KEEN believes in life-long learning and so we work with our amazing local naturalists and partner organizations to bring the best of the best to talk to you! Most of these events are indoors/sit down, they are by-donation and open to anyone to attend!
what an amazing opportunity to learn about this special place we call home.
Check the schedule below to see what's coming up!
Upcoming Events
9am - Representatives of the ESD Ichishkíin Sinwit ku Tiináwit Payúutmita/ ESD Native American Language & Culture Program (ISTP), “Ichishkíin greeting and land acknowledgment”
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915am - Jill Scheffer, KEEN President, “Introduction to The Yakima Canyon Corridor Management Plan"
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10am - Scott Downes, Department of Fish and Wildlife, "The Yakima Canyon is a wildlife connectivity corridor"
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1030am - Jon Meier, Bureau of Land Management, "Public Lands in the Yakima Canyon area"
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11am - Yakima Canyon Outdoor Recreation Panel Discussion with Shelly Edwards, Deloa Dalby, Jesse Cunningham, Vince Pruis, and Deb Essman
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1145am - Fly Fishing Demo
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1230pm - Lunch and Social (light snacks and beverages are provided, please pack your own lunch)
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130pm - Melinda Hughes and Ryan Miller, Department of Fish and Wildlife, "Habitat Work on Wenas WLA in the Yakima Canyon"
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2pm - Adrian Slade, herpetologist, "Natural History and Road Mortality of Snakes in the Shrub Steppe" with live specimens
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230pm - Deb Essman, Kittitas Field and Stream, "Birds of the Yakima Canyon”
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3pm - Jill Scheffer, KEEN President, “YCIC: The Gateway to the Yakima Canyon”
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330pm - Final Q&A, Closing Remarks, and Action Items
11am - Yakima Canyon Outdoor Recreation Panel Discussion
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Shelly Edwards, fly fishing instructor
Jesse Cunningham, president of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance: Kittitas Chapter
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Vince Pruis, TCF's engagement coordinator for Mountains to Sound Greenway
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Deloa Dalby, Conservation Committee Chair for The Mountaineers/Foothills Branch
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Deb Essman, past president of the Kittitas County Field and Stream
Past Events
Whose Track is That?
Join hunter and outdoor educator (amazing birder!), Deb Essman to learn about tracking, identifying animal sign, and more. You won't want to miss this talk! Free and family friendly! No pre-registration needed.
A Taste of Terroir: Exploring the Wines of Washington*
Kristine Miller, CWU Wine Studies Director
Saturday May 13 2:30pm-5pm
Canyon River Lodge
Sip & Learn with Kristine Miller, Director of CWUs Wine Program. Kristine will discuss the terroir (climate, topography, soil, etc.) of Central Washington and the various events that shaped the terroir of the amazing wine regions of this area. Learn how this terroir impacts the flavor profile of Washington Wine. Combined with wine tasting and a great location at Canyon River Ranch Lodge, this is an afternoon not to be missed!
*this is a ticketed event and requires pre-registration here
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Owls & Raptors of the Yakima River Canyon
Friday June 16, 7pm
Canyon River Lodge
The amazing Deb Essman of the Kittitas County Field and Stream Club, will share her knowledge and understanding of owls and raptors who live in and visit the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway. Free and family friendly!
Salmon Art
Friday July 28, 7pm
Canyon River Lodge
Sip & Paint
KEEN's Treasurer and resident artist, Allison Carpenter (famous from the Ellensburg Farmer's Market) will share her skills in painting salmon art! Details to come: pre-registration and a small art supply fee will be required.
CANCELLED
Salmon Habitat Restoration
Saturday October 14
10am-Noon
Location TBD
Join Rebecca Wassell from the Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group to discuss habitat restoration in support of salmon and other river critters in Central WA State.
