Eden Valley Guest Ranch.

Eden Valley Habitat in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

Eden Valley Guest Ranch in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington has a six main types of habitats which is amazing for a small ranch of just under 900 acres.  In addition to our unique geology, we have many native species of birds, wildlife and a plethora of beautiful native plants and trees including spectacular wildflowers.

One habitat type is the timber mix of Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir and Western Larch with native shrubs, wildflowers and grasses.  The brush piles from our 2005 project have been a boost for our squirrel and rabbit homes.  There are a few great rock walls of granite providing micro-environments within the timbered areas. The trail system is under-utilized by humans and creates wildlife thoroughfares.  Deer, elk, coyote, owls, bobcats, squirrels, rabbits, lizards, skunk, porcupine, grouse, wild turkey, badger, and more make this area home along with our livestock.

The second type of habitat is the draws or waterways for snow melt which are host to Quaking Aspen, Wild Black Birch, Alder and Cottonwood thick with shrubs, grasses, nettles, and other native plants.

Third, Eden Valley has the woods pasture fields and grass strips that the predator birds and coyotes patrol.  We maintain these fields for grazing, however, some nesting birds, butterflies and other animals use them too.  We have some bushes and trees within these areas which enhance our wildlife and provide shade for livestock.

Additional unique habit is where we have rocky ground and native bunch grass with a few sage brush surrounded by all of the above including some very different and special wildflowers.

The fifth variety of habitat is actually our fields of grain and alfalfa that the wildlife utilize.  In some fields there are rock piles and other areas of non-used land that the wildlife enjoy.  Wildlife have a buffer with the crop around them.  In some areas we leave tall grasses that are never grazed.

The sixth habitat we have to mention is for humans.  The landscaping and buildings, including the cabins were for a few humans to be in the middle of it all.  However, humming birds, robins, toads, butterflies, and many others consider this their perfect home.