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.
You can now pay your “Images of the Shrub-Steppe” entry fee online!
2021 Jurors Award: ‘Perhaps’
by Abbie Birmingham
What: ‘Who’s Afraid of the … Light?: A Natural History of Darkness’
This talk was recorded on Tuesday, February 8.
Humans have been using light to ward off darkness for thousands of years. In our modern world of cheap electricity and LEDs, light is ubiquitous and true darkness is hard to find. Astronomers have battled the spread of light pollution for over a century, yet emerging research shows that too much artificial light at night does more than just erase the stars. Natural darkness is also important for nocturnal ecosystems and our own health. In this presentation, Zach will discuss the causes of light pollution, how scientists are measuring its impact on the natural world, and what we can do about it.
Speaker Bio
Zach Schierl grew up under the dark skies of Flagstaff, AZ, the world’s first International Dark Sky City. He currently teaches astronomy and geology at Yakima Valley College and previously worked as an Education Specialist and Park Ranger for the National Park Service, developing and leading astronomy and dark sky stewardship programs around the west. Zach has a B.A. in Geology and Astronomy from Whitman College, and an M.S. in Geology from Western Washington University.
What: Panel Talk on ‘Better Living with Fire: Building Community and Landscape Resilience to Wildfire’
When: Tuesday, March 1, 7pm to 8:30pm.
Where: Online (Zoom): Register here.
Ryan Anderson (Executive Director with Washington Resource Conservation & Development Council) will be joined by Reese Lolley (Board Member with Washington Prescribed Fire Council, and former Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Forest Restoration and Fire program) and Kara Karboski (Fire, Landscapes, and Community Coordinator with Washington Resource Conservation & Development Council)