The Island

The Island Research Natural Area (pRNA) was selected to represent western juniper/big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass (Juniperus occidentalis/Artemisia tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata) and western juniper/big sagebrush/antelope bitterbrush/bluebunch wheatgrass (Juniperus occidentalis/Artemisia tridentata-Purshia tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata) plant associations in central Oregon. The pRNA is located on a mesa isolated by steep cliffs and talus slopes just south of the confluence of the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. The topography is flat and without drainages or surface water.