Strengthening women and girls’ confidence in the outdoors -- and life!
Outdoor Women Lead (OWL) reduces barriers that women and girls experience in the outdoors.
We believe when more people have meaningful experiences outdoors, their quality of life, health and social well-being improve.
We offer:
- An Outing Group for Women. Participants explore local land preserves and water-ways while learning about local natural ecology and getting outside with like-minded women.
- A Summer Camp for Girls. Girls learn outdoor, naturalist, and gardening skills at Milbridge Commons Wellness Park.
- Workshops for Women and their Families. Workshops are family orientated and focus on skills you need to successfully navigate and thrive in outdoor settings.
Giving-- it's the Maine thing to do.
OWL is a collaborative project between WHRL and Maine Outdoor School, and is inclusive to all definitions of the term “woman.” For more information, contact us.
Outing Group for Women
Are you interested in joining other women on outdoor adventures and learning more about our local natural ecology? This outing group is reserved for women and girls 16+.
Upcoming Winter Outings
Animal Signs
at Machias River Preserve – East Entrance
February 18th, 2023 – 12 – 3pm
Learn how to find and identify winter animal signs along the Machias River while hiking or snowshoeing. This is a 5.5-mile trail network but we likely will do less than 3 miles depending on group interest. Moderate Hike. Snowshoes available. More information about the preserve here.
Winter Adaptations
at Hamilton Cove in Lubec
March 18th, 2023 – 12 – 3pm
How do the harsh conditions of the Bold Coast influence the things that live here? Find out on this easy-moderate hike with dramatic Bold Coast views. More information about the preserve here.
In the event of a necessary weather-related cancellation, outings will be rescheduled for the following day. Registered participants will be emailed by 3pm the Friday before an outing in the event of a postponement.
Outdoor Skill Building Workshops
These workshops are geared towards women and their families, ages 10+. You do not have to have kids to participate.
Orienteering Basics
May 6th: 10:00am – 2pm
May 7th: 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Knowing how to use a map and compass can be the difference between a fun outdoor adventure and a scary one. Your phone or GPS won’t always work, but a compass and your brain will—if you know how to use them! Learn how to use a compass, take bearings, and triangulate your location through this two-part course with Registered Maine Guide Hazel Stark. Day one will be based at Milbridge Commons to learn the basics and get some hands-on practice. Day two will be in the woods, where you’ll apply your new skills. Compasses will be available to borrow but bring your own if you have one.
Registration Coming Soon!
Learn Your Paddle Strokes
Planned for Summer 2023. More information TBA.
Wilderness First Aid
Planned for Fall 2023. More information TBA.
OWL BLOG
Outdoor Safety
Outdoor Safety by Hazel Stark If we don’t feel like the outdoors is a safe place, we’re not going to spend much time there. This is a simple concept, but one that is worth unpacking as being able to...
Making “Scents” in the Outdoors: Hygiene Tips
Making Scents in the Outdoors: Hygiene Tips By Hazel Stark When we spend extended time outdoors, we get stinky, especially if we’re doing high intensity activities like backpacking. Getting clean...
Meeting your Needs Where There are No Toilets
Meeting your Needs Where There are No Toilets! written by Hazel Stark I’ve had several living situations where I did not have running water. Those scenarios, combined with my love for multi-day...
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WHRL is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Copyright © 2005 – 2022 Women for Healthy Rural Living
Our Mission
To advance and promote the health and well-being of the woman, her family, and her community.
