March 2026 Newsletter

Leadership Spotlight

Kathrene Damron – Arkansas Chapter President
Meet Kathy, our Arkansas Chapter President! She was was born in Alvin, TX, just south of Houston. My father died when I was 4 and my mom, brother, and I went to live with my grandmother in Bossier City, LA. I remember my mom taking us to my great Aunt’s farm one time when I was around 5 or 6 years old and we went fishing. We used to go to visit my other grandparents in east Texas. My grandfather took my brother and I for a walk in the woods one day. He was carrying a .22 rifle and let us shoot it one time. Other than that, that was all of the outdoors that I really had. I did have another man take me fishing a few times one summer when I was around 13 years old and fell in love with fishing. My mom, brother, and I ended up moving to Arkansas in 1986. The first time moving from big cities to the country. I have lived in the country ever since. In 1988, I borrowed a rifle from the landowner where we were living. I went out and sat in a deer stand of theirs. I got my first deer in November of 1988. He showed me how to clean and process that deer. I have been hunting ever since.

I don’t remember how I heard about ADC. I think it may have been a Facebook friend’s post. I cannot remember. I joined in 2018 and my first event was a turkey hunt and Dan and Jan’s at the Lodge at Circle J in northwest Missouri. I have been to several events and a couple of these events have been a first time for doing something…like catfish noodling. I had never done that before. Arkansas has had a few leaders before me. Well, the president position came open and I applied. I figured I could help new women in the outdoors who may be cautious or anxious about getting out into the outdoors. I love getting others involved in the outdoors, especially kids.

My favorite thing about ADC is the friendships that I have made over these last 6 years. Through many events, meeting ladies from all over the country for the first time, becoming fast friends and getting to enjoy more events with new and old friends.

If you are nervous about joining, about what others might think…you are not alone. Many other women have felt like you. We have women of all backgrounds and experience levels. We are all here to help each other.

Other things that I enjoy are being with my husband and doing things with him. We fish, hunt, ride motorcycles, and go on trips to different destinations. I enjoy my dog, 2 cats, chickens, and horses. Sometimes, we have a garden where we plant, squash, peppers, tomatoes, and okra.

Welcome to the TeamWelcome Kari & Emily to the ADC Leadership Team!

Chapter Highlights

Maryland Chapter
In February some of the Maryland gals attended the Sip n Shuck at the Annapolis Maritime Museum; an educational seminar about oysters in and around the Chesapeake Bay followed by oyster appetizers at a local brewery.

Kaitlin Rossignuolo hosted ice fishing on Deep Creek Lake and a hike to the frozen Swallow Falls and Sarah Stoneburner took two WV gals feral hog hunting in NC!

Michigan Chapter
Our MI Chapter hosted their 4th Annual Ladies on the Lake Class & Perch Derby alongside Women of the Woods & Water MI. The wind was brutal, the fish didn’t cooperate, but they had 38 women on the ice and it was an incredible day as always!

We want to give a HUGE shout out to our volunteers – from the ladies chasing down sponsors to our coordinators; they all put so much time & heart into this. Captain Larry for teaching Ice Safety, Ice Fishing Basics, & answering all the questions. The COOLEST Michigan DNR Conservation Officers who teach rules & regulations and spend time with our participants on the ice. (Side note – MI has a TON of Female CO’s & they are all incredible! I’m so blessed to call several of them friends!) And another shout out to our generous sponsors who make sure we can do this every year, and send our participants home with loads of goodies! Cassie Knauss – National Marketing Coordinator

Florida Chapter
Our Florida Chapter hosted a coed Valentine’s camping and small game weekend. Members and non members spent time connecting in nature, harvesting squirrels and new hunters enjoyed learning how to hunt small game and clean their harvests.

Northeast Chapter
In CT the ladies of the Northeast got together for a Galentines spread on February 15th where some of our chapter members enjoyed relaxing and talking for a few hours with some great food!

The Northeast Chapter ladies attended the Springfield Sportsman’s Show in Massachusetts where they were able to get more exposure out to the public for ADC. They have also selected our 5 scholarship winners for the GMCC Scholarship.

