On April 13 & 14, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge hosted the 2nd annual Women in the Outdoors event. 

This two-day event provided an opportunity to learn new outdoor skills and experience the natural wonders of the Refuge. 

There were participantsof all ages (the youngest was 14) and experience levels.  The Mound City and Oregon Kiwanis Clubs sponsored four local teens.  This provided a unique opportunity for teens to experience the outdoors. 

The 38 women that attended this year's program came from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.  Most women came from within an hour of the refuge but two drove from Blair, Nebraska and Missouri Valley, Iowa.

The evening program was presented by Donny Wright, Mound City, who shared his native american heritage around a campfire and a teepee set up in the picnic ground.  Saturday morning events began with women praticipating in an early morning birding tour while others watched as turkeys were lured into view from a camouflaged blind.

The women were offered a wide variety of classes focusing on both building outdoor skills as well as exploring the natural history of Squaw Creek. 

Twenty-four classes were taught throughout the day including outdoor skills as well as natural history.  Some of the outdoor skills included boating, shooting, wildlife photography, mushroom hunting, pioneer skills and outdoor cooking.  Natural history classes included wetland management, waterfowl indentification and native plants.

There were more than 21 sponsors that made this event possible and successful both financially and with in-kind support.  This event provided an opportunity to reach out to women of all ages and to those that have a desire to learn more about the outdoors in a non-threatening, non-competitive environment.