WIN: Women in Nature

9/23/2023 | Roaring River State Park | Cassville, MO

Maximum of 40 participants

Hey, ladies! Have you ever wanted to explore the great outdoors, but did not know where to begin? Come join us at Roaring River State Park for Women in Nature’s full-day experience to learn some new skills, taught by all female instructors. This event is intended to be educational and relaxing. Whether you are new to the outdoors or consider yourself an expert, we will help you gain a few new skills and improve your techniques in a relaxed, fun and supportive atmosphere.   

Date:

Saturday, Sept. 23

Time:

9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

If you are interested in purchasing a sack lunch, please let us know. There will be a fee of $9.95 for this sack lunch. This lunch includes include a ham or turkey sandwich, an apple or orange, chips, a cookie, and water. There is a vegetarian option with an edamame salad, and we can accommodate other dietary restrictions. 

Location:

Check in at the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center at Roaring River State Park. The nature center is off state Highway F at the entrance to Campground 3.

Accommodations

Camp Smokey will be available for you to stay in on Friday and Saturday. There is a fee of $6. If you are interested, please reach out to make arrangements.

Age Requirements:

Participants must be at least 10 years of age, and any participants who are under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. 

Activities:

Archery/Atlatl (Moderate*)

Archery is a time-honored sport that is growing in popularity. It is not only good fun but good exercise – and now you can learn how it’s done. Have you ever heard of throwing with an atlatl? Well, participants are going to get the opportunity to learn and explore the technique behind this historic hunting weapon. 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. 

Fly Fishing Basics (Moderate*)

This class will offer instruction on the basics of fly fishing, including casting, flies, reeling, and catching the fish. All equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite rod, reel and tackle.

Guided Hike (High*)

Enjoy a guided interpretive hike with a park naturalist. During the hike, you will learn how to identify plants and animals along the way and how to read and use a map for hiking. This hike will last roughly an hour and a half; we recommend you wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Nature Journaling (Low*)

In this class, you will learn the basics of keeping a nature journal. You will practice sketching, writing and reflection and will learn how nature journaling can connect us with the natural world. Journals and writing materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Optional Activity

Join us at 7 p.m. on Saturday for a campfire and gathering at Camp Smokey! Roaring River volunteer and retired National Park Service interpreter Marty Falkenstien will present a program on basketry. Basketry is the oldest form of art, predating pottery and stone carving, and it historically belongs to women. See a large variety of baskets made from sticks, bark, grasses and twigs. Hands-on materials will be available for you to experience some of their uses. We will have s’mores, and you are encouraged to bring your instruments if you’d like to play around the fire!

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 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 refunds and 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 and emergency cancellations by the instructor are examples of why a program offering could be canceled. Organizers also reserve 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 are expected in each class, a physical activity rating system has been created. You will find a physical level rating for each course next to the course name in the Activities section of this page.

• Low: requires minimal physical skill/endurance (example: lecture-based and hands-on activities in a classroom)
• Moderate: requires moderate physical skill/endurance (example: lecture-based and hands-on activities while standing or taking short walks)
• High: requires high levels of skill/endurance (example: 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 Anna Skalicky with Missouri State Parks at Taylor.Ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov or Anna.Skalicky@dnr.mo.gov.

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

Roaring River State Park is located at: