Women who want to explore the great outdoors but don’t know where to begin can go to Prairie State Park’s visitor center for a Women in Nature event.
This half-day experience starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 11 and allows women to learn some new hands-on skills, taught by female instructors. Participants must be at least 10 years old, and those under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Activities for the morning include a guided hike on the prairie. Participants will learn about prairie animals, ecology and plants used by Native Americans. This hike travels the prairie over uneven terrain with little to no shade. Participants are encouraged to bring water and insect repellent and wear sturdy shoes.
Next, participants will learn about nature journaling, where they will document what they come across out in nature using lists and drawings to help make their time in nature more memorable. A short walk around the picnic area and on the prairie will allow participants to document what they see. Instructors will pass along tips on how to use journals while creating those memories enjoying nature. Journals, pencils and colored pencils will be provided but participants can bring their own.
Registration is $5, and there is a limit of 20 participants. To register, visit icampmo.com. Enter “WIN” in the “Search Text” box. The classes currently open for registration will pop up. If a class is full, you have the option to register for the wait-list. If a spot becomes available, you will be contacted to get registered if you are still interested. For more information, call 417-843-6711. Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines.
For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.