Where
Meet in the Snow Mountain Ranch Parking Lot by 9AM.
Google Map
Sagebrush and Sparrows:
A Naturalist Led Introduction to Shrub-Steppe Ecology at Snow Mountain Ranch
Join Nature Science Director Jacob Belsher and Cowiche Canyon Conservancy Docents for a tour of Snow Mountain Ranch.
The tour is focused on appreciating the area’s natural beauty, while gaining an understanding of the fragile Shrub – Steppe ecosystem.
Topics may include native plant ID, birding, track and scat ID, and the property’s historical uses and recent preservation. The exact route will be selected based on participant interest and current conditions. 
Please wear durable clothes and shoes, and come prepared to walk 3 – 4 miles on a well maintained trail at a slow pace with frequent stops.
What to Bring: A small backpack with extra layers, water, snacks, hat, camera, and binoculars and/or field guides if you have your own. Bring a notebook and pencil if you’d like to take notes.
Where to Meet: Group meets and departs from the Snow Mountain Ranch Parking lot.
Directions: From 40th Ave, head west on Summitview Ave for 8.8 miles. You will see a sign for Cowiche Canyon Trail on the right, and 1.4 miles after the sign, make a left onto Cowiche Mill Road. Go about 2.5 miles. The parking lot will be on the left (south) just past the Cowiche Creek Nursery (on the right/north side of the road).
About the Instructor: Yakima Area Arboretum Nature Science Director and Naturalist Jacob Belsher has enjoyed reading the natural history written into landscapes all over the world, but the Valley’s shrub-steppe has always felt like home. Sharing an interest and awe of the natural world with others is, as far as he knows, the best way to spend a Saturday morning.