Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center
Kittitas Environmental Education Network | Ellensburg, WA
KEEN fosters understanding of how climate change impacts our lives and the endangered shrub-steppe ecosystem, in central Washington and beyond. In 2025 Understory partnered with KEEN to develop an interpretive plan and concept designs for the prospective Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center. We helped envision the visitor experience, including interaction with outdoor artworks, trails, and a 1,000 square-foot exhibition space.
Services provided:
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Interpretive Planning
This project budget and client goals called for a fairly robust, polished plan that could double as a fundraising tool.
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Exhibit Development
Designs for the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center building include a 1,000-square-foot exhibition space. Our interpretive plan included early thematic and design development for this area.
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Custom Illustration
KEEN believes in the power of art to inspire stewardship (and donors!). Local artist Justin Gibbens contributed lovely concepts for educational murals and site-wide illustrations.
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Research & Content Development
Our client team is indeed keenly attuned to local ecology. To create a scientifically-relevant interpretive plan, Understory did just enough research, including attending a public nature walk!
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Project Management
Angela managed this project, including an interpretive planning workshop and collaboration with sub-consultants Justin Gibbens and Reach Studio to develop conceptual designs.