Join Friends of the Water Trails's Program Today!

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The whole idea of constructing your own fly is to create something that resembles a food source for the fish you are trying to catch. Making your own flies for fishing imight seem like a difficult task, and that is where we step in to mentor. We provide kits with furs, feathers, silks and hooks and guide you on what and what not to do. Instructions will take place in classrooms and outdoor settings, weather permitting. 

We'll help you understand maps by teaching you how to read contour lines, landmarks and other map features. We'll also be using learning about compasses and magnetic variation (declination), and help you make sense of it all.  Learn to triangulate your position and plan a route. Maps and compasses will be provided.  Instructions will take place in classrooms and outdoor settings, weather permitting. 

Begin to shoot with a nature eye that draws attention into a vibrant and stimulating photograph. You'll learn to see beyond your primary subject so that everything in the frame improves the image. Photographers of all levels are encouraged to attend. Instructions will take place in classrooms and outdoor settings, weather permitting. 

There are many ways to make a string for a traditional bow. Our goal is to create a string that is lightweight, but strong. We will work together to create home strings for traditional archery and practice using them in for accuracy. Instructions will take place in classrooms and outdoor settings, weather permitting. 

Join us for this hands-on introduction to tent camping. In this workshop you'll practice setting up tents, get help selecting the best gear for you, and get practical experience to help you camp. No experience necessary. All gear will be provided. Instructions will take place in classrooms and outdoor settings, weather permitting. 

Prepare for the outdoors in this hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine. Enjoy outdoor activities or recreation opportunities with confidence in your ability to provide first aid when enjoying outdoor activities.   Instructions will take place in classrooms and outdoor settings, weather permitting.  

Experienced staff will allow you to get comfortable in a kayak and teach you basic kayak paddle strokes, safety, and rescue techniques in the comfortable and controlled environment. Gain confidence and skills needed to come outdoors and paddle with groups. Instructions will take place in classrooms and outdoor settings, weather permitting.

Inviting birds into your garden is a great way to observe and learn about bird behavior, courtship, and nesting. Using a prepared kit, have fun building a birdhouse to take with you and hang. Learn which birds in the area use birdhouses, different box shapes, sizes, placement, cleaning, and also habitat tips. All materials included. Instructions will take place in classrooms and outdoor settings, weather permitting.

Gardening is a hobby that gives back in the sense that after you put in the work of giving it a stable home to grow, you get nourished by being able to enjoy it! Gardens can come in many shapes and sizes and are highly customizable based on what produce you enjoy growing and sharing. All materials included. Instructions will take place in classrooms and outdoor settings, weather permitting.