Outings & Events

What’s going on!

There are many ways to experience Shrub-Steppe.

Cowiche Canyon Conservancy creates a variety of opportunities for all ages to connect with the shrub-steppe. We work with  partners including other non-profit organizations, schools, and local, state, and federal agencies to engage the community with our work and build support for local conservation. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Community events – live and virtual – aim to help our community engage with our shrub-steppe in educational and inspiring ways. Stay tuned here for updates about future events.

IMAGES OF THE SHRUB-STEPPE

The 7th Annual call for entries is open! Entry deadline is July 31, 2023.

Images of the Shrub-Steppe is an annual juried art exhibit featuring work inspired by the shrub-steppe lands of Cowiche Canyon Conservancy.

 

The exhibit is a collaboration between Boxx Gallery and Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, juried by PUNCH Projects. All selected works will be featured in the exhibit at Boxx Gallery, September 1 – October 8, 2023.

 

Entry fee is $30 and artists may submit up to 3 pieces of artwork for consideration.

About the Juror, PUNCH Projects:

From its 10-year history as a gallery in Seattle, WA, to its current initiative as a rural arts collective, PUNCH has worked to promote visual dialogue between urban and rural art communities. In their ongoing effort to promote artwork that is thoughtful, fresh and contemporary coupled with their desire to further bridge urban rural connections, PUNCH Projects seeks to support the cultural vibrancy of rural art scenes by spurring creative awareness, cross-cultural engagement and economic vitality.

Notifications emailed by August 10, 2023

Accepted artwork must be delivered to Boxx Gallery on August 25

Artists’ Reception Friday, September 1

All (unsold) artwork must be picked up after 3 pm on October 8

Questions?  celisa@cowichecanyon.org or (509) 248-5065

Morning Light on Rabbitbrush
by Sara Cate

Uplands Path
by Kris Knight

COMMUNITY WALKS

Our guided Community Walks, on a variety of natural themes, are a great way for families to engage with the shrub-steppe, learn about plants and other wildlife, and become more comfortable with CCC trails. 

BIRD WALK WITH YAKIMA VALLEY AUDUBON SOCIETY

What: Bird Walk with Yakima Valley Audubon Society

When: Sunday, June 11, 7:30 am to 10:00 am

Where: Snow Mountain Ranch trailhead / parking lot (2648 Cowiche Mill Rd #2262, Cowiche, WA 98923)

 

Register here.

 

Join the Yakima Valley Audubon Society’s Stan Isley for a tour of early summer birdlife at Snow Mountain Ranch. In the heat of summer, early mornings are the best time to hear and see some of the rich birdlife of our valley. Because Snow Mountain Ranch offers so many unique habitats — from riparian to meadow to upland shrub-steppe — it’s a great place to observe everything from later migrating neotropical birds to woodpeckers to many birds of prey.

 

You need to register in advance for this walk.

 

Note the unique early start time (7:30 am) and day (Sunday) of this walk.

 

Dress for all weather, and bring water, snacks, and your favorite binoculars if you have them.

 

WINTER TALK SERIES

Winter Talks are hosted in collaboration with Yakima Valley College. Talks explore biology relevant to protecting, restoring, and living in our shrub-steppe ecosystem.  We are pleased to announce our 2023 series. Talks will be hosted via zoom. Registration details are coming soon.  Recordings of past talks can be found here.