Yakima Valley Audubon Society, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima, WA (2026)

Through birding, education and conservation activities in our community, we raise awareness and promote the cause of global environmental protection. YVAS is a chapter of the National Audubon Society and serves its members in the Yakima Valley.

09/14/2026

Fort Simcoe Field Trip. Leader Bill Drenguis.

Come join Yakima Valley Audubon Society 9/19 on a Fall field trip to Fort Simcoe. The site of Fort Simcoe was chosen because it has a permanent small stream. This water can attract migrating birds, so we hope to see part of the Fall migration as well as the endemic species like Lewis Woodpeckers.

We will gather at the new YMCA Pool parking lot (use the parking entrance via River Road and turn right toward the FAR corner). Bill will be driving a black SUV.
Remember to bring optics, water, a snack ect. We will be walking on flat trails.

We meet at 7:20AM and leave at 7:30. It is a half day trip and plan on being back around 12:30 PM. If you RSVP (text or email), I will be able to let you know if the plans change. (eg fires, rain) Hope to see you this Saturday, 9/19.

Contact Bill Drenguis at [email protected].

09/09/2026

Saturday, September 12, 9:00-11:00am. Second Saturday Bird Walk, Poppoff Trail, Union Gap. Leaders: Sarah Shippen and Gene Miliczky.

Meet in the parking lot after the roundabout (EAST of the freeway) on Valley Mall Boulevard at 9:00 AM, Exit 36 off of I-82.

This monthly event is suitable for all ages and birding abilities. Participants may join for the entire two hours or for as long as they wish.

Explore this local hotspot with us—you will be amazed at how many species are present during fall migration. The Helen Jewett and Poppoff trails have a variety of habitats, and we expect to see many species during this walk. Dress for warm weather and bring a hat and water. No need to sign up in advance, but you may contact Sarah at [email protected] with questions.

09/03/2026

Program Announcement
September 24, 7:00PM. Yakima Area Arboretum.
Steve Dougill
How to Count 4 Million Birds: Veracruz and its River of Raptors

For full details, visit yakimaaudubon.org/programs

05/14/2026

UPCOMING PROGRAM - ICE CREAM SOCIAL - EVERYONE WELCOME! Thursday May 28, 7 PM, Yakima Arboretum for a presentation by Megan Weeber:

From Soil to Songbirds: Building Life in Your Yard

Healthy gardens start underground: in a living soil food web of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other organisms that feed plants and, ultimately, the insects and birds that visit our yards. In this talk, soil health consultant and microbe farmer Megan will share how simple changes—like using inoculum‑grade compost, disturbing soil less, and planting more natives—can transform compacted, chemical‑dependent yards into resilient habitat.

04/23/2026

BONUS! Live hawk viewing with tonight's program!

Licensed falconers Clifford and Janna Kellogg will bring a Harris's Hawk and an American Kestrel for side-by-side comparison.

04/02/2026

Join us April 26, 2026 at 7 PM at the Yakima Arboretum for
"Tricks to Identifying and Understanding Yakima County Raptors" with Deb Essman.

Yakima County is home to 18 species of diurnal raptors--
some are common year-round residents, some are reliable
migrants, and a couple are rare but not impossible to find
here!

These birds of prey are fascinating, and each has its own
special way of hunting, flying and nesting. This program
shares several intriguing facts about each species along
with field identification tips that will make distinguishing
each species a lot easier.

Cooper's Hawk or Sharp-shinned Hawk? Golden Eagle or
immature Bald Eagle? Learn some simple tips to tell them
apart and gain new appreciation for all their amazing skills
and beauty (yes, even the Turkey Vulture is beautiful). This will be interactive as members will be able
to share their expertise and experiences.

Deb has worn many hats working in the
conservation world as a raptor rehabilitator for
almost a decade in California, an ornithology
teacher at a community college, a veterinary
technician and eagle release coordinator at
Seattle’s Woodland Park, and a Game Warden
for the Washington State Department of Fish &
Wildlife (WDFW), including a couple years as a
Detective in the Special Investigative Unit.

She has lived in Kittitas County for 36 years,
and diligently birds locally, with a Kittitas County
Life List at 268 species. She has traveled
extensively to bird and hunt. She cares deeply
about getting kids into the outdoors and
inspiring them to learn about our natural world.

Photos courtesy of Deb Essman.

Address

1401 Arboretum Drive
Yakima, WA
98901

Website

http://yakimaaudubon.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Yakima Valley Audubon Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Yakima Valley Audubon Society:

Yakima Valley Audubon Society