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Thursday, December 18 5:30–8:30pm Moss Bay Hall, Kirkland RSVP:   Eventbrite link Let’s gather before winter fully arrives. Free to attend — just RSVP so we can plan materials and seating. Food and drinks are buy-your-own, and a couple of the craft projects will have a small materials fee. Join us for a relaxed, come-as-you-are evening designed for outdoorsy women to connect, get creative, and some winter magic together. Whether you hike, ski, walk, paddle, climb, or simply love being outside in your own way, you’re welcome here. Crafting is optional. What’s Happening Simple Winter Crafts (all optional) See pics below We’re keeping things creative but easy — no mess, no pressure. • Woodburning Ornaments. Led by a Crystal Bailar, a talented pyrography artist. Make your own winter ornament. Tools and guidance provided. Nominal fee (tbd) • Watercolor Mini-Project with Anne Woodford. Anne is joining us with a simple, winter-themed watercolor activity. Perfect for beginners or anyone craving a little calm creativity. Nominal fee (tbd) • DIY Tote + Hat Press Station. We’ll have a small make-and-take station with the hat press and flat press — fun designs, easy process, something you can bring home. Partner Groups Come meet a few of our outdoor community partners — including Kula Cloth  — and discover new groups, clubs, and experiences for the coming season. Give Back: Coat + Gift Drive We’re collecting donations for Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission . If you’d like to contribute, please bring: warm coats Hand warmers Gloves, hats, (new) socks Toiletries, small gifts for women and families Totally optional — every bit helps. Event Vibes + What to Expect This night is all about connection, creativity, and winter energy. • Women-focused event; all ages welcome • Buy-your-own food + drinks (Moss Bay Hall’s menu is great) • Come solo or bring a friend — it’s easy to mingle • Craft stations are drop-in style; do one or do all • Cozy seating and plenty of space to chat About the Space Moss Bay Hall  is warm, inviting, and perfect for gatherings. There’s plenty of room for crafts, partner tables, and conversation. WiFi is solid, bathrooms are accessible, and parking is nearby. Free on the street and a paid lot behind the restaurant (Kirkland Marina) RSVP so we can prep supplies We want to make sure we have enough craft materials ready. RSVP:   Eventbrite link Can’t wait to kick off winter with you. — Andrea Women’s Outdoor Connection www.Mosstangle.com Wood Burning samples from Crystal. She will provide the tools, blank wood ornament. Designs TBD. Space for up to 12 to do this project. She also offers classes and will do a Woodburning Party. Our host- Moss Bay Hall We will use this area in the back. Very roomy. Entry on Central Way. Parking on Central Way and behind the building in Marina (paid) lot

