Outings & Events
What’s going on!
There are many ways to experience Shrub-Steppe.
Cowiche Canyon Conservancy holds a variety of events and activities to increase opportunities for kids and adults to learn about the unique natural environment of the shrub-steppe and connect people to these lands. We work with a variety of partners including other non-profit organizations, schools, and local, state, and federal agencies to engage the community with our work and build support for our conservation work.
WINTER TALK SERIES
Our Winter Talk Series explores scientific concepts and phenomena related to the shrub-steppe. All talks are open to the public and free of charge. Stay tuned as we work to adapt to current conditions and offer education virtually!
‘LICHENS: HUBS OF LIFE & CREATORS OF WORLDS’ WITH JESSICA ALLEN
When: Tuesday, March 9, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: This talk will be held online, via Zoom. You need to Register here.
What: Lichens: Hubs of Life & Creators of Worlds
Join Eastern Washington University’s Jessica Allen for a tour through the many hidden worlds of lichens. Learn about the roles lichens play in creating and sustaining biodiversity, with a special focus on local lichens here in the shrub-steppe and The Palouse. Jessica will also describe some of her recent genetics research into beautiful and mysterious wolf lichens. How is lichen genomics changing our understanding of the history and future of lichens?
You need to pre-register for this talk. Register here.
About Jessica Allen
An Assistant Professor at Eastern Washington University, Jessica Allen is a lichenologist who studies lichen genomics, biodiversity, and conservation. She documents lichen biodiversity, with a specific focus on the Inland Northwest. As a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Species Survival Committee on lichens, Jessica applies research to IUCN red-list assessments for lichens, one way of translating knowledge of a species to conservation applications.
A TALK ON RE-WILDING RIVERS (TITLE TBD) WITH JOHN MARVIN
When: Tuesday, April 6, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Online Zoom Meeting (details to come)
What: A talk on Re-wilding Rivers with John Marvin
About John Marvin
Info to come …
COMMUNITY EVENTS: VIRTUAL AND LIVE
During the isolating times of COVID-19, we will be participating in and promoting virtual community events — talks, conversations, and more — until we can safely gather again for live events. Thank for your patience as we adjust our schedule and our event focus during this time.
NATURE’S STORYTELLERS WRITING CONTEST
We’re looking for original writing about or relating to the natural world, especially the wild things that live and breathe in our special place on this earth, in Central Washington. Stories can involve nature as characters, narrators, heroes, villains, tricksters, or something totally different. Tell your story! More information and submission guidelines here. Submissions due by Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
Contest winners will be invited to participate in a live Virtual Reading event held over Zoom on the evening of Wednesday March 17, 2021. More information here.
NATURE’S STORYTELLERS LIVE READING EVENT
When: Wednesday March 17, 6pm.
Where: This event will be hosted online, via Zoom, in partnership with Yakima Valley Libraries. Registration details to come…
Join Nature’s Storytellers Writing Contest winners and honorable mentions for an evening of local poetry and prose about our natural world. Brave storytellers, youth and adults, will read their work.