Along Alberta's Cowboy Trail, where native fescue prairie rises quickly into the foothills of the Rockies, spring flowers signal a special opportunity for women who love nature, mountains and the open prairie. Dames on the Range is a getaway with gumption!

A partnership of guest ranches, B&Bs, naturalists and local businesses offers outdoor adventure packages that include comfortable cowgirl/cowboy accommodations, wildflower hikes, wetland exploration, horseback riding and, of course, delicious country meals. Choose a single-day outing, a weekend package, or even a backcountry pack trip.

Dames on the Range offer several programs combining activities provided by a number of local businesses, all managed by women and each offering to guide visitors through the rural culture in southwest Alberta dedicated to the stewardship of self and the landscape.

Leave the city behind and experience accommodation at one of four different working cattle ranches. Find yourself in some of the oldest cattle country in Alberta, traditionally renowned for its hospitality, climate and scenery.

Take a horseback or wagon ride or go on interpretive hikes that show you how to identify flowers and plants that are both edible and medicinal. Ranch tours introduce the rangeland and wetland landscapes and the livestock and wildlife that enjoy these areas.

There will be plenty of time for relaxation with massage therapy, and an introduction to the health benefits of herbs. Or relish in the chance to finally take a nap or a chance to finish that book. Learn about native prairie landscaping while surrounded by these natural plant settings. Visit the historic town of Nanton to meet more Dames’ businesses. Meals, included in the packages, feature many locally grown products.

“I have known many Dames that are ladies, but not all ladies are Dames . . . they haven’t tested and tasted enough of life,” says “Ma” Dame, Debbie Webster. “The term “Dame” is one of respect and was used as a title to describe a woman awarded any of various orders of chivalry or merit by a sovereign or government . . . This is where we may have taken liberties, but we hope to proclaim these awards to all deserving women that visit us, grow through life’s journey’s and venture beyond their self-limiting boundaries!”

Dames on the Range welcome their city-sisters to share in a rare opportunity to test new skills with other novices and discover brave, new strengths in an authentic cowgirl culture. The next "Women's Weekend in the Country" will be offered in May 2010 and promises to be both challenging and rewarding. One-day packages are also available. Reservations will be accepted soon as space is limited.

Or bring your family and friends to the many other packages offered through the group - learning vacations, opportunities to relax and 'de-stress' or get busy hiking, riding or sharing in some ranching activities. Lots of chances to meet others out in the country!

For more information, visit us at www.damesontherange.ca

New! Visit the Dames on the Range on Facebook.

Some of the events planned for 2010 are:

May 28, 29 and 30:
• Women’s Weekend in the Country
There are many ways to exercise delight, embrace enchantment and tempt adventure. End each day with some campfire entertainment – cowgirl poetry and stories with a western twist! Come for a day or stay for the weekend!

SoulPower (Look In!) This relaxing program is filled with opportunities for a native wildflower garden workshop, guided interpretive hikes, a wagon ride, and a rejuvenating massage. Weekend starts at $650/person all-inclusive.
• May 29 or May 30 – Heart ‘n Sole! Day Sampler Packages from $110/day/person – a different schedule each day at both locations.

HorsePower (Look Out!) Getting busy outside featuring guided horseback rides across fescue rangeland, silversmith demonstration and a historic ranch tour.
Weekend starts at $755/person all-inclusive.
• May 29 or May 30 – Giddy?Yup! Day sampler packages from $199/day/person – itinerary varies each day.

Both packages include a generous amount of fresh mountain air, home-style meals prepared with local flair and a sprinkling of tradition. End each day with some campfire entertainment – cowgirl poetry and stories with a western twist! Weekend package accommodations are provided at working cattle ranches.

Extra nights and activities are available – customize your package!