October 25, 2025 Breakout Session Leader:   Mileva Huljev, Human Nature: a guided sensory experience Our connection with nature isn’t just emotional — it’s biological. Forest bathing  and mindful time outdoors engage every sense, lowering stress and boosting focus. Science keeps confirming what our hearts already know: we feel better when we spend time outside. Below you’ll find a list of recommended reading, research, and resources for continuing your connection with nature and understanding why  it feels so good. 🌿 Websites for the Curious ParksRx Prescription of Vitamin N(ature) 📚 Excellent Books The Nature Fix  — Florence Williams The New Science of Everyday Wonder  — Dacher Keltner A Natural History of the Senses  — Diane Ackerman The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs  — Tristan Gooley Braiding Sweetgrass  — Robin Wall Kimmerer The Secret Life of Trees  — Peter Wohlleben What a Plant Knows  — Daniel Chamovitz Intelligence in Nature  — Jeremy Narby The Nature Principle  — Richard Louv Your Brain on Nature  — E. Selhub The Overstory  — Richard Powers The Biophilia Effect  — Clemens G. Arvay Speaking with Nature  — Sandra Ingerman & Llynn Roberts The Songs of Trees  — David George Haskell The Secret Wisdom of Nature  — Peter Wohlleben Finding Sanctuary in Nature  — Jim Pathfinder Ewing The Research: attached is the 48 page PDF lit review of why Nature Therapy is legit: ) And here is some more to keep you reading during the longer nights ahead! 🧠 Research Highlights Here’s a small sample from the growing body of evidence showing how nature impacts our physiology, mood, and sense of belonging. Zhou, Meihui, et al. (2025). Nature Exposure and Subjective Well-Being: The Mediating Roles of Connectedness to Nature and Awe.   Sustainability 17(12):5406 Li, Q. et al. (2008). Visiting a Forest, but Not a City, Increases Human Natural Killer Activity and Expression of Anti-Cancer Proteins. LiH, Ding Y, Zhao B, Xu Y, Wei W. (2023). Effects of Immersion in a Simulated Natural Environment on Stress Reduction and Emotional Arousal.   Frontiers in Psychology Meredith GR, Rakow DA, et al. (2020). Minimum Time Dose in Nature to Positively Impact Mental Health.   Frontiers in Psychology White MP, Alcock I, et al. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing.   Scientific Reports 🌎 Different Environments, Different Benefits Arid Landscapes Nature and Wellbeing in the Arid Landscape  — Beery & Ode Sang (2019) A Qualitative Exploration of the Wilderness Experience as a Source of Spiritual Inspiration  — Fredrickson & Anderson (1999) Grasslands / Meadows Psychological Benefits of Greenspace Increase with Biodiversity  — Fuller et al. (2007) Nature and Mental Health: An Ecosystem Service Perspective  — Frumkin et al. (2020) Blue Spaces (Water Environments) Blue Mind  — Wallace J. Nichols (2014) Blue Space: The Importance of Water for Preference, Affect, and Restorative Experience  — White et al. (2010) Urban & Park Spaces Green Space, Urbanity, and Health  — Maas et al. (2006) Nature Walks as a Part of Urban Wellbeing  — Pasanen et al. (2020) Happy biophilia connections, Mileva Huljev Human Nature: a guided sensory experience https://www.forestbathingfinder.com/guide-profile/humannature/ humannatureimmersion@gmail.com 🌱 Biophilia  means our innate human tendency to seek connection with nature and other living things. The term, popularized by biologist E.O. Wilson  in 1984, helps explain why spending time outdoors restores calm, focus, and joy — reminding us we’re part of nature, not separate from it.

Your Strongest Season Yet: 5 Ways to Stay Strong, Capable & Wild After 50. October 25, 2025 Breakout Session Leader:  Heather Yancey (Scroll down for Heather's PDF) Strength is freedom. When we train for it, we stay wild and capable for decades to come! 1. Midlife is your STRENGTH SEASON Menopause shifts your physiology but that makes strength training more essential, not less. Strong muscles protect joints, bones and balance for hiking, paddling, skiing, climbing and everyday adventure. Strength is the new endurance. Cardio alone doesn’t keep us adventure ready- strength does. Stronger muscles = stronger bones, better balance and more confidence on uneven terrain. What to do? Focus on “adventure muscles” Glutes for hills and power Core for stability and posture Grip strength for trekking poles, kayaking or simply confidence You can’t have endurance without strength- your muscles are your engine! 2. TRAIN for terrain Strength + stability = few injuries and more confidence Focus on hips, glutes and core What to do? Depends on sport but some examples: Plyometrics for rocky trails Squats and lunges for climbing Eccentric and isometric exercises for descents 3. ALIGN for PERFORMANCE The missing link between strength and performance When joints are stacked properly (ankle-hip-shoulder-ear), energy flows efficiently, you move better and prevent injuries Postural imbalances steal strength and endurance What can you do? Stand with more weight on the heels, shoulders up-back-and down, pull chin in (think true north!) Or grab the free AlignSmart routine in the QR code. If your house is built on a crooked foundation, even the best furniture won’t sit right! 4. RECOVER like an ATHLETE Sleep, nutrition, hydration, and mobility are recovery keys Rebuild muscle and regulate cortisol with your sleep, hydration and protein intake What can you do? Build a “recovery toolkit”: walking, stretching, contrast showers, breathwork, and down-regulation techniques. Practice resting not just because you’re tired- you’re resting because you’re training for longevity. This is a MINDSET RESET. 5. MINDSET is a MUSCLE, TOO Your thoughts shape your performance more than your muscles do and confidence grows when you prove to yourself that you can do hard things. Try this: Reframe aging: “I’m not breaking down. I’m breaking through” Practice I AM statements Strength starts in the body, but it’s powered by belief. When you align your mindset … That's when you become UNSTOPPABLE! GRAB YOUR FREE LINKS HERE! 4 week Strength Training program 1 week AlignSmart routine Listen to The Badass Reset Club Podcast More from Heather HeatherYanceyFitness.com

