Wisconsin Outdoor Women

Wisconsin Outdoor Women was a volunteer-run organization that brought women together for outdoor recreation, social activities, education, and adventure. Founded in June 1983, the organization was created by a group of women who wanted to provide the women’s community with opportunities to share their love of nature, develop outdoor skills, and build friendships through outdoor activities. One of the organization's leaders was Carolyn Ruck, a Milwaukee psychotherapist and lesbian organizer.

The organization described its mission as creating “an organized way to share in their love of nature, respect for Mother Earth, outdoor skills and spirit of adventure and fun.”

Wisconsin Outdoor Women members participated in hundreds of day trips and weekend excursions. Activities ranged from hiking and nature outings to high-adventure pursuits such as rock climbing, providing women with opportunities to develop outdoor skills while connecting with a broader community.

Over the next decade, Wisconsin Outdoor Women organized a wide range of activities, from nature hikes and camping trips to more challenging outdoor adventures. By its 10th anniversary in June 1993, the organization had grown to approximately 80 to 90 members. Most were from the Milwaukee area, although membership also included women from other parts of Wisconsin and Illinois.

The Cream City Foundation awarded the organization a programming support grant in 1993.  However, there's no record of Wisconsin Outdoor Women in any LGBTQ media after 1993.

We welcome any available information about this organization.