Doors at 6:00 p.m., show from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. PDT.

(If the event is sold out, unclaimed seats will be released to the waitlist at 6:45 p.m.)

Where: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave., Hood River, OR 97031 A livestream option is available. These show typically sell out and we advice buying your tickets early.

STORY:
They’re almost invisible, blending into the basalt and bunchgrass. Most of us never see one—but when we do, it’s unforgettable. In the Columbia River Gorge, northern pacific rattlesnakes quietly go about their lives beneath our feet, helping control rodent populations and supporting the balance of local food webs. So why do these shy, gentle animals inspire so much fear? And what do we lose when we let myths shape our relationship with them?

Join wildlife ecologist Adrian Slade for a closer look at the Gorge’s only venomous reptile. Discover their fascinating biology, annual rhythms, complex social lives, and strong fidelity to den sites passed down through generations. Learn how they respond to wildfire, habitat changes, and human pressures—and how their presence signals a healthy landscape.

Whether you’re a hiker, land steward, or just snake-curious, this talk will offer practical tips for coexisting with rattlesnakes and a deeper appreciation for their subtle yet vital presence on the landscape. Let go of fear and meet the rattlesnake as it truly is: not a villain, but a neighbor.
*Adrian will be bringing live snakes for viewing as part of the in-person presentation.

About the Speaker:

Adrian Slade is a naturalist and herpetologist based in Central Washington, where she has spent the past decade observing snakes in their natural habitats. A lifelong snake appreciator, her work is guided by the desire to give back to the quiet, misunderstood creatures who bring her joy and peace.
Her research focuses on the natural history, behavior, and conservation of Pacific Northwest reptiles - especially northern pacific rattlesnakes and the imperiled striped whipsnake. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Central Washington University, where she studied under Dr. Dan Beck. Her graduate research examined the effects of utility-scale solar energy on reptiles in Southern California.

Today, she leads a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife–funded project to map the distribution and support the recovery of striped whipsnakes in the mid-Columbia Basin shrubsteppe. She is passionate about bridging science and public understanding through storytelling to dispel myths, foster coexistence, and share the quiet wonder of a life spent alongside snakes.

About Sense of Place:

For 16-years, Sense of Place has connected people through place and storytelling.

Our flagship speaker series features people with unique knowledge of the Columbia River Gorge and who consider the natural and cultural history that has shaped this place. Guests have included: scientists, tribal members, authors, farmers, and many others from throughout the Pacific Northwest. The stories shared deepen our understanding of the Gorge and strengthen our connection to the landscape and to each other.

Learn more about Sense of Place and check out our online archive and past events HERE.
For more information, visit senseofplacegorge.org or follow on Instagram @senseofplacegorge. Subscribe to the Sense of Place Newsletter for event updates and behind-the-scenes stories.

Sense of Place is a program of Mt. Adams Institute, which provides programs that
strengthen the connection between people and the natural world through
education, service, career development, and research.