To book your adventure:
SoulPower call Chimney Rock 403.646.0151 or Brown Creek Ranch 403.625.4032
HorsePower call 403.628.2431Sierra West Cabins and Ranch Vacations

Or just email us at contactus@damesontherange.ca

June 5:
• Range Beach Party
Interpretive creek walks in conjunction with Alberta Water Quality Awareness Day (www.awqa.com) to learn more about the headwaters of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. Representatives from ‘Cows and Fish’ and ‘Oldman Watershed Council’ will be in attendance. Visit the creeks and streams of SW Alberta, enjoy lunch along the banks while we learn about the importance of these water towers of the Eastern Slopes and find out what others discovered on their creeks at the Wrap-Up Dinner later in the day. $85/person. Register with Dame Debbie at 403.646.0151 or chimneyrockbandb@telus.net

June 6:
• Edible Plant Day
Traditional uses for our local native plants.
$89/person. Register with Dame Julie www.full-circle-adventures.com

June 13:
• Herbal Tea Day
Learn more about the native herbs while hiking through the region and enjoy a hearty picnic lunch outside. Afternoon is back in Nanton at Herbal Healing for a workshop to make your own personal blend of herbal tea.
$119/person. Register with Dame Julie www.full-circle-adventures.com

June 13:
• Gardening with Native Wildflowers
Get to know Alberta wildflowers with Dame Arden of Wild About Flowers and learn how you can incorporate them into your landscape. Enjoy a colorful slide show and interactive discussion in the morning, drive the scenic Cowboy Trail south to join Dame Heidi of Alberta Parks and after lunch, explore a fescue grassland with the wildflowers in full bloom at Beauvais Lake Provincial Park. Native wildflowers will be available for sale as seeds or plants at a 15% discount for workshop participants. A “Dames 200 km” lunch is provided followed by a wind-down dinner around the campfire at Chimney Rock Bed & Breakfast!
$139/person – All-inclusive hike, workshop and meals
$239/person - All-inclusive with overnight B&B accommodation
Register with Dame Arden, 403.933.3903 or info@wildaboutflowers.com

July 18:
• Wildflowers of the Whaleback
Partake in the splendor of our native wildflowers during their peek bloom period. This hiking workshop will focus on finding and identifying as many native Alberta wildflowers as possible. Join Dame Arden of Wild About Flowers and Dame Heidi of Alberta Parks on this spectacular day hike into Bob Creek Wildland culminating with a ridge walk of indescribable beauty. A “Dames 200 km” lunch is provided! A horse drawn wagon ride will make the trip back easy. We will finish the day with a 200 km dinner around the campfire at Chimney Rock where Ma Dame Debbie is guaranteed to provide excellent food and folk stories.
$179/person/day features a wagon ride with hike, workshop and meals. Views are free!
Register with Dame Arden, 403.933.3903 or info@wildaboutflowers.com

August 14, 15, 16 and 17:
• Partnership Enrichment Tour
Outdoor activities to connect people, sky and land to coincide with the Perseids Meteor Showers. Contact any of our Accommodation Specialists to arrange for the best seat in the west!

August 21:
• Serious Seed Collection & Edible, Medical Plant Workshop
Join Dame Arden of Wild About Flowers and Dame Julie of Full Circle Adventures for a unique day of native plant exploration. Learn about the history and uses of our native plants and how you can incorporate them into your life and landscape. This workshop includes a colorful slideshow and interactive discussion followed by a hike in the afternoon where we will identify, discuss and collect seed from many different species of native plants. A 200 km Dames lunch is provided. We will wrap up the day with a 200 km Dames Dinner and local history with Ma Dame around the campfire at Chimney Rock Bed & Breakfast where accommodations (and Tall Tony Tales) are also available.
$139/person – All inclusive Interpretive Hike, workshop and meals.
$239/person – All-inclusive hike, workshop, meals and B&B overnight accommodation.
Register with Dame Arden, 403.933.3903 or info@wildaboutflowers.com

September 18:
• The Fall Landscape
Enjoy the autumn landscape and learn about the fall features of our native wildflowers, trees and shrubs. Dame Arden of Wild About Flowers will focus on fall foliage color, berries and interesting seed heads with a slide show and interactive discussion on incorporating native plants into your garden to enhance your fall landscape. Dame Heidi from Alberta Parks will lead a 3 hour hike in the afternoon along a fantastic ridge in Bob Creek Wildland. You will walk along limber pine lined sandstone outcrops, crunch through fall leaves of the aspen and with some luck spot migrating eagles and kestrels amidst the crisp blue skies and fall colors. A wonderful day for Autumn lovers! A “Dames 200 km” lunch is provided. We will end the day with a 200 km Dames Dinner and local history with Ma Dame around the campfire at Chimney Rock Bed & Breakfast where accommodations (and Tall Tony Tales) are also available.
$125/person – Fall Features Workshop, Interpretive Hike and meals
$225/person – All-inclusive day plus overnight B&B accommodation
Register with Dame Arden, 403.933.3903 or info@wildaboutflowers.com

