WIN: Women in Nature

6/7/2025 | Thousand Hills State Park | Kirksville, 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 Thousand Hills 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.  

Time:

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

Location:

Thousand Hills State Park special-use area (The special-use area is the first right after Big Loop Road.)

Age Requirements:

Participants must be at least 10 years old. Any participants under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

Lunch:

Participants must bring their own lunch.

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Activities:

Archery and Atlatl (Low-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. You will also get an introduction to atlatl throwing. This course will cover archery and atlatl safety, ethics, shooting techniques and equipment selection. You will receive personal instruction and adequate time to practice what you learn.

Kayaking (Moderate-High*)

Learn the basics of flatwater kayaking, including 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 will have had fun! Participants will have time to practice and explore.

Nature's Bounty Hike (Moderate*)

Go on a guided hike, and learn about some of the ways that humans have used trees and other plants throughout history. We will discuss wild edibles, medicinal plants and trees used for construction during this slow-paced hike.

Cordage: Plant Fibers Through Time (Low*)

Cordage is natural-fiber rope. Making cordage is a survival skill with many applications. Twist your way into cordage and the history of this useful art.

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*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, 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 (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)

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Registration, Refunds and Cancellations:

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, click on the "Show 2 sessions" box below the full-day listing. Then, click on the green "Sign up!" button to register.

Registration open and close dates are listed on the registration website. All slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Register here

Waitlist:

If the activity you are looking to join is full, please join our waitlist by signing up for that program on the registration tab. Once a cancellation has been approved, a staff member will contact the first waitlist individual via email to prompt them to secure their spot within a 48-hour period. No response within that 48-hour time period will result in the customer being removed from the waitlist and the next individual being contacted.

How to Cancel a Reservation:

Seven or more business days in advance of the scheduled event date: Customers are able to cancel their reservations themselves and receive a full refund. To cancel, the customer should log in to their icampmo account, find the reservations/activities that they are signed up for, and hit "Cancel" for the reservation that they wish to cancel. 

Six or fewer business days in advance of the scheduled event date: Anyone needing to cancel a reservation six or fewer business days in advance of the scheduled event date should contact emma.elwood@dnr.mo.gov. Per Missouri State Parks' refund policy, customers canceling an event registration six or fewer business days in advance of the scheduled event date agree to forfeit their reservation refund, regardless of the circumstances.

Program Change Policy:

Organizers reserve the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate any proposed offering. In the event that the program is canceled by Missouri State Parks, customers will be refunded in full to the original form of payment within seven business days of the cancellation notice.

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For more information:

If you have any questions prior to the day of the event, please contact Emma Elwood, outdoor recreation specialist, at emma.elwood@dnr.mo.gov, or Jessica Doleh, park specialist, at Jessica.Doleh@dnr.mo.gov.

Event Day Contact Information:

To get more information on the day of the event, please contact the Thousand Hills State Park office at 660-665-6995.

Additional Women in Nature Opportunities:

Click here for a list of all upcoming Women in Nature events. 

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Thousand Hills State Park is located at: