OutWiGo Girls, Mother's Day Weekend Event Saturday, May 11, 2019
Contact(s): Jane Simkins, OutWiGo coordinator, 608-206-5945 or jane.simkins@wisconsin.gov or Paul Holtan, DNR Office of Communications, 608-267-7517 or paul.holtan@wisconsin.gov
MADISON - Mothers and daughters looking for a fun and healthy way to share time on Mother's Day weekend can participate in a variety of outdoor activities at an "OutWiGo Girls" event on Saturday, May 11 at the Scuppernong Trail System.
OutWiGo is a Wisconsin State Park System health and wellness initiative focused on promoting the mind, body, and community benefits of outdoor recreation.
Tips for hiking, camping and enjoying other outdoor activities with kids will be among the topics available at OutWiGo Girls.Photo credit: DNR
OutWiGo Girls will offer activities including group hikes, paddling, fishing, scavenger hunts and more. Outdoor demos will be happening throughout the day with focuses on campfire cooking, backpacking, mountain biking skills and a variety of other topics. All activities are free of cost, with the exceptions of horseback rides ($10 for 30-minute intro and ride, riders must be over the age of 7, with limited pony rides available for riders under the age of 7) and paddling rentals ($10 for one hour). Fishing poles and tackle will be provided free of charge.
Most activities will be held at the Scuppernong Trail Head, located in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit in Dousman. The fishing clinic and paddling activity will be held at the boat launch at Ottawa Lake Campground Visitor Center in Dousman, from 10 a.m. t0 4 p.m. A dog trialing demo led by the Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial Club will be held at Ottawa Trial Field Grounds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Attendees are also invited to attend inspiring and educational talks led by DNR staff, partners and outdoor enthusiasts, including Chelsey Lewis, Travel and Outdoors Reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Ruth Oppedahl, Executive Director of the Natural Resources Foundation, David Spiegelberg, Southeast Regional Tourism Specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and others. Talks will cover a variety of topics from accessible recreation to tips for trip planning and will take place every hour, on the hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While most activities will be geared toward women, this event is open to OutWiGo Girls of all ages and their families. Snacks will be provided, and picnic tables will be available for those who would like to bring their lunch to the event. Public restrooms are available at the Scuppernong Trail Area Parking Lot.
This event is free however, a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required for entry, and horseback riding and paddling will be at an additional cost. While attendees may purchase their admission stickers at the parking lot entrance, purchasing them in advance will make the admission and parking process more efficient for themselves and others. Attendees are invited to attend the event anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as activities and talks will run every hour and trails will be open all day. A complete schedule of activities is available at dnr.wi.gov, keyword: OutWiGo. The rain date for this event will be Sunday, May 12.
Address for the Scuppernong Trail Head Parking Lot:
S58 W35820 County Road ZZ, Dousman, WI 53118 or search "Scuppernong Trail Head."
Address for the Ottawa Lake Campground Visitor Center:
Off County Road ZZ in Dousman, WI 53118 or search "Ottawa Lake Campground."
A sign will point towards the boat launch from the visitor center entrance.
Address for the Ottawa Field Trial Grounds:
Off Highway 67, North of Ottawa Lake Recreation Area in Dousman or search
"Ottawa Field Trial Grounds."