Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe & Yakima River Canyon Bird Fest

05/10/2026

Join us today at 10:30 Canyon Interpretive Center for a short pleasant walk to celebrate Mother's Day! Free and open to all. Dogs on leash welcome. Bring binoculars if you like!

05/08/2026

SURPRISE POP UP TONIGHT! Nick Zentner, of "Nick on the Rocks" fame, will be giving an impromptu talk on the Geology of the Yakima River Canyon and surrounding areas. This is free and open to the public as part of KEEN's Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe this weekend. Join us tonight at 6pm at the Pub by Iron Horse!

05/05/2026

It's here! Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe is this weekend! It is your last chance to sign up for birding, geology, wildflowers, bats & owl field trips, many indoor presentations, and our keynote speaker dinner! Join us on an amazing spring weekend in Ellensburg for the one and only Get Intimate! Register here: https://www.keen-ycic.org/

05/03/2026

Get outside with KEEN and our expert field trip leaders! FIELD TRIPS at Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe May 8-10, Ellensburg.
https://www.keen-ycic.org/giss

🦅 Passerines & Raptors of the Yakima River Canyon
Start the morning with incredible birding! Explore canyon habitats for songbirds and birds of prey with expert guides.

🐦 Shrub-Steppe Obligate Birds & Habitats
Meet the birds that rely entirely on shrub-steppe ecosystems and learn how this habitat shapes their survival.

🪨 Yakima Canyon Geology
From lava flows to tectonic uplift, uncover the dramatic geologic story behind the Yakima River Canyon.

🐍 Snake Sneaking
Search for native snakes while learning how to safely observe and identify these fascinating reptiles.

🚣 Yakima River Canyon Float Trip
Experience the canyon from the water! Float the Yakima River while learning about wildlife, geology, and river ecology.

🪶 Cultural Importance of the Yakima River Canyon
Explore the deep cultural history and significance of this powerful landscape.

🐍 Caminata Familiar para Encontrar Serpientes (Español)
¡Aventura familiar! A Spanish-language snake walk exploring native reptiles and their habitats.

🌼 Wildflower Hike at Selah Cliffs
Experience spectacular spring wildflowers and dramatic canyon views during this guided hike.

🌵 Basalt Cactus Explorations
Discover cactus species thriving among basalt formations and the adaptations that help them survive in dry environments.

05/01/2026

Indoor accessible activities are available as well - May 8-10 in Ellensburg for Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe! https://www.keen-ycic.org/giss

✨ Planetarium Shows
Take a journey through the cosmos at CWU’s Lydig Planetarium with immersive star talks and astronomy programs.

🌿 Wetland Trail Interpretation Planning
Join the conversation about how trails can tell the story of wetlands and local ecosystems.

🦅 Falconry & Conservation
Meet magnificent birds of prey up close and learn about the traditions and conservation science behind falconry.

🏞 Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center Update
Get an inside look at the vision and development of the future Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center.

🎤 Keynote Dinner
An inspiring evening talk exploring how humans build meaningful relationships with nature.

A free community event highlighting the endangered shrub-steppe habitat in Central Washington.

04/29/2026

04/28/2026

Join KEEN for a weekend celebrating Central Washington’s incredible shrub-steppe with expert-led field trips, hands-on activities, family-friendly programs, and special events in the Yakima River Canyon. From birding and wildflowers to river adventures and learning opportunities, there’s something for everyone. https://www.keen-ycic.org/giss

👉 Register now and come get intimate with the shrub-steppe!

04/28/2026

🌿 Registration is OPEN! 🌿
Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe (GISS) is back for another unforgettable weekend of field trips, learning, and adventure in the Yakima River Canyon. Join KEEN for guided hikes, wildlife, wildflowers, science, and fun for all ages. Spots are limited for some events—don’t wait!
👉 Sign up now and come explore with us! https://www.keen-ycic.org/giss

04/26/2026

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dan Beck, Central Washington University
https://www.keen-ycic.org/giss
Dr. Dan Beck, professor at Central Washington University, will deliver this year’s GISS keynote, “How Do We Get Intimate with Nature?” Drawing on decades of experience in ecology, herpetology, and environmental education, Dr. Beck will explore the often overlooked, inseparable connections that shape our relationship with the shrub-steppe—and the natural world more broadly. His talk invites us to reconsider what it truly means to be “intimate” with nature, revealing how these connections influence not only the ecosystems around us, but our place within them.

04/17/2026

We know it is hard to choose from so many amazing field trip opportunities, but take a look at these offerings and register today for Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe May 8-10 in Ellensburg WA! https://www.keen-ycic.org/giss

04/16/2026

So cool! Sign up for our Friday night bat walk and learn even more about our local bats! https://www.keen-ycic.org/giss