Columbia Basin Natural History Ramble
Event Details
The Columbia Basin is an arid shrub-steppe ecosystem east of the Cascades crest, often overlooked by naturalists drawn to the majestic mountains and lush green forests of the maritime Pacific Northwest. Join us and together we'll explore Potholes State Park, Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, and Moses Lake Sand Dunes.
The Columbia Basin field trip will cover the birds, mammals, plants, invertebrates, geology, and climate that make this area unique and look at how anthropogenic changes in the basin have altered the region’s hydrology and plant communities. Participants will get the opportunity to learn skills that will help them interpret the landscape, including wildlife tracking, birding, and systematic and ethnobotany.
This camping based program will provide dinner on Saturday night and access to hot water and dish washing for all breakfasts. Please plan to bring your own breakfast, lunches, and snacks. Bring your own tent and camping equipment, or let us know if we can loan you gear. There is an option to stay in the group campsite the Friday night before the course.
There is a minimum age of 18 years of age (call us to request an exception) and participants should expect moderate activity including walks or hikes of 0.5 to 2.0 miles with elevation gains less than 250 feet on trails or uneven terrain.
Scholarships and Student, Military and Disability discounts are available for most in-person programs. Call (360) 854-2599 for more info!
