Little Buffalo Women in the Wild

Back again for 2023 is our Women in the Wild event! This “field day for women” consists of up to 4 classes, lunch provided, and the opportunity to meet other women and learn a variety of skills or hobbies. Ladies must be 16 years and older to join us.

You must register for this event. The cost is $35 per person, and all proceeds for this event will go to helping us restore our historic train car, Way Car #12. Some classes have very limited space, so register early! When you register, you will receive an email to choose your classes.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. IF YOU REGISTERED SUCCESSFULLY BUT DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR CONFIRMATION EMAIL TO PICK CLASSES PLEASE EMAIL Pam Metzger AT THE PA PARKS  AND FORESTS FOUNDATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

The list of classes available is below. Scroll down for a brief description of each class. More details may be added later.

 

9 am—10:15 am

• Nature Photography
• Fossil Hunting
• Natural Dyes
• Hiking & Backpacking
• Wild Edible Foraging (FULL)
• Birding By Ear
• Basic Spin Fishing
• Nature Journaling
• Mushroom Cultivating
• Kayaking (will take both AM slots)

 

10:30 am—11:45 am

• Nature Photography
• Fossil Hunting
• Natural Dyes
• Hiking & Backpacking
• Basic Wilderness Survival (FULL)
• Dutch Oven Cooking
• Archery
• Workout in the Woods
• Kayaking (will take both AM slots)

 

1 pm—2:15 pm

• Blacksmithing
• Falconry
• Forest Meditation
• Basic Fly Fishing
• Beekeeping Basics
• Wild Mushrooms
• Archery
• Dutch Oven Cooking
• Kayaking (will take both PM slots)

 

2:30 pm—3:45 pm

• Blacksmithing (FULL – Closed to participation but “watchers” welcome)
• Basic Fly Fishing
• Beekeeping Basics
• Mushroom Cultivating
• Wild Edible Foraging (FULL)
• Spiders & Native Bees
• Basic Wilderness Survival (FULL)
• Kayaking (will take both PM slots)

 

Class descriptions:

Forest Meditation

Nature can help us soothe our stressful minds, and simply being in nature can improve our health by allowing our bodies to relax and heal themselves. Come and learn some basic meditation techniques and see how you can improve your well-being by simply walking into the woods! Very light activity involved.

Nature Photography

Want to learn some tricks to help you improve your photography skills? Join one of our local wildlife photographers on a quiet stroll along the Creek Trail to see what you can see and learn some camera tips and tricks to help you improve your skills. Light activity involved.

Fossil Collecting

Our state geologist will guide you on a fossil hunt at the park’s shale pit and you will discover the creatures of Devonian Pennsylvania as well as learn how to find places to fossil hunt on your own. Light activity involved.

Natural Dyes

A world of color exists in nature—you just have to know how to extract it! In this class you will learn how to make dyes from naturally occurring materials to color yarn or other objects. Those with allergies keep in mind that some of these materials, such as walnuts, can be known allergens. Reach out if you have concerns. Hands on, indoors activity.

Backpacking & Hiking

Thinking about doing a long distance hike, but not sure where to begin? Come and learn how to properly pack and prepare for long hiking trips and how to stay safe on your trips. You will also learn how to use hiking poles. Moderate activity.

Kayaking

Interested in getting into kayaking? It’s great exercise and a fun way to relax on the water. Our experienced kayaking volunteers will teach you all of the basics, including getting in and out of your kayak in various situations, paddling, gear needed, and how to choose the right kayak and gear for you. There will be two kayaking sessions and they will each take two time slots. You must also sign an additional waiver for this activity.

How to Love a Spider, How to Love a Bee!

Join Master Gardeners as they explore some of our lesser known and appreciated invertebrates. First, we will discover the fascinating world of spiders and how we can overcome our fears and aversions to these 8-legged creatures. We’ll then dive into the world of native bees and learn the importance of these often-forgotten pollinators. This is an informative presentation.

Birding by Ear

Birding is a relaxing way to improve upon your hiking experience. We hear birds year round, but with hundreds of species, it can be tricky to tell one from another. Our birding volunteers will help you improve your listening skills and hone in on bird calls! Light walking involved.

Blacksmithing

Try your hand at an age-old art of metal forming! Limited to 6 participants—small additional cost may apply for materials. Hands on—make a small item to take home!

Mushroom Cultivating

Mushrooms have been grown for thousands of years by humans, and the process is a little different than your standard gardening. Learn how to set up and maintain a mushroom growing operation at your home. This will be a presentation/ discussion and demonstration.

Wild Mushrooms

Foraging for mushrooms can be fun, but dangerous look-alikes to edible mushrooms are everywhere. Learn how to distinguish these mushrooms apart and where to best forage for them. This will be a presentation with the possibility of a short walk, depending on conditions.

Wild Edible Foraging

The forest is full of edible plants and mushrooms. Our park ranger will take you on a walk to find a variety of different species that commonly grow at Little Buffalo. You’ll also learn about any potential look-alikes that could be harmful, as well as tips and ways to enjoy your harvest. Moderate walking involved.

Basic Spin Fishing

Holman Lake and Little Buffalo Creek offer wonderful fishing opportunities. Using the park’s fishing loaner equipment, you will learn the basics of preparing a hook, choosing a bait, and practice casting. You must have a basic fishing license for this program. Hands on, light activity.

Basic Fly Fishing

After you learn spin fishing, try your hand at fly fishing. A very different style of fishing, fly fishing can be incredibly relaxing and rewarding. To actually have a hook in the water, you must have a regular fishing license. Otherwise, you may join and simply learn how to cast and choose equipment. Hands on, light activity.

Basic Wilderness Survival

No one ever expects to get stranded in the woods, but what do you do if you find yourself in need of help? In this crash course we will cover shelter building, making fire, and water safety. Hands on, light activity.

Dutch Oven Cooking

Primitive camping is made more fun with some great Dutch oven recipes! Learn how to make and sample some favorites in this program.

Archery

This sport has been around for tens of thousands of years, and it’s not just for hunting—it’s for fun too! Try your hand at a bow and arrow and learn tips to improve your shot.

Workout in the Woods

Fitness in the forest is better than at the gym! Jon us for an exercise session and learn the health benefits of working out in the outdoors.

Nature Journaling

Journaling is a great way to learn to organize your thoughts and experiences and it can be a powerful tool to help teach others. You don’t need to be an artist—come and learn various ways to record your experiences and get closer to nature!

Falconry

A sport that dates back thousands of years, falconry uses wild birds of prey to capture small birds and mammals. It is a form of hunting, and becoming a licensed falconer is no easy task. Learn what it takes to get into this sport, meet some hard-working birds, and learn why these birds choose to work with the falconer.

Beekeeping Basics

Our local beekeeping club will be happy to teach you the basics of setting up and maintaining a hive of honey bees.