Ladies-- Save the Date!

2023 Ohio Women’s Outdoor Adventures
Sept. 8-10, 2023
Salt Fork State Park and Lodge

Ohio Women’s Outdoor Adventures is a weekend program that introduces women to new outdoor skills such as boating, fishing, hunting, and nature programming.

• Learn new skills from experts in a relaxed setting
• Discover new outdoor pursuits and meet new friends
• Experience a weekend getaway at an Ohio State Park Lodge

The weekend costs about $385/double occupancy and includes: two nights lodging at Salt Fork State Park Lodge & Conference Center, five meals, t-shirt, snacks, instruction, equipment, transportation, and program materials.

Due to the program’s popularity and focus on beginner-level programs, priority is given to first-time participants.
Registration for new participants will open June 21 at noon; registration for past participants will open June 28 at noon.

Questions or comments
Email Heidi

Overview

OWOA offers four education sessions over the weekend (one session on Friday, two on Saturday, and one on Sunday). Due to class size limitations, popular sessions are offered more than once, and some may require an additional fee (based on cost of materials). All sessions are subject to change or cancellation.

Registrants choose three options under each of three “theme” categories — water, land, and nature. We do our best to accommodate your choices, but sessions are filled on a “first come, first served” basis. About two weeks before the event, registrants receive their weekend itineraries. 

Sessions Offered in 2022

Here is what participants could choose from in 2022.

ON THE WATER 

Boat (or Camper) Trailering  — Learn the best way to trailer and launch a boat safely, or trailer and hook up a camper. Each participant will have a chance to handle a boat or camper during this session. Participants will also be treated to a short session on knot tying—a great outdoor skill to know. Class limited to 8.

Creeking/Stream Quality Monitoring  — Like getting wet? Take an old-fashioned expedition up the creek with Ohio Scenic River staff. Wade in the stream, flip over rocks and learn to “seine” net to discover a world of critters living in the waters of the Stillwater River. Class limited to 15.

Introduction to Canoeing  — Learn to be one with the water! This session will cover the basics of canoeing and the essentials of safe paddling. The class is taught by certified instructors. Dress to get wet. Class size limited to 10.

Introduction to Kayaking — Join one of the fastest-growing paddling sports in Ohio. This session will cover the basics of kayaking and the essentials of safe paddling. Certified instructors will prepare you for a flat-water kayaking adventure. Dress to get wet. Class size limited to 10.

Kayak Fishing — Already know how to kayak but want to take it to the next level? Try kayak fishing. Fishing kayaks are more stable, which makes it easier to combine paddling with angling. You’ll learn fishing techniques related to the species of fishing you’ll be hoping to hook. Ohio fishing license required. Class limited to 10.

Pontoon Boat Excursion — Enjoy the views of the Hueston Woods region from the lovely waters of Acton Lake. You’ll have a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. This session includes a trip to the nature center to learn about Ohio’s birds of prey. Class limited to boat capacity.

Sailing Basics — After learning all about sail boats, from stem to stern along with how to harness the wind to glide across the water, you’ll have an opportunity to sail alongside experienced local sailors on Acton Lake. Class limited to 10.

Stand Up Paddleboarding — Learn everything you need to know to get started in the exciting sport of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). SUP offers a great workout and is a wonderful on-the-water activity. You will learn the proper stance for balance and control, essential paddling strokes and turning techniques. Class limited to 16.

ON THE LAND 

Archery — Learn how to select bows, arrows, and other accessories. Expert instructors will lead you through the basics of using compound and crossbows on 3-D targets. The session will give you plenty of time to practice your new shooting skills. Class limited to 12.

Fly Tying/Fly Fishing — Part one of this two-session topic will give you the expert instruction and materials you need to create your own fly-fishing ties. Part two will cover different types of casting and then give you a chance to try fly fishing. All equipment provided. An Ohio fishing license is required. Class limited to 12.

Disc Golf Basics — With more than 25 disc golf courses in the state park system, this sport continues to gain fans. It’s a great game that combines the scenery found along a hiking trail with the skill needed to land a basket. Learn the basics from experienced players. All equipment included. Class limited to 12.

Golf Basics — With the help of Hueston Woods’ experienced golfing staff, participants will have an opportunity to learn the basics of golf including choosing the correct equipment, practice swings, and a few rounds on the park’s highly rated golf course. Additional fee. Class limited to 8.

Gun Basics — Learn the basics of gun safety for a variety of types including handgun, shotgun, and rifle. You’ll learn how each gun operates as well as proper storage, handling and cleaning. This class is a prerequisite for all the shooting range sessions. Class limited to 30.

