At Colorado Wildlife Federation, we believe conservation happens when people connect with nature. Our programs create meaningful opportunities for Coloradans to learn, explore, and become stewards of our state’s incredible wildlife and habitats.
Discover your outdoor potential with Colorado’s premier skills-building program for women.
For over a decade, our Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program (BOW) has empowered thousands of Colorado women to step confidently into the outdoors. Even if you’ve never held a fishing rod or pitched a tent, BOW welcomes you exactly where you are.
What Makes BOW Special?
- No experience required – Our expert instructors meet you at your skill level
- Comprehensive skills training in hunting, fishing, archery, camping, and outdoor safety
- Small group instruction ensures personalized attention and support
- Colorado-specific focus tailored to our unique landscapes and wildlife
- Proven results – 95% of participants report feeling confident to pursue outdoor activities independently
Our evaluations consistently show that women who attend BOW transform from outdoor newcomers to active participants in both hunting and wildlife watching, creating lifelong connections to Colorado’s natural heritage.
Ready to begin your outdoor journey?
Breaking barriers and building pathways to outdoor experiences.
We recognize that not everyone has equal access to outdoor opportunities. Bridges to BOW removes financial and cultural barriers that prevent women from diverse, underrepresented, BIPOC, and underserved communities from experiencing the transformative power of outdoor education.
What B2B Provides
- Scholarship opportunities for program registration
- Mentorship and community support
- Culturally responsive programming that honors diverse perspectives
- Transportation assistance when needed
- Equipment loans and outdoor gear resources
Through B2B, we’re building a more inclusive outdoor community where every Colorado woman can discover her place in nature, regardless of background or economic circumstances.
Learn more about our commitment to inclusive conservation.
Transform your backyard into a haven for Colorado’s native species.
Every garden has the potential to support wildlife. Through our Garden for Wildlife program, you’ll learn how small changes in your outdoor space can create big impacts for local birds, pollinators, and wildlife.
Why Native Plants Matter
When you plant native species, you’re doing more than beautifying your landscape, you’re:
- Supporting biodiversity by providing food and habitat for native wildlife
- Creating pollinator corridors that help bees, butterflies, and other essential insects thrive
- Reducing maintenance since native plants are adapted to Colorado’s climate
- Saving money on water, fertilizers, and pesticides while supporting sustainable gardening
Garden for Wildlife Essentials
- Food sources – Native plants that provide seeds, berries, and nectar
- Water features – From bird baths to rain gardens
- Shelter and cover – Shrubs and trees for nesting and protection
- Nesting sites – Safe places for wildlife to raise their young
- Sustainable practices – Chemical-free gardening that protects the ecosystem
Ready to make a difference in your own backyard?
Our programs are more than educational opportunities – they’re gateways to becoming an active participant in Colorado’s conservation future. When you join a CWF program, you’re connecting with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to protecting wildlife and wild places for generations to come.
Questions about our programs? Contact us at programs@coloradowildlife.org or call (303) 987-0400.