October 25, 2025 Breakout Session Leader:   Meredith Eades, Co-owner of Rippin’ Chix Mindfulness isn’t something we do only when sitting still — it moves with us. Whether hiking, working, or navigating life’s transitions, the mindset we carry can shape every experience. This session explored simple but powerful ways to stay aware, grounded, and growing — even in motion. 1. Awareness Comes First Change starts with noticing. Becoming aware of your thoughts is the first step to shifting them. Meet those thoughts with kindness , not judgment. 2. Fear vs. Growth Fear is normal — it’s part of being human. The key question is: will fear stop  you or inform  you? Growth happens when we let fear teach us instead of limit us. 3. The Power of Reframing How we interpret challenges defines how we experience them. Instead of “This is hard and scary,” try “This is where I grow.” Ask better questions that empower you: Not “Is this the rest of my life?”  but “Is this the right path for me right now?” 4. Micro Practices that Ground You Mindset shifts don’t always come from big moments — they come from small, daily habits: Affirmations Meditation EFT tapping  (Brad Yates offers great free videos) Journaling Breathwork 5. Identity Is Everything The fastest way to shift is to ask yourself: “What would the version of me who already has this, or can do this, do right now?” Then act from that version of yourself. Identity shapes action, and action shapes outcomes. Keep in touch with Women's Outdoor Connection and with Meredith! RippinChix.com

We're hosting this again in January, 2026. Seattle and the Eastside. Watch here for details on dates and locations. Click to watch the collection of trailers ↓ WOMEN in WINTER SPORTS, MOUNTAINEERING, and STORYTELLING. About: No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF).  As the premier all-women + genderqueer adventure film festival, (NMLFF) has celebrated the full scope of athletes and adventurers by un-defining femininity in adventure, sport, conservation, and film since 2015.  All ages and genders are welcome. Tickets $15 and youth $10 Watch trailers from last year's Film Fest. 2025- TRAILER: Going Greenland Going Greenland  follows athletes Rachael Burks and Jessica Baker on a groundbreaking journey combining renewable energy and Arctic skiing, exploring the balance between chasing dreams and living sustainably in Greenland's remote wilderness. 2025- TRAILER: The Destiny of a Sherpa Woman This film follows Yangji's transformative journey from her impoverished Everest-region village to becoming a mountain guide, offering a profound exploration of the human connection to mountains. 2025- TRAILER: Earthside

From fitness and mindfulness to skiing, hiking, and climbing — discover ten sessions designed to help women reconnect with nature, community, and themselves. Lifestyle & Wellness Finding the Right Fit for the Outdoors Real talk on comfort, and performance — how to find outdoor clothing that fits your body and supports how you move. Andrea Kelly Over 50 in the Outdoors A motivating session on strength, confidence, and connection — staying active and finding friends who love adventure at every age. Heather Yancey Healing Stress Outdoors Learn how time in nature calms the nervous system and supports mental well-being through practical, everyday outdoor habits. Stephanie LaDuke . Mindfulness in Motion Simple, nature-based practices to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself through mindful movement. The Science of Being Outdoors Explore what research shows about how nature boosts focus, health, and creativity — and why we need it now more than ever. Mileva Huljev . Outdoor Activities Hiking Trail-ready advice on safety, preparation, and confidence for hikers of all levels. Thea Bruce, REI staff. Ski & Snowboarding Build confidence and flow on the snow with expert tips, mindset tools, and a dose of fun for every skill level. Susan Medville, Rippin Chix. Paddleboarding & Kayaking Find balance and ease on the water while exploring calm, confidence, and community in motion. Denice Rochelle, founder of The Bronze Chapter Yoga Gentle movement and breathwork to restore your energy and reconnect body and mind. Audrey Abshire, Deep Rooted Retreats Rock Climbing An inclusive introduction to climbing focused on strength, courage, and community — on and off the wall. Each session is a reminder that the outdoors isn’t just about where you go — it’s about who you meet and how you grow along the way. Come curious, leave energized, and ready for your next adventure. Breakout session 2024 - Skiing and Snowboarding