Hike the Big Woods — This moderate hike will take participants through the park and into Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve where you’ll experience an old growth forest remnant known as the Big Woods. Bug spray and sturdy footwear recommended. Class limited to 20.

Horseback Riding/Basic Trail — This basic horseback riding session is best suited for riders with little or no experience. Participants will travel to a local livery where they will experience horseback riding along an easy trail. Additional fee required. Class limited to 8.

Horseback Riding/Moderate Trail — For participants with some trail riding experience, this session will give participants a chance to try a slightly harder trail than the basic session via a local livery. Additional fee required. Class limited to 8.

Mountain Bike Skills — This introductory class will cover the basics of mountain biking and give participants a chance to ride through an obstacle/skills course. Equipment will be included except you must provide your own bike helmet. Session will be split between beginner and moderate levels. Class limited to 8.

Daily Lives of the Shawnee — After a short hike into the Sugar Maple area of Hueston Woods State Park, participants will have an opportunity to learn about the daily lives of the Shawnee people who once called this region home through demonstrations and interpretation. Class limited to 12.

Shooting Range/Basic Shotgun — Hitting a moving target isn’t hard when you learn to shoot properly. Develop your shooting style with the help of experienced instructors. Participants will shoot 20-gauge firearms and learn to aim at moving clay targets. All equipment provided. Must take Gun Basics or provide shooting experience. Class limited to 12.

Shooting Range/Basic Pistol — This introductory class will cover the basics of marksmanship and gun safety and finish with time at the range. Participants will shoot low-powered .22 caliber revolvers and semi-automatic pistols alongside experienced instructors. Must take Gun Basics or provide shooting experience. Class limited to 12.

Shooting Range/Basic Rifle — Learn the rules of shooting and then spend time target shooting with a rifle, accompanied by experienced instructors. Must take Gun Basics or provide shooting experience. Class limited to 12.

Shoreline Fishing — Fishing is a great outdoor activity to enjoy with family and friends. Learn the basics of fishing such as selecting the proper equipment, learning to tie knots, and casting correctly. Ohio fishing license required. Class limited to 12.

NATURE 

Art & Nature/Acrylics — Unleash your hidden Monet or Van Gogh! This indoor class will feature the basics of painting on canvas with acrylics and include an opportunity to create your own nature-inspired painting. Additional fee required. Class limited to 12.

Art & Nature/Watercolors — This session will cover the basics of painting with watercolors and include an opportunity to create a watercolor outside, surrounded by the Hueston Woods region scenery. Additional fee required. Class limited to 12.

Bluebirds & Boxes — Learn about the life of Ohio’s most distinguishable thrush—the Eastern Bluebird. From open meadows to forest edges, these unmistakable birds have won the hearts of many. In addition to learning about these birds, you’ll assemble (without power tools) your own bluebird nest box for your backyard. Additional fee may apply. Class limited to 15.

Dutch Oven Cooking — Learn the delights of cooking delicious dishes over an open flame. This class will teach you the basics of Dutch oven cooking. You’ll put together some easy recipes and sample each other’s tasty dishes. Equipment and ingredients provided. Class limited to 12.

Geo Caching — If you love following scavenger hunt clues, then you’ll love geo caching. This class will teach you how to use GPS equipment to find “treasures” in the park. Class limited to 12.

Native Plants — This session will cover the basics of plant identification for Ohio’s native flora. One of ODNR’s botanists will provide insight on Ohio’s landscapes and distinguish between native and non-native plants. If you are interested in native gardening, this is a great place to start. Class limited to 12.

Nature Journaling — What is it about nature that has inspired countless poets and writers? Discover for yourself the connection between the outdoors and capturing our thoughts and outside while surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of our natural world. Class limited to 10.

Nature Photography/Mobile Devices — Need a little help getting the perfect outdoor photo using your mobile device? Bring your favorite mobile device and our team of experienced photographers will share tips for improving your next photo. After a basic overview, the class will move outside to try a variety of angles and settings. Class limited to 12.

Nature Photography/Traditional Camera — Learn to take better pictures using your own camera. Our team of experienced photographers will share tips for better photography, minor editing, and sharing or saving your images for digital use. Part of the class time will be spent outside taking pictures. Class limited to 12.

Tree Ecology and Planting — Learn to identify trees, choose the best native tree for your landscape, and use best practices when planting and caring for young trees. The session includes participants planting trees at Hueston Woods to replace those lost to wind and pests. Please wear close-toed shoes—no sandals. Class limited to 10.

Wild Edibles — This session will give participants a chance to learn about foraging for plants which are edible, as well as visiting an area of the park to search for Ohio’s own edible plants. Learn from one of ODNR’s top naturalists. Wear shoes appropriate for trail conditions. Class limited to 12.