The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has announced details about ‘Becoming an Outdoors Woman’ and ‘Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman’ events being planned for 2021. The programs are offered by the department with support from the volunteer organization Friends of Salmonier Nature Park and other local non-government organizations.
Participants have an opportunity to experience a variety of outdoor and nature-themed activities. Events will be offered at various locations throughout the province and feature fun and interesting workshops including shotgun and rifle use, archery, canoeing, angling, hunting, outdoor survival, camping, cooking and hiking.
‘Becoming an Outdoors Woman’ events are open to women 18 years and over, and are typically held during the spring and fall. ‘Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman’ workshops are held at various times throughout the year, and are open to individuals and families. There is a registration fee associated with the events, and space is limited.
For information, contact Salmonier Nature Park at 709-229-7888 or by email at salmoniernaturepark@gov.nl.ca. See the backgrounder below for a list of events planned for 2021.
Additional information will be posted on the Friends of Salmonier Nature Park Facebook page, and details regarding additional events will be made available as they are finalized.
Quotes
“The Becoming an Outdoors Woman and Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman programs have garnered a positive reputation over the years for helping participants develop outdoor recreation skills, while creating greater awareness about our province’s natural, historical and cultural resources. Individuals gain the knowledge to pursue their outdoor interests with greater enjoyment, safety and awareness. I encourage those with an interest in our outdoor resources to consider participating in our programs and learn some valuable skills.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
“Being involved in outdoor activities provides an incredible opportunity to engage and learn more about nature and our environment. I encourage any woman who has an interest in these pursuits to participate in this year’s programs.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
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Learn More
Friends of Salmonier Nature Park Facebook Page
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FLR_GovNL
Like us on Facebook
Follow the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program on Instagram @OutdoorsWomanNL
Media contacts
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca
Nancy Hollett
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 725-6078
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Becoming an Outdoors Woman and Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman Events for 2021
Spring 2021
May 15, 2021 Learn to Hike on the East Coast Trail
Logy Bay Marine Station – 10:00 a.m.
This event will cover a few hiking basics and then participants will hike South on the Sugarloaf Path from Logy Bay. Participants will be introduced to hiking techniques, trekking poles, backpack adjustments, navigation, choosing a trail, foot care, and staying warm and dry. Participants will stop for a snack (bring your own) at the turn-around point, and then head back to the trailhead. Park at the Logy Bay Marine Station.
May 29, 2021 Growing Your Garden
Salmonier Nature Park – 10:00 a.m.
More people are thinking about where their food comes from and want to be more self-reliant. In this workshop participants will look at amending soil, what to plant, where to plant it and how to build a raised garden bed.
May 30, 2021 Connecting with Nature
Salmonier Nature Park – 9:00 a.m.
Participants will be guided through a light hike and be introduced to forest bathing – taking in all the sights, sounds and smells. This event continues with a guided Self Chakra Connection Meditation – a deep and powerful session allowing you to sink fully into SELF. This will be followed by a mug-up with local coffee, teas and baked goods to round out the day, before heading back home, more grounded and more connected!
Summer 2021
June 25-27, 2021 – Becoming an Outdoors Family
Butterpot Provincial Park
Becoming an Outdoors Family teaches skills for a lifetime of outdoor recreation. Participants will be introduced to several outdoor activities.
July 10, 2021 – Waterfowling 101
Avalon Peninsula – July 10 Time/Location TBD
West Coast – Location/Date/Time TBD
Interested in becoming a waterfowl hunter? Learn the basics and brush up on shotgun skills. Topics for the day will include what is required to become a waterfowl hunter, tips and tactics for the hunt, species identification, use of non-toxic shot, and shotgun for beginners.
Fall 2021
Becoming an Outdoors Woman – Traditional Three-Day Weekend Camp Event
Location/Date/Time TBD (Subject to COVID-19 Social Gathering Regulations)
Each BOW workshop offers a variety of outdoor and nature related educational workshops for participants to select from. Core courses such as shotgun, rifle, archery, and fishing are offered, along with a mix of other courses based on region and availability. Over the course of three days (Friday to Sunday afternoon), BOW Instructors will ensure all participants enjoy a safe, positive, fun and educational experience.
Mentored Hunts for Women
Location/Date/Time TBD
Learning how to hunt can be challenging. Whether it is skills and equipment or strategies and regulations, there is much to learn. Participants will be partnered with local volunteer groups and experienced hunters in a one-day hunting experience for waterfowl, small game or big game.
COVID-19 Protocols
Events for 2021 are being planned in accordance with COVID-19 Public Health restrictions and protocols:
- Group size restrictions will be in place to ensure the safety of instructors, volunteers, and attendees (Maximum of 12 participants per group).
- Attendees are required to sign a COVID-19 declaration prior to each event.
- An emergency response plan has been developed should anyone become ill or require medical attention.