Join the Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) for the 27th annual Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe (GISS)-a community event celebrating the rare and endangered shrub-steppe habitat of Central Washington.
Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Yakima River Canyon! From breathtaking birding field trips to live adult lamprey releases, you'll experience the intricate connections between land, water, and wildlife. Explore the landscape with expert guides on hikes highlighting wildflowers, raptors, geology, reptiles, and river ecology, or visit educational booths featuring live animals and conservation groups from across the state.
Event Highlights
Friday Night: Social gathering to kick off the weekend with a presentation on Pacific Lamprey re-introduction & live lamprey with members of the Yakama Nation, or for a few lucky early birds, an evening Owl & Snake walk!
Saturday: Expert-led field trips on birding, snakes, geology, wildflowers, presentations & live animals, and more!
Live reptile encounters & hands-on science activities for the whole family
Lamprey releases-witness these ancient boneless fish up close!
Interactive booths with environmental groups & resources
Saturday Night: Catered keynote dinner on Wolf Recovery in Washington State, featuring food by The Red Pickle (additional ticketed event)
Sunday: Mother's Day activities including wildflowers, birding by ear, and more!

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just discovering the magic of the shrub-steppe,
there’s something for everyone-all ages are welcome! Spots for guided trips are limited, so sign up early!

Why Protect the Shrub-Steppe?
This unique landscape is home to incredible biodiversity, including Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcons, Bighorn Sheep, Sage Thrashers, and native pollinators. The Yakima River Canyon is an Audubon Important Bird Area, hosting some of the highest densities of raptors and songbirds in the state. Your participation helps support environmental education and conservation efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem.