A friend tipped me off about all the butterflies on the hills around the Tri-Cities right now so I thought I’d take the chance to do a new hike up Little Badger Mountain for the first time to see them for myself!
Butterfly on Little Badger
Not sure on this plant, maybe some type of Cedum?
I’ve read about this hill to the east of Badger Mountain and renegade builder, Milo Bauder with plans for a housing development with great views of the Tri-Cities. (you can read about some of the scuttlebut in the Tri-City Herald).
It seems like this hill might be somewhat endangered as a hiking area so I looked up a good access point on Google Earth.
As I started up the trail, I noticed some familiar sights. Flowers galore with all kinds of colors.
Hairy Seed Fleabane
Intricate, delicate, can you help me identify this?
Yarrow of some sort? Your Help is Appreciated
As I walked up the path, I enjoyed the vistas. Looking to the north, Little Badger has a steep dropoff and a nice view of South Richland.
Small butterflies colored orange and white with various shades of brown flew all around me as I climbed to the top.
Orange Butterfly on Little Badger
It was a beautiful day on Little Badger. Hopefully more people can enjoy this little gem before development takes over. The Friends of Badger made an attempt to set this land apart as open space but it looks like that effort is dead (see TCH article here).
Slender Hawksbeard on Little Badger
As you hike up Little Badger, you’ll notice plenty of construction but there is still native grasses, flowers and other vegetation on the summit and along the way.
Beautiful Purple but What is it?