Wildlife preserve to host women's program Aug. 16

UPPER FREEHOLD — Move over deer and wild turkeys, women will be flocking into the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area next Saturday.

The New Jersey State chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will host a "Women in the Outdoors" event Aug. 16 in the wildlife preserve.

The one-day event, which is open to the public, will provide ladies ages 14 and older the chance to learn bee keeping, archery, wild game cooking, falconry, basic shotgun and more.

The workshop fee is $45 and includes instruction, use of equipment, and lunch. Pre-registration is required.

"Our program is about encouraging women to try new outdoor activities in a safe environment that makes them feel at ease," Patty Foster, the NWTF's national coordinator for the event, said. "This event is also an opportunity for women of all walks of life — singles, moms, daughters, young and old — to spend a weekend outdoors, away from home, having fun and making new friends."

Since 1998, the NWTF's "Women in the Outdoors" program has organized events designed especially for women. During its inaugural year, "Women in the Outdoors" hosted 18 events, and today the program organizes more than 400 events across the nation.

By providing expert instruction and hands-on education, the NWTF helps members develop outdoor skills and emphasizes the importance of wildlife management and the role of hunters in conservation.

The combination of sponsorship and local chapter support allows the NWTF to offer these programs at a low cost to participants. The cost of attending each event includes a membership in the "Women in the Outdoors" program and a

subscription to Women In The Outdoors

magazine, the federation's full-color, quarterly publication with articles and information on various outdoor adventures

and activities.

"The 'Women in the Outdoors' program allows the NWTF to reach an entirely new audience, one that has the potential to benefit conservation efforts," Tammy Mowry, national coordinator for "Women in the Outdoors," said. "It's an opportunity for women to find great satisfaction and enjoyment in the outdoors."

For more information, contact Mary Santiago at 732-766-3099 or visit www.womenintheoutdoors.org. For more information about the NWTF, visit www.nwtf.org or call 800-THE-NWTF.