EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In partnership with the Maryland Division of Pure Sources, the Maryland NWTF State Chapter hosted its second annual Girls within the Outside occasion on the Thurmont Conservation and Sportsmen’s Membership, witnessing outstanding development and enthusiasm amongst members.
This yr’s occasion drew 75 attendees, rising from final yr’s inaugural gathering. Notably, all attendees have been new this yr, reflecting the chapter’s dedication to introducing out of doors actions to people who’ve by no means skilled them earlier than.
“We concentrate on exposing people who’ve by no means executed something like this earlier than and provides precedence to new people who haven’t had the chance earlier than,” stated Russ Leith, NWTF state outreach coordinator. “These ladies have by no means been to any sort of WITO occasion prior to now. We acknowledge the necessity to introduce extra folks to the outside and are dedicated to doing one thing about it.”
The occasion provided a various vary of actions designed to interact and educate members. Attendees had the chance to strive their hand at a tenting 101 class, a turkey looking class, shotgun capturing, archery, fishing and extra. With ten out of doors abilities lessons provided, the occasions sought to encourage members to proceed their journeys as outdoorswomen additional.
“The occasion isn’t nearly studying new abilities, its about fostering a way of neighborhood, resilience and empowerment amongst ladies,” stated Victoria Vayer, Maryland Division of Pure Sources R3 program coordinator looking specialist. “As members discover new actions, they’re additionally discovering their very own energy and connection to nature in addition to assembly new mates alongside the best way.”
One heartwarming anecdote Leith shared, highlighted the occasion’s success: “A few of the ladies have been having a lot enjoyable capturing that they skipped lunch to maintain capturing,” he stated.
Funds for the occasion have been provided by the Maryland NWTF State Chapter’s Tremendous Fund. This funding mannequin permits NWTF volunteers to boost cash at banquets and different fundraisers, then allocate a good portion of these funds again into significant conservation and outreach tasks inside their respective states, akin to this WITO occasion.
“Many ladies specific that they really feel secure, welcomed and empowered once we run ladies’s-specific workshops, and love studying these abilities in a low-pressure setting with different ladies with comparable pursuits,” Vayer stated. “It’s clear to us that workshops like WITO are needed, and we’re trying ahead to scaling up and increasing extra sooner or later.”
The success of this yr’s occasion units a promising precedent for future WITO occasions in Maryland, because the chapter continues to encourage and empower ladies to embrace the outside.
Concerning the Nationwide Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the Nationwide Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion {dollars} into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of crucial wildlife habitat. The NWTF has additionally invested over $10 million into wild turkey analysis to information the administration of the wild turkey inhabitants and to make sure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The group continues to ship its mission by working throughout boundaries on a panorama scale via its 4 Shared Values: clear and considerable water, wholesome forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and sturdy leisure alternatives. With the assistance of its devoted members, companions and employees, the NWTF continues its work to supply Wholesome Habitats. and Wholesome Harvests. for future generations.
