BOW March 2026 Newsletter

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minnesota department of natural resources

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Upcoming Classes


Winter Workshop

BOW Spring Workshop

Fall Workshop, April 17-19, 2026, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Lanesboro, MN

BOW workshop registration

Workshops are a great way for women to learn skills and meet other women who are also interested in the outdoors. Registration will open two months prior to the workshop. Fee includes two nights lodging, all meals, instruction, equipment and fun!

Rifle shooting

Women’s programming

Maple sugaring   April 4th, 2026, 10a.m.-2p.m.

An opportunity to participate in a seasonal workshop in producing pure Minnesota maple syrup will be offered  at the farmette of David and Gretchen Martin near Santiago, MN adjacent to the 30,000 acres of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.   

This experience will focus on collecting maple sap, cooking it down to ideal consistency, and bottling for storage and convenient use.  Other topics will include identifying the four kinds of maple trees common in Minnesota and selecting those best suited for tapping.  Participants will have an opportunity to join in the experience of the safe operation of an evaporator including the important step of taste-testing for sweetness. 

The workshop will be held near Santiago, MN. Bring a box lunch and a sweet tooth.  All participants will bottle their own sampling of the day’s harvest.  Registration is limited.

Register: Linda.Radimecky@state.mn.us

 

Three Rivers Park District

Equinox Sunset Hike for Women 

Celebrate the spring equinox and the Big Year of Rivers by joining an Outdoor Recreation School instructor for a sunset hike along the Crow River. March 20, 6-7:30 p.m.

Outdoor Skills Workshops for Women: Tarps & Knots March 29, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Join an Outdoor Recreation School instructor to learn the fundamentals of setting up tarps for camping and backpacking. This hands-on class is great for beginners and those looking to refresh or expand their skills. Equipment provided.

Women, Woods and Wine Hike April 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Enjoy the company of other women on a leisurely hike. Finish the evening with conversation and, if you desire, a glass of wine from home.

Women's Archery Club May 7-May 28, 6-8 p.m.

Join a community that promotes empowerment through the focus, discipline and precision that archery offers. Outdoor Recreation School instructors will take you through the fundamental skills of archery and elements of safety. This club provides a supportive, beginner-friendly environment to hone your skills, build confidence and connect with other women.

Women's Kayak Essentials May 9, 1-4 p.m.

Learn safety skills and proper paddling form and techniques with Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Beginners and anyone who has never had formal kayak instruction will gain knowledge and skills from this class. Equipment provided.

Beginner Archery for Women May 16, 1-3 p.m.

Learn the basics of archery and elements of safety. Practice fundamental skills, participate in fun challenges and enjoy the thrill of hitting the target.

Archery for Women May 17, 10 a.m.-Noon

Connect with other women while enjoying time outdoors. Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors to learn the basics of archery and elements of safety. Practice fundamental skills, participate in fun challenges and enjoy the thrill of hitting the target.

For more information and to register: Things To Do | Three Rivers Park District

 

Dakota County Parks

Intro to Fly Tying for Women Wed, April 1, 6–8 p.m.

Join the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota for an introduction to fly-tying equipment and technique. Age: 16 and older. Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Intro to Fly Fishing for Women Wed, April 15, April 29, May 13, 6–8:30 p.m.

Join us for an introduction to the sport of fly fishing, designed especially for women, taught by the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota. Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Mountain Bike Workshop for Women Wed, May 20, 27 & June 3, 6–8 p.m.

Learn mountain biking skills for women, taught by women, from Valley Bike and Ski. Topics include bike handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more. For all skill levels. Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Women's Intro to Mountain Biking Sat, July 11, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

In this women's-specific program, build a solid foundation for basic mountain biking skills like body position, shifting, braking, climbing, descending and navigating minor obstacles before enjoying a beginner-friendly trail ride with an expert mountain bike instructor. 

 

For more information and to register: Programs & Events | Dakota County



Free family webinars

These webinars are part of the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series (MOSSS) that aims to give participants quick, relevant information on upcoming seasons and events and skills to help enjoy the outdoors.

Webinars are live on Wednesday starting at noon. For more details or to view past webinars and to register for upcoming webinars visit Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series.

  • March 25 - 75th anniversary of wildlife management areas in Minnesota
  • April 8 - Turkeys in Minnesota
  • April 22 - The native fish of Minnesota
  • May 6 - Minnesota fishing opener
  • May 20 - Yellow bass in Minnesota, a species of concern

Becoming an Outdoors Woman program

The BOW program provides hunting, fishing, and other outdoor skills classes to women in a safe and supportive environment. The BOW works cooperatively with Minnesota DNR staff, volunteers and outside agencies to provide opportunities for women to learn skills. BOW is guided by a volunteer steering committee. To find out more, visit the BOW webpage.

Do you want to stay informed about upcoming fisheries, wildlife and habitat management activities and ways that you can discover, explore, and experience Minnesota’s outdoors? Then sign up for Minnesota Fishing and Minnesota Wildlife email notifications available for free on the DNR website. Updates are also available for state parks, scientific and natural areas, the Eagle Cam, and more.

Visit the DNR’s learn to hunt and learn to fish webpages to learn how to hunt or fish for a variety of species.