AUGUSTA – The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” program has scheduled the first two of many outdoor programs for 2005. Workshops are aimed primarily at women 18 years and older who are interested in learning new or honing existing outdoor skills.

For women who want to become more comfortable in Maine’s cold weather woodlands, the winter skills workshop will provide instruction and field practice in several wintertime essential skills.

The two-day workshop will be held from 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at Southern Maine Guide Service in Parsonsfield. Activities will include using, selecting and maintaining snowshoes; building snow shelters; learning wilderness first aid; using a map and compass; cooking over an open fire; and planning food and menus for and organizing winter trips. The $150 fee includes instruction, meals and equipment.

A one-day snowmobile certification workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, in Holden. The workshop is aimed at beginners and includes a snowmobile safety course certification, plus hands-on snowmobile operation experience.

Classroom time in the morning will cover proper operation and safety, laws, emergencies, basic map and compass, self-help first aid and conservation/landowner ethics.

After lunch, participants will head out to a nearby course to practice their skills on snowmobiles. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Holden Snowmobile Club. The $25 fee includes instruction and snacks.

For more information, contact Emily Jones at 287-8069, [email protected] or check out the department Web site at www.mefishwildlife.com.