NEWSLETTER
Creating Space for Women to Learn, Connect, and Explore Outdoors
Free Open House on March 7 kicks off a new, women-centered outdoor education series
Cortland, NY — Lime Hollow Nature Center is launching Women in the Woods, a new outdoor education series designed to empower women and non-binary people of all ages, abilities, body types, and experience levels to feel confident spending time outdoors. The series begins with a free open house on Friday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m., offering an accessible introduction to hiking and essential outdoor skills.
Women in the Woods was created in response to a long-standing gap in the outdoor industry. One that has often left many women feeling unsure if they truly belong outside.
“For a long time, the outdoor industry has sent a quiet message about who belongs outside,” program guide, Candace Rozansky says. “Women in the Woods is our way of pushing back, creating a welcoming, low-pressure space where women and non-binary folks can learn, explore, and reclaim their wild.”
The March 7 open house will run approximately two hours and is designed as educational entry point into hiking. No prior experience, special gear, or specific fitness level is required. Participants are encouraged to simply bring themselves and a sense of adventure. All materials will be provided.
Topics covered during the open house include:
- The Ten Essentials for safe and confident time outdoors
- Women-specific gear, including inclusive options for plus-sized bodies
- Real-talk outdoor skills that address the practical realities women face outdoors
- Building community in natural spaces
Beyond skill-building, Women in the Woods places a strong emphasis on connection by creating space for women to meet others with similar interests, forge friendships, and adventure together.
“This series isn’t just about learning outdoor skills,” Rozansky adds. “It’s about connecting with women who feel like you do, building friendships, and gaining the confidence to try new adventures together, whether that’s a first hike or an overnight in the backcountry.”
Women in the Woods is structured as a six-part monthly series, intentionally designed to build skills gradually throughout the season. Participants may attend individual sessions or choose to take part in the full journey, which culminates in a supported overnight backpacking trip at the end of summer. Pricing for upcoming sessions will be posted on Lime Hollow’s website as classes are scheduled.
Upcoming session topics include:
- Nutrition in Nature – Creating nourishing and delicious backpacking meals, understanding hydration needs, and learning about water filtration options
- Foraging – Guided walk with a local herbalist to discover plants for wild-crafted teas and learn about their uses
- Navigation & Orienteering – Understanding topographical maps, interpreting trail language to match experience and ability, using a compass, and staying oriented off trail
- Shakedown: Backpacking 101 – Learning what’s needed for an overnight trip, fitting and loading a pack, and practicing camp setup on a guided hike
- Summer’s End Backpacking Trip – A supported overnight backcountry experience designed to put new skills into practice on a women-centered backpacking trip.
By centering inclusivity, community, and confidence, Women in the Woods offers a new model for outdoor education, one that meets participants where they are and grows with them over time.
Women in the Woods Open House
Friday, March 7, 10:00 a.m.
Lime Hollow Nature Center
338 McLean Road, Cortland, NY
Free; registration encouraged
Registration and additional details are available at:
https://www.limehollow.org/womeninthewoods
About Lime Hollow Nature Center
Lime Hollow Nature Center is dedicated to recreation, education, and conservation, offering miles of trails, outdoor education programs, and community events that connect people to nature year-round. Through inclusive programming and stewardship, Lime Hollow works to ensure that the outdoors is accessible, welcoming, and protected for future generations.
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