Links

Washington State Symbols
We are trying to add another one to this list.
 
 
CENTRAL WASHINGTON BOTANICAL GARDENS

Hillside Desert Botanical Gardens
Hillside is the half-acre backyard showpiece of cactus enthusiast Ron McKitrick, who was a friend of the statecactus.com webmaster.  Hillside features hundreds of arid lands species spread over 20 separate gardens  Ron passed away in 2020, but the family has carried on caring for the gardens.  (Yakima)
 
Ohme Gardens
A 40-acre retreat in the ponderosa pine forest to shrub-steppe transition zone.  Features trails, waterfalls, and pools.  Open during the warm season.  (Wenatchee)
 
Yakima Area Arboretum
A 46-acre oasis featuring display gardens, tree collections, natural areas, and meeting space.  (Yakima)
 
 
INTERESTED ORGANIZATIONS
 
Cascade Cactus and Succulent Society
A regional interest group committed to education and conservation related to cacti, succulents, and their ecologies.  CCSS has been a partner in the state cactus campaign.

Conservation Northwest
A regional nonprofit organization that works to protect, connect, and restore wildlands and wildlife in Washington and British Columbia; including a focus on the shrub-steppe biome through the Sagelands Heritage Program and the Arid Lands Initiative.

Discovery Lab
Discovery Lab is a small community school in Ellensburg that was the point of origin and inspiration for the State Cactus initiative.

Washington Invasive Species Council
WISC is housed within the Recreation and Conservation Office and is tasked with providing policy level direction, planning, and coordination for combating harmful invasive species throughout the state and preventing the introduction of others that may be harmful. 

Washington Native Plant Society
Promotes the appreciation and conservation of Washington's native plants and their habitats through study, education, and advocacy.  There are about a dozen local chapters throughout the state.

Washington State Legislature
In addition to its many other responsibilities, it is the Legislature that will decide whether or not an official "state cactus" is designated.


OTHER RESOURCES

Heritage Garden Program
The Heritage Garden Program is a garden education and development program dedicated to creating water-wise landscapes and gardens that incorporate native plants of Washington state.  The program focuses on Eastern Washington and the unique natural and cultural features of the Columbia Basin.  Heritage Gardens feature the use of native plants, promote sustainable, water-wise landscaping techniques, and educate our community about the biodiversity of the Columbia Basin.  Started by the Benton Conservation in Kennewick, the program has spread to seven additional counties in Eastern Washington and features a process by which gardens can be certified.

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife - Shrub-Steppe Ecosystem
This is WDFW's clearing house for all things shrub-steppe, which is the ecosystem within which we find Basalt Cactus.  Includes descriptions, maps, and other resources.

Wild Horse Wind & Solar Facility - Renewable Energy Center
Puget Sound Energy's 273-acre renewable energy facility atop Whiskey Dick Mountain between Ellensburg and Vantage.  This is a good location to observe some of the mid-elevation shrub-steppe ecosystem and easily see Basalt Cactus in its natural environment.