Exciting news! There are several big changes coming to Helen McCabe park this year! After securing a $500,000 grant, KEEN is investing into several vital upgrades to the Pond to Pines Summer Camp program.

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After this year’s camp season wraps up, we’ll be installing two brand-new yurts with raised walkways and we'll design a covered gathering area. These new amenities will make some shade to beat the heat, help kids get in touch with nature, and provide comfy open-air spaces for learning, playing, and seizing their summer days!

 

But that’s not all. By June of this year, the brand-new Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center will be fully designed and ready to build.

 

By working with local architects, artists, and interpretive designers, KEEN is closer than ever to bringing this amazing project to life. Once planning is complete, the goal is to raise $11 million for construction through government grants and private donations!

 

KEEN invites community members to join this transformational journey by contributing donations, joining the planning committee, or serving on the KEEN board.

 

“Now is the time to invest time, energy, and finances in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a space that fosters education, connection, and environmental stewardship in Central Washington,” said Dr. Elise Herman, a KEEN Board Member.

 

Finally, the native wetlands of Helen McCabe park are being diligently restored by a team of environmentalists and volunteers, including a master’s student from CWU. 

 

These efforts will further enhance the ecological health and beauty of the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center for generations to come.

 

As KEEN prepares for a busy 2025, the organization is actively hiring for key positions, including an Adventure Leader and Summer Camp Counselors, to support its growing programs.

 

For more information about the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center project, volunteer opportunities, or to donate, visit https://www.keen-ycic.org/yakima-canyon-interpretive-center or contact KEEN at keen@keenetwork.org.

 

About KEEN: Celebrating 25 years of fostering connections between people and nature, the Kittitas Environmental Education Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating meaningful environmental education opportunities in Central Washington. The Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center at Helen McCabe Park is a testament to KEEN’s commitment to promoting environmental stewardship and outdoor learning.