Are you interested in learning more about the outdoor and meeting like-minded women? Then our Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW) event was made just for you!
\nGain outdoor recreation skills such as mushroom ID, trap shooting, rock climbing, foraging, and more! The day starts with registration at 8:30, where everyone can sign in and meet up with their first session. We will have 3 rounds of sessions throughout the day, with a provided lunch in the middle. We will end with an optional social time at the pavilion.
\nRegistration is required by September 21st. Cost starts at $15. Please see the schedule and session descriptions below. Please note, some sessions cost extra.
\nWhen registering, please select what activity you would like to do for each session. Participants can register online here.
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Schedule:
\n8:30-9:00 Registration
\n9:00-10:00 Trap Shooting OR Mushroom Hike
\n10:00-10:15 Break
\n10:15-11:15 Game Processing OR Water Quality
\n11:15-12:30 Lunch (Outdoor Cooking, Wood Carving)
\n12:30-2:30 Rock Climbing OR Wild Edibles
\n2:30-3:00 Optional Social Time
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Session Descriptions:
\nTrap Shooting
\n***A trap shooting ticket must be purchased when checking out to access this session. ($15)
\nTrap shooting is a great sport using a shotgun to shoot flying clay pigeons. Learn about trap shooting, how to handle a gun safely, and basics of how to trap shoot. Participants will then get a chance to shoot clay pigeons themselves at the Izaak Walton League Shooting Range (about 6 minutes away from Prairie Creek).
\n***If there is poor weather, this session will cover gun handling and gun safety inside.
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Mushroom Hike
\nDubuque County Conservation naturalist Addy, an experienced mushroom finder, will be leading a hike to look for and ID mushrooms. Participants will get tips on what to look for, tools to bring when looking for mushrooms, and suggestions on ID guides. Participants will walk the trails and look for mushrooms after that. We recommend wearing long pants and being prepared to potentially hike off trail for mushrooms. Participants are welcome to bring a basket to carry mushrooms that we find.
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Game/Fish Processing
\nWhether you are hunting or fishing, it is important to know how to clean your animals once you get them! JCC director Nate will teach participants how to safely and efficiently clean your game and tips on how to store them afterwards. This session will go over either fish (and tips on fishing and gear) or small game, depending on game availability.
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Water Quality
\nIt is important to know what affects our waterways while we are out enjoying them. Join JCC naturalist Macey and learn some key chemicals in the water and what they can indicate about the health of our waters. Then get in the water and catch some macroinvertebrates! Macroinvertebrates can also tell us about pollution levels in the water, and participants will learn how to ID them. Please wear shoes that can get wet, like sandals or water shoes, for this session.
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Outdoor Cooking
\nThere are many tools to use when cooking outdoors: camp stoves, Dutch ovens, pie irons, or even good old marshmallow sticks! Learn from JCC EE coordinator Jess how to use various tools, tips and tricks, and best practices when camping or cooking. You will also leave with ideas on meals/food to try next time you are camping and handy equipment to have with you.
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Rock Climbing
\n***A rock climbing ticket must be purchased when checking out to access this session. ($20)
\nTry Rock Climbing with the Iowa Climbers Coalition!The ICC's experienced guides lead by Kierra DeVolder, who has guided climbers across the USA, will be leading an introduction to rock climbing designed for beginners and anyone curious about the sport who has never tried it before. Our guides will cover the basics of climbing and equipment, movement and technique, and provide resources to help you continue climbing beyond the event. All climbing equipment will be provided. Whether you’ve never touched a bluff or indoor climbing wall or you’re simply looking to try something new, come get on the rock with us at Prairie Creek Recreation Area!
\nLearn more about the Iowa Climbers Coalition and our work across the state: https://www.iowaclimberscoalition.org/about
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Wild Edibles
\nFood is all around us, you just have to know what is edible and what isn’t! JCC naturalist Julia will cover not only what plants can be harvested in the fall, but also about foraging safety, plant id, foraging ethics, some easy recipes, harvesting tips, and storage tips so you can leave the session confident in your abilities. After learning the basics, we will hit the trail and look for plants to harvest and make some snacks, or take it home with you!
SUMMARY:My County Parks - Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW) PRIORITY:3 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR