Butterfly Report — September 2021

Paddling, Playing, and Planning for More

I’ve been paddling and exploring new places to lead groups, and I’ve found some neat spots all ages can enjoy! Next month I’ll be leading our Young Naturalists group and the Women Outdoors group in paddling trips, and we have “fairy fun” for our Wander Tots as well. Check out our upcoming events and signup for adventure!

Did you know we have social groups where you can meet other women and families who love the outdoors? Check out Young Naturalists, Wander Tots and Women Outdoors and join our groups on Facebook. Registration is open for events in all three groups!


Work with Us!

In our last newsletter I mentioned we’d have Job Openings coming this fall. We are excited to offer a Social Media Internship to assist us with managing our social accounts, organizing virtual content, and marketing events. We also hope to train and hire multiple Outdoor Guides to expand the areas we are able to lead Women Outdoors activities within Alabama, as well as to assist us in programs we are leading. A special newsletter will be released in mid-September with full job descriptions and information on how to apply. A brief overview of preferred candidates for each position is outlined below:

Social Media Internship

Butterfly Outdoors is found on several social media platforms, and we produce content, market events, and organize groups through these platforms. We are seeking a college student majoring in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field. Students who apply should be in their final two years of coursework toward a Bachelor’s degree in one of these fields, and they will need to provide a resume along with at least one reference letter from a professor in their major of study.

A scholarship toward coursework and a monthly stipend will be provided for satisfactory work. Opportunities for professional development, networking, and references are also available.

Get to know our platforms

Outdoor Guide

Butterfly Outdoors leads guided hikes, paddling tours, and overnight trips in north Alabama, but we want to provide Women Outdoors experiences statewide. We are seeking experienced women outdoors to lead other women on guided hikes and outdoor activities throughout Alabama. We also welcome applicants interested in learning wilderness skills, and willing to train under experienced guides. Applicants should be in good physical health, and willing to work in natural settings year round despite hot, cold, rainy, or otherwise undesirable conditions. Applicants should also be willing and able to travel within their region of the state, and open to assisting with trips to other regions occasionally. Guides will be expected to attain CPR/First-Aid and/or Wilderness First Aid prior to paid work, but assistance with training costs is available.

We have multiple positions available for Outdoor Guides. However, it should be understood that this is contract based work.

Be on the look out for our special newsletter with full job descriptions and how to apply.


Our May anniversary hike of Section 5 is up now! We had a great time sharing the trail with 120 plus runners from the Make-A-Wish, Trailblaze Challenge. Check out this trip, and stay tuned for my finial spring trip coming soon! Please be sure to like and subscribe to the linked video and YouTube channel to stay posted on the next section of my travels.

Local blogger, outdoor enthusiast, and founder of Black Adventure Crew, Zenovia B. Stephens, shares her family’s trip to Scottsboro. This short, fun read has definitely added some sights to my next trip!


Barriers to the Outdoors

Butterfly Outdoors is working to make the outdoors more welcoming and accessible to all users, but we need your help. Please support us in our gear drive, contribute to our scholarship fund, and search for ways you can make the #outdoorsforall and #diversifyoutdoors. Another great way to aid this effort is joining communities like Accessible Alabama, and Outdoor Afro, and by donating to local groups such as Black Kids Adventure, Inc.


Support Scholarships

Our scholarship program helps us provide services to underserved members of our community, and we appreciate assistance expanding this program in 2021.

***Butterfly Outdoors is an LLC not a 501(c)3.  We appreciate your support, and pledge to utilize donations toward free services and scholarships.  However, please understand your donation is not tax deductible.  PLEASE INCLUDE “DONATION” IN THE COMMENTS OR DESCRIPTION OF YOUR PAYMENT TO ENSURE YOUR FUNDS ARE PROPERLY ALLOCATED.***

Thanks for Your Support

Buy Me A Coffee

CREATIVITY TAKES FUEL, and coffee is our preferred power source!!! If you enjoy our content then click the image below to fuel our next story by buying us a coffee! ☕️

Butterfly Report — August 2021

Enjoy the Memories, Plan for the Future, Live Now

Summer paddling and creek play Wander sessions have been fun, and we have more of both coming soon!!! Check out our Upcoming Events to learn about how to join Women Outdoors’ and Wander Tots’ activities this month.

Registration is open for events in Women Outdoors and Wander Tots.


We are also making plans for fall, and we have big plans for Butterfly Outdoors and our groups moving forward. Over the past year our following has been growing, and in recent months the hunger for outdoor experiences has grown beyond what Blaire and I can provide alone. I’m making plans to extend our services through partnerships, member training opportunities, and new team members!

More information on Job Openings will be available in our next newsletter.


Section 4 of the Pinhoti Trail is now posted on our YouTube channel. I hiked this section with my sister in spring, and it was truly beautiful! Please be sure to like and subscribe to the linked video and YouTube channel to stay posted on the next section of my travels.

We also love hearing about your discoveries so please share them with us on social media, and leave reviews or recommendations if we’ve already helped you discover a new way to EXPLORE~LEARN~PLAY outdoors.

Connect with us here

“Accept the Land Trust #HugaTreeLT Challenge and start exploring amazing local spaces!”

This challenge features 9 different trees, at 9 different green spaces across Madison County. Each month offers guided hikes to these locations, and you can search for them independently anytime! Click the image to learn more, and start exploring the Land Trust today.


Help us break down barriers to the outdoors

We are still working to offer more opportunities to beginners, underserved communities, and essential workers. We believe time outdoors is a valuable stress reliever and hobby that should be a right, not a privilege. You can help us break down barriers such as lack of funds, lack of gear, and lack of opportunities.

If you have gear you no longer need, or funds to donate to this cause please email ButterflyOutdoors@gmail.com. Need gear? Let us know, and we’ll help however we can!

We are still accepting donations for scholarships and creative content. Read on to learn how you can participate, or contact us to discuss how we can help break down barriers you may face.


Support Scholarships

Our scholarship program helps us provide services to underserved members of our community, and we appreciate assistance expanding this program in 2021.

***Butterfly Outdoors is an LLC not a 501(c)3.  We appreciate your support, and pledge to utilize donations toward free services and scholarships.  However, please understand your donation is not tax deductible.  PLEASE INCLUDE “DONATION” IN THE COMMENTS OR DESCRIPTION OF YOUR PAYMENT TO ENSURE YOUR FUNDS ARE PROPERLY ALLOCATED.***


Thanks for Your Support

Thanks to everyone who has supported us during these challenging times, and if you find value in our content and share in our commitment to help others EXPLORE~LEARN~PLAY outdoors please consider contributing to our efforts or contacting us at ButterflyOutdoors@gmail.com to discover how you can get involved.

Buy Me A Coffee

CREATIVITY TAKES FUEL, and coffee is our preferred power source!!! If you enjoy our content then click the image below to fuel our next story by buying us a coffee! ☕️