Pennsylvania Chapter
The PA chapter hosted a winter Waterfowl Workshop with NEPA Delta Waterfowl. We had 5 ADC members, 2 teens and 1 visitor attended. No geese were taken, though the ducks really liked our setup. Chastity – PA President

The chapter also hosted a Galentines Tea event hosted with Restore Abundant Health. The ladies enjoyed yummy snacks while learning about some wild plants and their holistic benefits that can be used to make a heart healthy tea. We then got to sample the tea and bring home some dried tea blend. We then made fire honey and learned the benefits of honey and all the spices that went into it! Lots of laughs and knowledge shared between all! Huge thank you to all the ladies who made it out! Kayla – PA Vice President

Virginia Chapter
Virginia has started a monthly hiking series for our chapter called Boots and Brews! The intention with this is to get current ADC members outside to meet each other and really just be more engaging. I am also using it as an opportunity to draw potentially new members to hike with us to meet the ladies and find out more about ADC. For February the ladies completed the Blue Ridge Tunnel with some beautiful winter weather!

No experience necessary. No cost to participate. I’m planning these hikes to be more “entry level” and easy so that we can accommodate all skill and fitness levels. I also plan to sprinkle in some conservative/education along the way – ex: trash pick up, bird watching, reviewing 10 essentials of hiking, shed hunting, ect. And of course we gather for fellowship afterwards at a coffee shop or brewery. Our March hike will be on Sunday, March 15th. Location and time TBD soon. Ciera and I are going to encourage ladies to be festive and wear green since it’s so close to St. Patrick’s day! Alexis Swift – VA Vice President

For more information about specific events please contact Chapter Leaders directly
See Event Details

CURRENT INITIATIVES

Pennsylvania

Help Us Empower the Next Generation of Outdoorswomen!

The American Daughters of Conservation – PA Chapter is on a mission to sponsor a young lady to attend the Beaver County Sportsmen’s Conservation Camp at Raccoon Creek State Park in Hookstown, PA, June 21-27—and we need your help!
Our Goal: Raise $250 to fully sponsor one aspiring outdoorswoman’s camp tuition!
Every donation, big or small, helps provide a life-changing opportunity for a young lady who shares a passion for the great outdoors.

Donate Now!

CURRENT FUNDRAISERS

FL RaffleADC Florida is excited to offer you the chance to win a private in-home wild game dinner or cooking class for up to six guests, hosted by Chef Rikki Folger of Wild & Foraged.
Chef Rikki is a wild game chef with a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and a background in high-end hospitality and wine. Her field-to-table approach highlights the connection between conservation and cuisine, creating unforgettable wild food experiences. After years in Colorado, she’s now bringing that passion right here to Florida.

Ticket Pricing:
• 1 ticket – $20
• 2 tickets – $30
• 3 tickets – $50
Drawing takes place March 29th

Winner must select a private location within a 4-hour travel radius of Vero Beach, FL

Get Tickets Now

PA BLANKET FUNDRAISER!
$30 Each including Shipping
Two styles offered

Order Now

The Northeast Chapter is hosting their first ever fundraising banquet as well as presenting a few member awards! We are going to have a lunch of smoked bbq as well as apps and dessert! Raffles, games, door prizes, cash bar, and auctions too!

WHEN? June 13th, 2026 starting at 12 pm EST
WHERE? Brookline, NH

The event will benefit:

Scholarships for high school students & girls attending Conservation Camp

Free & low-cost education opportunities for women and girls in the Northeast

The launch of our Northeast LOST (Ladies Outdoors Skills Training) program in 2027

Local conservation projects

If you are traveling from out of town and want to stay the night we also have a hotel local to the event (within 30 minutes) that has provided us a room discount code.

We plan to have a get together after the event concludes back at the hotel for our members & their guests.
PLEASE contact NE Chapter Leadership with any and all questions! Tickets are limited to 150, and we are sharing with ADC members ONLY (to be used for them and their families & friends) until January 1st, at that time any remaining tickets will be open for purchase by the general public.

Click here for Tickets Click here for Rooms

Gooseman Game Calls is a family owned and operated business bringing hand-made game calls that are built to last; backed by an industry leading game call guarantee warranty.
ADC Members receive exclusive 20% sponsor discount with code at https://www.goosemancalls.com/

Have photos, resources, messages, or details from your state that you want in the next newsletter?
Email me at NE.PR@adconserve.org !

FEBRUARY FUN