Our vision for Dames on the Range is to create a unified and sustainable rural district, supportive of each others' ventures to enhance their agricultural income through diversification that will complement the agricultural community and actively involve our guests with educational opportunities creating a better understanding and appreciation of the issues concerning the production of food supplies and management of this environment.

Meet the Dames:

Shawna Bird, Nanton - Cowboy Country Western Store (403-646-3133 or www.cowboystuf.com )
• Western wear, tack and furnishings

Elizabeth Dixon, Nanton – Herbal Healing Inc (403-646-2930 or info@herbalhealinginc.com or www.herbalhealinginc.com )
• Certified organic herbal tea blends and a line of all natural body care products
• Facilitator for herbal tea or soap workshops

Praba Dodds, near Chain Lakes – Taste of Country Cookhouse (403-646-3048 or thvlyfrm@telusplanet.net)
• Thursday night Rancher’s Supper Special and Friday night Campers Supper Special
• Traditional concession cookhouse – features home-style fries, choose from many flavours of ice cream

Ginny Donahue, near Oldman River - Sierra West Cabins and Ranch Vacations (403-628-2431 or info@sierrawestcabins.com or www.sierrawestcabins.com )
• Self-catered log cabins with all amenities
• Arena for riding plus trail riding, cattle work and other cowboy events
• Explore SW Alberta and Canadian Rockies from this location

Heidi Eijgel, near Crowsnest – Alberta Parks (403-627-1152 or Heidi.Eijgel@gov.ab.ca or www.albertaparks.ca )
• Outdoor Education, Heritage Appreciation Specialist
• ½ and full day Interpretive Tours (hiking or riding) along the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies

Terri Fisher, Millarville – Connections (403-931-3389 or connections@platinum.ca or www.equine-connections.com)
• Personal & Professional Development Coach
• Equine Experiential Learning Facilitator

Shaunere Lane, in Porcupine Hills – Brown Creek Ranch Vacations (403-625-4032 or shaunere@telus.net or www.browncreekranch.com)
• Accommodation in cabin or B&B
• Location for hiking, touring and other activities
• Provincially and Nationally recognized for ranch stewardship efforts

Judy Lucas, in Porcupine Hills – Lucasia Ranch Vacations (403-625-2295 or 1-877-477-2624 or www.lucasiaranch.com )
• Accommodation in self-contained cabin
• Horseback riding through the Porcupine Hills including some cattle work
• Ranch stewardship tour “Sharing our Western Heritage”

Pam M, Longview - Wow and Then (403-558-0029 or 403-922-6888 or info@wowandthen.ca or check out the blog at www.wowandthen.blogspot.com)
- An eclectic country shop! Browse our collection of vintage treasures, artisan works, home decor and nostalgic gifts. Open weekends.

Kelly McRae, Pincher Creek – McRae Silversmith (kelly@mcraesilver.com or www.mcraesilver.com)
• Western Silversmith, local artisan – custom jewellery, buckles, saddle, tack

Arden Nering, Turner Valley - Wild About Flowers (403-933-3903 or www.wildaboutflowers.com )
• Authentic native Alberta wildflowers and grasses, available as plants or seed

Joyce Pallister, High River - “Laugh Lines” (403-652-5643 or hankjoy@telusplanet.net)
• Cowboy Poetry and Christian Comedian - "Minnie Pearl" Impersonator for entertainment at family and community events.
• Book Author/Editor of "Smoke from the Branding Fire/ Hank Pallister's Tales" - early ranch history of the region’s ranches and people.

