Outdoor Journal

Wild women, unite!: The North Carolina Wildlife Commission is headed our way with its “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” retreat, scheduled for April 11 to 13 at Camp Cheerio in Alleghany County.

The program will include instruction on bird-watching, basic camping and backpacking, canoe skills, digital photography, wilderness survival, outdoor cooking, stream ecology, rock climbing, shotgun and rifle marksmanship, basic fishing and fly-tying.

“This is a fun way to learn healthy outdoors activities and it’s a comfortable place to stay,” said B.B. Gillen, state coordinator for Becoming an Outdoors Woman. “Participants talk about the camaraderie as much as they do the thrill of trying new things and gaining valuable skills.”

Cost for the seminar is $185, which includes comfortable lodging, class materials and meals. Participation is open to women ages 18 and older. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis with fees paid in advance. The deadline to sign up is March 31. For additional information, call (919) 707-0172.

That lazy, hazy river: As part of its evening program series, Diamond Brand Outdoors will host Burt Kornegay with a program on canoeing on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the store’s Arden location. The event begins at 7 p.m.

Kornegay has led more than 400 wilderness trips since launching Slickrock Expeditions in 1984. He’s contributed stories to Backpacker magazine and Southern Living and is the author of the trail map A Guide’s Guide to Panthertown Valley.

Chalk it up: The Carolina Climbers Coalition is hosting an informal get-together at the imposing Laurel Knob on Feb. 23 and 24. Make a resolution to become a member of the group this year and join them for some extreme fellowship. Visit www.carolinaclimbers.org for more.

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