Birds of The Yakima River Canyon

Calling all bird enthusiasts to The Canyon River Ranch for an exclusive event with Kittitas County ecology enthusiast Deborah Essman. Did you know 183 different bird species call the Yakima River Canyon home? Come join Deborah for an exciting morning of discovery and fun facts about our feathered friends. “I care deeply about getting people of all ages, outdoors and inspiring them to learn about our natural world”- Deborah Essman. Reservation required. Cost: $10 per person cash payment at event, ages 8+ | 25 guest limit 8am-10:30am Umptanum Bridge 3-mile guided walk • Meet Deborah Essman at the parking lot at 8am for a 3-mile round trip hike to discover birds and the ecology of the area including wildflowers. 11am- Birds of Prey presentation at The Canyon River Lodge |14700 State Route 821, Ellensburg, WA Noon- Lunch at the Grill (at guests’ expense with reservations required www.CanyonRiverGrill.com.) Meet Deborah Essman- • Originally from California, Deborah majored in Natural Resources Management at Cal-Poly S.L.O. and worked as a naturalist at Morro Bay State Park while attending college. • She has worn many hats in the conservation world: raptor rehabilitator for almost a decade in California, taught ornithology at a community college, veterinary technician and eagle release coordinator at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Game Warden for the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife for 8 years (including a couple years as a Detective in the Special Investigative Unit). • Currently Essman volunteers as: WDFW Hunter Education instructor, birding field trip leader for several organizations (including over 20 years for the Kittitas Environmental Education Network’s annual “Get Intimate with the Shrub-steppe event); and teaching kids about wildlife tracking at Ellensburg School District’s 5th Grade Camp for over 30 years.