updated 11/08/2005

The Brownsmead area is rather loosely defined but centers around the Brownsmead Grange north of Knappa. From Hwy 30 turn north at Knappa. The Ziak Refuge is about 1 mile north on Gnat Creek. Continue on Gnat Creek to the Barendse Rd Bridge.

Brownsmead includes dairy pasture, riparian wetlands, and upland Red Alder/Bigleaf Maple forests. The Ziak Refuge attracts many species of waterfowl and is also home to several tame Tundra and Trumpeter Swans as well as pinioned Emperor Geese. The Blind Slough Sitka Spruce Swamp managed by the Nature Conservancy can be accessed by canoe here. A dike along the Prairie Channel of the Columbia River between Bug Hole and Aldrich Point provides viewing access to the grassy islands of the Lewis and Clark National Wildife Refuge. 

Species of note in the area include Arctic Loon, Eurasian Green-winged Teal, Little Blue Heron, Cattle Egret, Gyrfalcon, White-tailed Kite and Red-shouldered Hawk.