The Wisconsin Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program will offer a womens weekend on the water at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, June 7-8.

Participants at this unique, hands-on learning event may choose between Boat Safety/Handling or Fly Fishing. Boating class participants will learn to operate motorboats, pontoons and jet skis, as well as have an opportunity to paddle canoes and kayaks. Those who sign up for fly fishing will experience guided fishing with hands-on instruction on a section of the Tomorrow/Waupaca River, which is a Class A trout stream. No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided.

The registration fee is $175 for the boating class or $225 for fly fishing. Because the event takes place during Wisconsins Free Fishing Weekend, no license is necessary to fish. Registration information is available at www.uwsp.edu/cnr/bow/wihome/index.htm or by calling (715) 346-4681.

For those who wish to arrive early, optional Friday night lodging is available for $25. Participants will stay in clean, quaint log cabins. The Central Wisconsin Environmental Station is located on beautiful Sunset Lake and is a year-round environmental education center operated by the UWSP College of Natural Resources. Friday arrivals may also participate in an hour-long horseback trail ride at a local stable for an additional $25.

"The best things about BOW are the camaraderie and the opportunity to learn things you might not have had the chance to try before," says program assistant Joy Ratchman. "If youve always wanted to learn about fishing or boating, this workshop is for you."

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is a nonprofit, nonmembership program offered throughout North America and New Zealand. Workshops are taught by patient instructors in a cooperative learning environment. For more information, Contact Peggy Farrell, director, (715) 346-4681 or pfarrell@uwsp.edu, or call toll-free, (877) 269-6626.