KEEN'S 26th Annual Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe Theme: Community & Conservation

Join KEEN (Kittitas Environmental Education Network) in May and Discover the Wonders of the Shrub-Steppe!

Join the Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) for the 26th annual Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe (GISS)—a community event celebrating the rare and endangered shrub-steppe habitat of Central Washington.

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Yakima River Canyon! From breathtaking birding field trips to live adult lamprey releases, you’ll experience the intricate connections between land, water, and wildlife. Explore the landscape with expert guides on hikes highlighting wildflowers, raptors, geology, reptiles, and river ecology, or visit educational booths featuring live animals and conservation groups from across the state.

Event Highlights

Sunday: Mother's Day activities including wildflowers, birding by ear, and more!

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just discovering the magic of the shrub-steppe, there’s something for everyone—all ages are welcome! Spots for guided trips are limited, so sign up early!

Why Protect the Shrub-Steppe?
This unique landscape is home to incredible biodiversity, including Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcons, Bighorn Sheep, Sage Thrashers, and native pollinators. The Yakima River Canyon is an Audubon Important Bird Area, hosting some of the highest densities of raptors and songbirds in the state. Your participation helps support environmental education and conservation efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem.

Click Here for Speakers BIOS

Sunday May 11
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BIRDS OF THE TEANAWAY—DEB ESSMAN
7:30AM-12PM
TEANAWAY COMMUNITY FOREST

WILDLIFE TRACKING & SIGNS—EILEEN LAMBERT
9:00AM-11:00AM
IRENE REINHART PARK

TAKE YOUR MOTHER FOR A WALK—JILL SCHEFFER
10:30AM-11:30AM
YAKIMA CANYON INTERPRETIVE CENTER

MOTHER’S DAY ACTIVITIES @ WILDHORSE WIND FARM & VISITORS CENTER
Morning Session
10:00-11:00am Wind Turbine Tour
11:00-1:00pm Wildflower and Wind Power Walk
Afternoon Session
2:00-3:00pm Wind Turbine Tour
3:00-5:00pm Wildflower and Wind Power Walk

Register Here

Venue: Various Venues.

Click Here For venue details.