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.
NATURE’S STORYTELLERS
A collaboration of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, and friends celebrating nature as a storyteller, through which we learn about the science and myths of the natural world and our connections within it
NATURE’S STORYTELLERS ART EXHIBIT
Call to artists!
From the rugged Garry Oak tree to the fragile threads of a spider’s web, nature is full of stories that reveal our intimate connection to the natural world.
We are seeking artwork that celebrates nature as a storyteller. Download entry form here.
Submissions are due November 15, 2019.
The art exhibit will be on display January – March 2020 at Essencia Artisan Bakery.
Email info@cowichecanyon.org with questions.
NATURE’S STORYTELLERS WRITING CONTEST
Are you one of nature’s storytellers? Do you have a story to tell about the land, water, or wildlife around you? Share your words with the community!
We’re looking for original writing about or involving nature, especially the nature that lives and breathes in our special place on this earth, in Central Washington. Stories can involve nature as a character, a narrator, a hero, a villain, a trickster, or something totally different. It’s up to you!
We’re seeking submissions in prose and poetry, from adults and youths. Submissions are due by Sunday, January 12, 2020.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges from the Yakima Coffeehouse Poets and the boards of Yakima Symphony Orchestra and Canyon Conservancy. Judges will also select works of note to be read by their authors at a reading event held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020.
See the full Writing Contest Submission Guidelines here.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY WALKS
Our Community Walks are family friendly and educational. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming walks in 2019.
Community Walks are open to all ages. Walkers should wear sturdy shoes and outdoor clothes and come prepared for any weather. Walks typically last 1.5 – 2 hours. Feel free to bring binoculars and cameras. Call (509) 248-5065 with questions or email info@cowichecanyon.org. Directions to all of our trailheads can be found on the Trails Page.
FALL COLORS WALKS
Saturday, October 26, 10am – 12:30pm
Cowiche Canyon – West / Weikel Entrance and Trailhead
This year we’re hosting our annual Fall Colors Walks at Cowiche Canyon. The canyon provides surprisingly colorful walks in the fall — bursting with reds, yellows, and greens of sumac, birch, and lichen. We’re offering a series of diverse and colorful guided walks for the whole family. This year’s walks include:
- Leaf photography and identification tips (2-3 miles, easy)
- Family-friendly walk with Sagebrush Kids (2 – 3 miles, easy)
- Paseo in Spanish (3-4 miles, medium)
- Canyon to Cliffs (4-5 miles, difficult)
GEOLOGICAL WONDERS WALK
Saturday, November 23, 10am – 12:00pm
Cowiche Canyon – Trailhead TBD
Join Hillary Goodner and Jamie Hansen, YVC geology faculty, on an interpretive walk through the Cowiche Canyon. Along the trail, we will discuss the confluence of two vastly different episodes of Washington volcanism as well as how the landscape has changed over time. Come explore the geologic wonders of the canyon with us!
