Walk with experts Dr. Dan Beck and Deb Essman and learn about owls and snakes that make their home in the canyon.
Register now!

Dan Beck is a retired CWU biology professor, ecologist, and herpetologist who, since before
he can remember, has studied reptiles and enjoyed working with people all over the
western U.S. and Mexico. He has lived and worked in Washington's Shrub-Steppe since
1994. He is hosting several guided walks on snakes during GISS this year.

Originally from California, Deb Essman studied Natural Resources Management at Cal Poly
SLO and spent her career in conservation—as a raptor rehabilitator, ornithology instructor,
zoo veterinary technician, and WDFW Game Warden. A longtime volunteer, Deb has led
birding trips for KEEN, taught wildlife tracking at 5th Grade Camp for 30 years, and serves
on WDFW and DNR committees. She has lived in Kittitas County for 36 years, and is an avid
birder (266 species county Life List). She also enjoys hunting across the West with her
husband and is passionate about connecting kids with nature. Her presentations this year
are focusing on the birds that call the canyon their home

Register Now