Rattlesnakessssss: Shedding the Myths to Meet the Snake with Adrian Slade

Mar 4

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Sense of Place:

By Sarah Fox

Hood River, Ore., March 4, 2026— Sense of Place continues its 16th season on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with Rattlesnakessssss: Shedding the Myths to Meet the Snake. The event will take place at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River, Oregon. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the presentation runs from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Wildlife ecologist Adrian Slade will introduce audiences to the northern Pacific rattlesnake, the Columbia River Gorge’s only venomous reptile, and challenge long-held fears about this often-misunderstood neighbor.

Rattlesnakes are 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?

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. Adrian Slade will share more about these creature’s 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.

Audiences take note: 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. 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 development on reptiles in Southern California.

Slade currently leads a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife–funded project mapping the distribution and supporting the recovery of the imperiled striped whipsnake in the mid-Columbia Basin shrubsteppe. Her work focuses on the natural history, behavior, and conservation of Pacific Northwest reptiles, especially northern Pacific rattlesnakes. Through storytelling and public outreach, she seeks to dispel myths, foster coexistence, and share the quiet wonder of life alongside snakes.

Event Details:

Rattlesnakessssss: Shedding the Myths to Meet the Snake with Adrian Slade

When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026. 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
Livestream: Included with ticket purchase.

Tickets: Available online at senseofplacegorge.org.

This event is expected to sell out. Advanced purchase is encouraged.

About Sense of Place:

For 16 years, Sense of Place has connected people through place and storytelling. The flagship speaker series features individuals with unique knowledge of the Columbia River Gorge, exploring the natural and cultural history that has shaped this region. Guests have included scientists, Tribal members, authors, farmers, and others from throughout the Pacific Northwest.

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

Learn more, explore the online archive, and subscribe to the newsletter at senseofplacegorge.org or follow @senseofplacegorge on Instagram.