Women in the Wild *FULL*
Saturday, May 3, 2025 9am to 3pm
Women in the Wild *FULL*
1579 State Park Road, Newport, PA 17074-9428
Join us for the park's 4th annual Women in the Wild program!
First started in the PA Wilds, this state park program has gained popularity across the state and we are now in our 4th year of hosting this event at Little Buffalo. Women in the Wild is designed to help ladies step out of their comfort zone and learn new outdoor skills in a fun "field day" format.
Participants will choose 4 programs throughout the day. Program times are 9-10:15am, 10:30-11:45am, 1-2:15pm, and 2:30-3:45pm. This event is a fundraiser for our Historic Train Car renovation project as well as our ADA Accessible Playground project. The cost of the event also covers the meal & materials that our instructors purchase for activities at the event. Ladies 12 years and older are welcome to attend!
Please note – this is currently a one day event at Little Buffalo. Our campground is set to be open for the beginning of May for those who may be traveling a distance. Overnights are not included in your registration. Activities will include a mix of environmental art, wellness, outdoor recreation, and wildlife education.
Official Registration is OPEN!! Please register here: Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
PLEASE NOTE: THE CLASSES BELOW ARE AVAILABLE. YOUR REGISTRATION SHEET WILL SHOW ALL CLASSES THAT WERE AVAILABLE. THAT IS NOT UPDATED!
See below for what is ACTUALLY available before you register!!!!
*Updated 4/25/25 at 2:00pm
Class Times:
9am:
Binocular Birding
Wellness Wet & Wild
Campfire Cooking (near full)
10:30am
Fossils
Birding by Ear
Backpacking
Wellness Wet & Wild
1pm
Hook to Cook
Group Hiking
Backyard Chickens
2:30pm
Hook to Cook
Group Hiking
Backyard Chickens
Class descriptions:
What to do when your GPS Fails: Beginner Map Reading and Navigation Skills
In this session we intend to teach participants the basics of how to read topographic and geologic maps as well as some basic navigation skills using maps. You will also learn some practical skills using a compass. Light activity and walking involved.
Wellness: Wet and Wild
Do you find yourself drawn to the water’s edge in a natural setting? If so, you may be nurturing your personal wellbeing. Research is finding that being near, in, on or under water supports positive health outcomes. During this session, we will experience water-inspired forest bathing sensory invitations with Certified Forest Therapy Guide and PA Master Naturalist, Sue Schiemer. No swimming, no floating, no boating, no snorkeling, no surfing, no paddling, no fishing skills necessary.
Leading Group Hikes
We’re two experienced hike leaders from the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club who will offer tips, suggestions and stories aimed at keeping your group safe and happy on the trail. This will be more of a chat and informational session without physical activity.
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 & walking involved.
Fossil Collecting
Join one of our state geologists 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.
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 will involve use of hiking poles on Buffalo Ridge Trail.
Kayaking (AM ONLY, takes BOTH am sessions)
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, proper paddling techniques, and how to choose the right kayak and gear for you. Moderate activity is involved in kayaking, and it is highly recommended to wear sunscreen and shades since much of the lake is sunny.
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 staff will help you improve your listening skills and hone in on bird calls! Light walking involved.
Binocular Birding
Birding adds an additional exciting component to any hike. Taking a good pair of binoculars along with you can help you discover a whole new world of wildlife watching! Light activity will be involved as we take a short walk to observe birds in the area.
Basic Fly Fishing
Women tend to excel at fly fishing, and this sport can be incredibly relaxing and rewarding. To 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 and guided by our expert fly fishermen from Trout Unlimited.
Archery
This sport has been around for 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. Moderate activity is involved, as some strength is needed to shoot accurately.
Campfire Cooking
Primitive camping is made more fun with some campfire recipes! Learn how to make and sample some favorites in this program. Light activity is involved.
Beekeeping Basics
Our local beekeeping club will be happy to teach you the basics of setting up and maintaining a hive of honey bees. This is an informational session, and weather permitting we will check out the hives at the park office.
Wild and Fearless: Building confidence for solo adventures in nature
Ready to embrace the wild and step outside your comfort zone? Join me for an empowering seminar designed to help you build confidence for solo adventures in nature. Whether you are new to solo exploration or are looking to level up your skills, this seminar will provide resources, inspiration, safety strategies and essential gear recommendations you need to feel prepared and self assured in the great outdoors.
Hook to Cook
Fish & Boat Commission
Ok, so you can catch some fish. Do you put them back, or do you want to learn how to process them? In this program we will present on fish handling, filleting, and cooking panfish. Some sampling may also be involved.
Enjoying the Outdoors with Dogs & Horses
Join us for this engaging session to learn to enjoy our parks with canine or equine visitors...whether they belong to you or someone else! We will discuss trail etiquette, camping preparation, regulations, disease prevention, body language interpretation, safe restraint and emergency response. We’ll also discuss local hiking/camping locations that are horse and dog friendly, and you’ll get a chance to meet a few well-mannered equines as well.
Backyard Chicken Keeping
Egg prices got you looking into chickens? Join this session to learn from “seasoned chicken tenders” everything you need to know about keeping backyard birds. We will discuss raising chicks, summer versus winter care, predator avoidance, as well as breeds and companion animals and anything else you’d like to cover. You’ll get to meet a feathered friend or two as well to get a hands-on approach to health care and handling.
Wood Cookie Art
Join local artist Cindy for a session on making your own wood cookie art! Wood cookies can be used for a variety of decorations, including ornaments, wall hangers, and coasters. They can make easy and unique gifts as well! Paint your own wood cookie to take home!
Woodworking For Wildlife
No experience necessary! Learn how to expand your backyard habitat and provide more food and shelter for our native wildlife. Participants will build a cavity nest box (also known as a bluebird box), a peanut butter feeder, and a native bee house. All these items will go home with you! We will also discuss other easy projects to bring more wildlife into your life and have resources that will help expand your backyard habitat.
Macroinvertebrates
"Learn about the macroinvertebrates that live in our streams by collecting, identifying, and learning about their life cycle and how they relate to water quality. For fly fisherpersons we can determine which flies to use and for fly tiers which imitations to create. For those who want to help collect be prepared with wading gear or be like me and just get your feet wet or stay on the stream bank and identify what I bring to you. Let's have fun while we learn."
Bluebird Trail
In this session we’ll learn about bluebirds and how to monitor a bluebird trail. We will visit a several active bluebird boxes and document our finds. We will learn about why we provide housing for native birds and what kinds of information parks keep track of for their bluebird trails. Pair this with Woodworking for Wildlife and you can be well on your way to helping birds at your home!
Saturday, May 3, 2025 9am to 3pm