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South Puget Sound Prairies
Near the southern end of Puget Sound were once expansive prairie grasslands and oak woodlands. They were maintained by the cultural practices of the native peoples. However, as European settlement progressed, the original prairies were developed or significantly changed by the elimination of the historic practice of burning. As a result, native Douglas-fir trees have invaded much of the former prairie habitat. The non-native shrub Scot’s broom has also invaded, dominating the once species-rich prairies.
Read more about South Puget Sound Prairies in Featured Places
Ecological Systems of the South Puget Sound Prairies
