Oak Woodland Workshop for Women

The Oak Woodland Workshop for Women was held in April 2025 at Ponca State Park. This event was held by Northern Prairies Land Trust in conjunction with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Audubon Society, and Natural Resource Conservation Service. The purpose of the workshop was to give female landowners and young women entering the conservation field practical knowledge about a variety of conservation subjects, as well as the opportunity to network and learn directly from female professionals. The workshop consisted of breakout sessions, each led by a mentor who emphasized hands-on skills not taught in a traditional classroom. The eight session topics were oak woodland restoration, prescribed fire, wildlife surveying, environmental law and policy, outdoor education, equipment usage, pesticide use/invasive species, and ecological connections. Nearly 50 women attended, participating in everything from learning to hook up a trailer to identifying the common and scientific names of plant species. The event ended with a panel discussion between the attendees and the mentors. Topics of discussion included advice on entering a conservation career, being a woman in a male-dominated field, work-life balance, staying positive when faced with conservation challenges, and more. This event was made possible thanks to the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Thank you to IRL Digital Marketing for the photos!

Photo Credit: IRL Digital Marketing