Leave the pumps, pedicures and pearls behind and explore nature, wildlife and backwoods adventures at the 2016 Women in the Outdoors (WITO) – Quail Creek event April 22 at Quail Creek Plantation in Okeechobee, Florida.
The National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Women in the Outdoors – Quail Creek event is in its 10th year, allowing women from all backgrounds the opportunity to experience Florida’s natural resources and agricultural heritage. Featuring more than 30 classes on topics ranging from jelly making to shotgun shooting, fly fishing to turkey hunting 101, the ladies who attend Women in the Outdoors – Quail Creek leave with a new appreciation of the outdoors and Florida’s natural environment.
“WITO not only helps women learn about Florida’s heritage and natural resources, it also helps the community,” said Denise Davis- Helms, event coordinator. “The proceeds from WITO fund outreach efforts about wild turkey conservation and educational scholarships for students at colleges throughout Florida.”
Since 1998, the nationally organized Women in the Outdoors program has gained momentum as thousands of women from across the country have enjoyed access to the outdoors while making new friends in a safe, relaxed and pressure-free environment.
Women of all skill levels are welcome at the events. Friendly, expert instruction and hands-on education are provided.
“Our Women in the Outdoors program focuses on outdoor fun,” said Brenda Valentine, NWTF spokesperson and outdoor television show host. “There’s nothing more enjoyable than to see the faces of women accomplish something they never dreamed they’d get a chance to attempt.”
Davis-Helms said the NWTF uses the event to not only expose women to the history of Florida, but to encourage women to try new outdoor activities in an environment that makes them feel at ease. Helms shares that the event has grown to more than 300 women and the 2016 event is on track smash that record. The event has been awarded the “Best Event in the Nation” by the National Wild Turkey Federation four years in a row and Davis-Helms is confident that each year it just gets better. This year’s event includes the men too. While the women get to enjoy Saturday, April 22 all to themselves, the night before includes a banquet featuring live and silent auctions and Nashville recording artist Tom Jackson Band.
For more information about the 2016 Women in the Outdoors – Quail Creek event visit www.WomenInTheOutdoorsFL.com. Registration for the day-long event is $100 per person. Friday evening’s event is $40 per person. For information on NWTF or the national Women in the Outdoors program, visit www.womenintheoutdoors.org.
