DNR BECOMING AN OUTDOORS-WOMAN PROGRAM OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR WINTER OUTDOOR FUNLANSING--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is offering one-day and weekend workshops this winter for women who wish to learn some new outdoor skills and share a fun outdoor experience with other women. "Winter is one quarter of our lives, so we want women to be able to make the most of it," said Lynn Marla, DNR BOW Coordinator. "With adequate experience and preparation, even camping in sub-zero temperatures can be safe, comfortable and a real thrill." An ice fishing clinic is planned for Saturday, Jan. 12, at Sleepy Hollow State Park north of Lansing. Park Supervisor Terry Ellenwood said ice has formed on Lake Ovid between the holidays in six of the past eight years, so he's still optimistic. All equipment will be provided, but participants must have a valid Michigan fishing license, and a state park motor vehicle permit is required for entry into the park. To register, contact Lynn Marla at 517-241-2225; e-mail: marlal@michigan.gov. On Saturday, Jan. 19, BOW is sponsoring a full afternoon of instruction and cross country skiing at Sleeper State Park in Michigan's Thumb. Participants are encouraged to stay for an evening of candlelight skiing on the park's groomed trails. Participants may bring their own skis or rent them at Heins Hardware in Port Austin. Contact Lynn Marla for registration information. BOW is still taking reservations for the full three-day winter weekend, Jan. 25-27, at the beautiful NettieBay Lodge in Presque Isle County, 14 miles southwest of Rogers City. This workshop will include dog sledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, winter ecology and a class in winter river rafting for the more adventuresome. A class on basket making and a soap making demonstration awaits those who want to stay indoors and relax by the fire. The total cost of this program is $175 and enrollment will be limited to 35 participants. For more information, contact Nancy Thurston at 810-392-2111; e-mail: thurston@klondyke.net. A second BOW winter weekend is planned for Feb. 22-24, at picturesque Fortune Lake near Crystal Falls in the Upper Peninsula. The cozy Fortune Lake Camp is set in a deeply- wooded area near one of Michigan's premier wilderness state parks. Classes will be offered in cross country skiing, ice fishing, dog sledding, skijoring, winter survival, snowmobiling, outdoor photography, snowshoeing and more. Those who wish to take a break from the outdoors can attend indoor classes in journal writing, one-burner cooking, fish decoy carving and fly tying. Long saunas, bonfires, music and special prizes will add to the weekend festivities. Women, 18 or older, are eligible to attend. The $135 registration fee covers lodging, meals, all instruction and most equipment. Enrollment will be limited to 50 participants. To receive more information and request a registration form, contact Ann Wilson or Sharon Urbanski at 906-228-6561. Many other outdoor programs for women will take place in 2002 across Michigan. To learn more about upcoming programs, contact Lynn Marla at 517-241-2225; e-mail: marlal@michigan.gov, or visit the DNR Web site at www.michigandnr.com.
Source: MDNR
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