Name: Becoming an Outdoor Woman
Start: 2025-11-22T09:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-11-22T12:00:00-06:00
Location: Mines of Spain Recreation Area & EB Lyons Interpretive Center

Join us for a hands-on, nature-centered workshop designed to connect women with the outdoors in a meaningful and empowering way. This workshop will have 2 sessions that you will attend in the morning, with a potluck lunch to follow. Whether you’re brand new to the outdoors or looking to deepen your connection with nature, this workshop offers a welcoming environment to learn, build confidence, and connect with like-minded women. No prior experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and love of nature!
Medicinal Plants – Did you know that Goldenrod is commonly mistaken for ragweed, but is actually a remedy for fall allergies? If you would like to know more about the many uses of goldenrod (and many other plants), join herbalist, Bri Cushman, for a deep dive into Eastern Iowa's medicinal plants. During this workshop, we will explore everything from rare woodland medicinals to useful invasives, plus learn safe foraging techniques and simples preparations for some of Bri's favorites. You will leave this workshop with the confidence to gather and prepare your own wild remedies!
Wild Game –Dubuque County Conservation Naturalist, Taylor Schaefers, will immerse you into everything about wild game. From the start of hunting education, to harvesting an animal, cleaning & processing game meat, and practical preparation in the kitchen. You will taste some of her favorite game recipes and go home with some recipes to try on your own from wild game cookbooks. This session is great for beginners who have lots of questions about wild game and want to dip their toes into the art of harvesting.
After a day of learning and connecting with nature, we invite everyone to stay and share a meal at our community potluck. We will provide sloppy joes and a side salad. Please bring your own beverage, and a dish to share if you'd like to contribute. Registration for this event is free, but required, as there are limited spots. A suggested $5-$10 donation is graciously accepted at the door, to help cover material costs.