Deb Pigeon, Longview - Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (403-395-3044 or http://www.pc.gc.ca/baru)
• History Comes Alive at the Bar U… Walk or ride a horse drawn wagon down to the ranch headquarters and tour our historic buildings while learning about the role the Bar U played in shaping the Canadian west.

Audi Roy, Classic Rodeo - Nanton (403-646-2222 or www.classicrodeodrive.com or classicrodeo@gmail.com)
* Retail store offers ladies fashions, newest western wear, giftware, home decor, jewelry. Reiki and massage services in-store. Join email list for sales and promotions.

Janet Sippola, Western Artist - Nanton (403-646-2151 or www.janetsippola.com)
* Offers original western art for sale - oil on canvas, greeting cards, cowboy poetry, limited edition prints. Janet's style shows through her experiences on the range . . . real ranch life, born and raised, and eager to showcase these scenes through her artwork.

Julie Walker, Turner Valley – Full Circle Adventures (1-866-933-4432 or fullojw@hotmail.com or www.full-circle-adventures.com)
• Facilitator for hiking, plant ID, heritage plant awareness

Debbie Webster, S of Chain Lakes – Chimney Rock Bed and Breakfast (403-646-0151 or chimneyrockbandb@telus.net)
• B&B Accommodation, tepee on working cattle ranch
• Location for hiking, range/riparian workshops or simple relaxation

Jennifer White, Stavely area – Oxley Ranche Tours (403-549-2457 or jenwhi@telus.net)
• Wagon rides and horseback rides with environmental focus

Jo-Anne Wilson, Nanton, Herbal Healing Inc, (403-646-2930 or herbalhealing@shaw.ca or www.herbalhealinginc.com)
• Certified organic herbal tea blends and a line of all natural body care products
• Facilitator for herbal tea or soap workshops



Our mission is to invite you to join us in the country: immerse you in the culture of this special place; promote the preservation of our values; honour our heritage and share our unique perspective of these features:

Landscape Awareness: Ranch stewardship; regional eco-systems; effects of riparian and watershed environmental impacts. “Sustainable range provides nutritious forage for livestock and wildlife, has aesthetically pleasing scenery and is environmentally sound; all healthy by-products of responsible stewardship.”
Western Lifestyle: Identify plants, flowers, birds and wildlife; enhance your horsemanship skills; learn from the local ranch-hands about “chores” and the significance of their seasonal routines; how traditional cattle outfits are updating their operations by merging science with practical methods.
Rural Appreciation: Learn what makes country-living unique; about the challenges and issues of a modern cowboy. Become acquainted with the time-honoured foundations and origins of a small community. Experience how we work and play, how to relax and what we do for stress relief . . . country-style!

“Not your Momma’s Social Club” is an opportunity to belong to a group with similar interests and receive exclusive notifications of the Dames’ programs and packages offered. Members will get advance invitations to the unique activities offered by the Dames on the Range. Register at jointheclub@damesontherange.ca or contact any of the Dames.


Dames on the Range was established to cross-promote and support our economic community through Tourism-Accommodations, Activities; Agriculture-Range/Riparian Assessments, Livestock and Wildlife; Environment-Watersheds/Headwaters, Range/Riparian Impacts; Mental Health-Relaxation, Personal Development, Meditation; Physical Health-Message Therapy, Exercise; Academia-Education, Awareness of the issues affecting our livelihood and lifestyle.

Moderate

Adults and families prepared to explore the western lifestyle - age restrictions for horseback riding

No special skills are necessary. Test new strengths and share new experiences with other novices.

Please note: the walking is fairly easy, with some off trail sections, and a steep stretch that will be taken slowly with stops to enjoy the view. Folks should wear good hiking boots (ankle support), wool socks, non cotton clothing (cotton soaks up the rain, other materials dry quickly), a good rain coat and extra sweater, wool hat and a sun hat - depending on the weather! Bring binoculars, camera, notepad and pen, sunscreen, drinking water and a snack in a small backpack. Submitted by Dame Heidi Eijgel, Alberta Parks.

July 10, 2010

July 18, 2010

July 21, 2010

August 14, 2010 - August 17, 2010

August 21, 2010

September 18, 2010

Costs for each program are identified with each description. Single day get-away packages, to weekend experiences or longer.