Join the Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) for the 27th 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.
Pre-registration is required for field trips and lectures/presentations. A $25 per person (or $40 for a family of four or more) registration fee covers all events during the weekend. Anyone can attend the hands-on science booths at YCIC on Saturday from 9am-1pm (no pre-registration required for the science booths).
Event Highlights
Friday: Special field trips and conservation project updates from the region, an evening social gathering to kick off the weekend with a presentation on Pacific Lamprey re-introduction & live lamprey with members of the Yakama Nation, or for a few lucky early birds, an evening Owl & Snake walk or Bat walk!
Saturday: Expert-led field trips on birding, snakes, geology, wildflowers, presentations & live animals, and more!
Live reptile encounters & hands-on science activities for the whole family
Lamprey releases—witness these ancient boneless fish up close!
Interactive booths with environmental groups & resources
Saturday Night: Catered keynote dinner, “HOW DO WE ‘GET INTIMATE’ WITH NATURE?” with Dr. Dan Beck and featuring food by The Red Pickle (additional ticketed event)
Sunday: Mother’s Day activities including wildflowers, birding by ear, and more!
