs such as cottonwood, willow, white mulberry, and spirea will be planted along the paths to the visitor center from the parking area. Vegetation in the garden courts and around the water feature will include coyote willow, chokecherry, and wild rose.
Areas of lawn will be planted at the outdoor classroom area and on
the east grass terraces near the buildings. Native and non-native garden
trees will provide shade around buildings and in courtyards surrounding the
building. Possible tree species include ash, maple, honey locust, linden,
and willow.