BIPOC Mountain Collective Activity: Skiing and Snowboarding BIPOC Mountain Collective is a Nonprofit Organization dedicated to creating a more inclusive outdoor community by providing resources, opportunities, and connections for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to get out to ski, snowboard & enjoy the outdoors! Their mission is to ensure that everyone feels welcome in outdoor spaces regardless of background. From hosting events to offering support , BIPOC Mountain Collective is paving the way for a more diverse and equitable outdoor experience. Learn more about their incredible work and how you can get involved.   Contact info: bmcsea@vibetribeadventures.org

Category: Partner A Higher Calling PNW was established after locating missing hiker Rachel Lakoduk on Hidden Lake Peak in 2021. Our organization is dedicated to supporting survivors of crime and addressing systemic oppression within the Washington Cascades region. We believe in honoring native land by removing the systems operating on it which perpetrate violence on marginalized communities.  We advocate for justice, healing, and reform, working closely with communities impacted by violence and discrimination. Through a combination of outreach, resources, policy work, and collaboration with local and national agencies, we aim to provide survivors with the tools they need to rebuild and empower themselves. At the same time, we are committed to challenging the structural inequalities that allow cycles of harm to persist, striving for a future where all individuals can thrive in safety and dignity both in the highlands and lowlands.  As a nonprofit, our leadership is made up of queer, disabled, and multiracial women. In 2021, we launched resources for the families of women who are missing and presumed dead in the Cascades. In 2023, we partnered with King County Sexual Assault Resource Center to offer Bystander Intervention Training to the community.  In 2024, we are asking Seattle-based outdoor organizations to adopt Anti-Harassment and Prohibited Behavior policies to ensure women are protected from sexual and domestic violence in the alpine.

Sturtevant's Activity: Ski, Snowboard, Tennis, and Wake Sports Sturtevant's is the premier destination for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, offering top-of-the-line gear and unmatched service. With a strong focus on winter sports, they provide a vast selection of skis, snowboards, and accessories to suit every skill level. Their knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping you find the perfect fit and gear for your snow adventures. Catering to tennis all year round and watersports in the summer, they can fill all your needs for outdoor adventures. Visit or shop online for all your winter gear needs. Sturtevant's in Bellevue: The latest equipment, apparel, year-round boot fitting for skiers and snowboarders, and tune center. Tennis department. Ski Mart in Bellevue: Rentals and discounted gear, apparel, accessories. Tune shop. Ski Mart in Tacoma: Rentals, current season and discounted gear, apparel, accessories. Tune shop. Boot fitting. Tennis stringing. Contact Info help@christysports.com

The Change Collective Activity: Ski and Snowboard Focused on breaking down barriers for BIPOC snowboarders and skiers, The Change Collective supports its members by sharing skills, knowledge, and experiences. By addressing the mental and emotional challenges that come with navigating an industry lacking diversity, they aim to reshape the snow sports world into a space of equity and opportunity for all. Their mission is to create an environment where everyone is valued and represented. Find out more. Contact Info: khai@rebelmednw.com

Surf Vamps Activity: Surf, Paddleboard Surf Vamps is a collective that celebrates women surfers of all body shapes, sizes, and skill levels. Whether you’re just learning to surf or a seasoned pro, Surf Vamps welcomes you to join a community of women who share a passion for the ocean. Their events and community foster confidence, inclusivity, and connection among women surfers. Surf Vamps is all about making waves and challenging yourself in a supportive environment. Learn more. Contact Direct Message on Instagram

SEASTR Activity: Sailing, Surf, Kayak and Paddle boarding Seastr PNW offers women a unique opportunity to build confidence and community through water-based adventures. Whether it’s learning to sail, surf, kayak, or paddleboard, Seastr’s events are created to help women challenge themselves in a fun and inclusive environment. With a focus on connection, personal growth, and celebrating the outdoors, Seastr PNW fosters a welcoming atmosphere where participants can explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest together. Ready to dive into adventure? Discover more about Seastr’s offerings Contact: info@seastrpnw.com