The newly announced Big Elk Creek State Park is shown near Landenberg, Pa., Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. In Chester County, the new park will include 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) of Big Elk Creek, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay at Elk River. Officials say the creek was long used by indigenous people and was an area of considerable activity for the Underground Railroad. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The newly announced Big Elk Creek State Park is shown near Landenberg, Pa., Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. In Chester County, the new park will include 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) of Big Elk Creek, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay at Elk River. Officials say the creek was long used by indigenous people and was an area of considerable activity for the Underground Railroad. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Aired; April 7th, 2025.
Every Spring in Pennsylvania, the outdoors becomes the place for a hands-on event made specially for women: Women in the Wild. The event is hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources (DCNR) and invites women of all experience levels to explore new skills, boost their confidence in nature, and foster community with others who love the outdoors.
Mindy Wilt, an Environmental Education Specialist with DCNR, joined The Spark’s Asia Tabb to share more about the event’s origins, its purpose, and why it’s growing in popularity.
“It’s basically just a big field day for ladies,” Wilt explained. “It’s an all-day event. For a lot of the parks, they do a two-day event, but we’ve been doing a one-day version here. We offer four classes, include lunch, and try to mix up the topics every year—from kayaking to fossil hunting to nature photography.”
Women in the Wild originally began in the “wilds region” of northern Pennsylvania, with parks like Sinnemahoning and Black Moshannon leading the way. Since then, the idea has expanded. Parks like Kings Gap, Chapman, and others have launched their own versions, often adding year-round programming focused on women’s wellness, hikes, and even casual events like “Coffee with the Birds.”
One of the most significant aspects of the event is its role in encouraging women to step outside of their comfort zones.
“A lot of ladies just don’t get out the way sometimes men do,” Wilt said. “There tends to be a little bit of a lack of confidence in a lot of women. Events like this help them gain that confidence.”
A standout class this year is Wild and Fearless Solo Adventures, which focuses on empowering women to hike alone safely and confidently.
“She’s literally just going to be talking to the ladies about how to go hiking on your own—what to prepare, how to build up your confidence to do a multi-day hike on the Appalachian Trail or wherever you want to go,” Wilt explained.
Hands-on classes are the most in-demand, with wild edible plant and mushroom foraging and survival skills often the first to fill up. Cooking classes also draw interest, including campfire cooking and hook-to-cook, where participants learn to filet and cook fish—complete with a tasting session.
“Last year, someone even did breakfast in a paper bag over the fire. It was strange—but it worked!” Wilt laughed.
For Wilt, the feedback from participants is the most rewarding part.
“They email me afterward so excited, saying how much fun they had and how they feel more confident to try something on their own now. That’s what it’s all about—giving women that hands-on experience instead of just watching a YouTube video.”
Whether you’re a beginner curious about birdwatching or an experienced paddler looking to connect with fellow adventurers, Women in the Wild offers a rare space to grow, learn, and explore without pressure.
“It’s about getting out there and doing something you might not normally get a chance to do,” said Wilt.
