WIN: Women in Nature

6/10/2023 | Thousand Hills State Park | Kirksville, MO

Hey, ladies! Have you ever wanted to explore the great outdoors, but did not know where to begin? Come join us at Thousand Hills State Park for Women in Nature’s full-day experience to learn some new skills, taught by all female instructors.

Time:

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location:

Special-use area at Thousand Hills State Park

Age Requirements:

Participants must be at least 10 years of age and must provide their own lunch for this program

Activities:

Archery/Atlatl (Low/Moderate*)

Archery is a time-honored sport that is growing in popularity. In this course that combines archery with an introduction to atlatl throwing, you are bound to learn something new. These activities are not only good fun but good exercise – and now you can learn how they're done. This course will cover archery and atlatl safety, ethics, shooting techniques, and equipment selection. Participants will receive personal instruction and adequate time to practice what they learn.

Introduction to Fire-Starting (Low*)

Do you have burning questions about all things fire? Do the historical and practical uses of fire spark your interest? Join us for a program that will explore these topics while providing hands-on practice. Learn how to make a spark using flint and steel, what types of tinder and kindling work best, how to build an effective log structure, and more! Participants will leave with the knowledge and confidence to safely build, control and put out campfires.

Kayaking (Moderate/High*)

Learn the basics of flatwater kayaking, including areas such as equipment, entry and exit, strokes, safety, water, and wind. By the end of the class, you’ll feel more comfortable on the water, better understand the safety risks around you, and have more fun! Participants will have time to practice and explore.

Nature's Bounty Hike (Moderate*)

Take a hike to learn about the ways that plants and trees have been used in the past.  We will discuss wild edibles, medicinal plants, and trees used for construction materials on this slow-paced hike.

Registration:

Registration is $20, and there is a maximum of 40 participants.

Click on the “REGISTER HERE” link below to register. When you get to the registration website, you will need to enter the event date in the “Choose Date” box. The classes that are currently open for registration will pop up. Registration closes five weeks after the registration open date. All slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register here

If a class is full, you will have the option to register for the waitlist. If you register for the waitlist and a spot becomes available, you will be contacted to get registered if you are still interested.

Refunds/Cancellations:

All cancellations will need to be done over the phone or via email.

Program Change Policy:

Organizers reserve the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate any proposed offering without prior notice. Insufficient enrollment or emergency cancellations by the instructor are examples of why a program offering could be canceled. Organizers also reserved the right to substitute instructors if necessary.

*Physical Activity Guide:

Please be advised that WIN: Women in Nature programs are outdoor activities. Participants will be walking on tread surfaces at times that contain roots or embedded rocks and may have elevation changes.

To help participants anticipate each course and know what physical levels to expect of each class, a physical activity rating system has been created. In each class description, you will find a physical level rating for each course.

• Low: requires minimal physical skill/endurance (example: lecture-based and hands-on activities in a classroom)
• Moderate: requires moderate physical skill/endurance (examples: lecture-based and hands-on activities while standing or taking short walks)
• High: requires high levels of skill/endurance (examples: lecture-based and hands-on activities while standing, hiking, lifting or engaging in full-body movement)

For more information:

If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Ratcliff or Jessica Doleh with Missouri State Parks at Taylor.ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov or Jessica.Doleh@dnr.mo.gov.

To see additional Women in Nature events at Missouri State Parks, click here.

Click here to read the news release.

Thousand Hills State Park is located at: