Outdoor Foundation

“Today marks a pivotal moment for our nation’s outdoor legacy and path towards equitable access to nature and outdoor recreation. With the Senate’s passage of the EXPLORE Act, we are not only opening trails, we’re opening doors to endless adventures and opportunities for all Americans. This bipartisan achievement reflects our collective commitment to preserving our natural wonders and ensuring every individual has the chance to connect with the great outdoors. The Outdoor Foundation celebrates this milestone as we continue to champion an outdoors for all where we all thrive outside,” said Lesford H. Duncan, MPH, Executive Director, Outdoor Foundation.

“Gratitude abounds, and this week, we’d like to acknowledge and thank our incredible board of directors for their service to the Outdoor Foundation. Our board members volunteer their time, talents, and resources, and their leadership, expertise, and commitment are vital to our continued success in making outdoor experiences accessible to all. Thank you for your passion and for the profound impact you’ve made in shaping a healthier, more inclusive outdoor community.” – Lesford H. Duncan, MPH, Outdoor Foundation Executive Director Board Members include: • Amy Dominguez-Arms, Chair, Philanthropic and Nonprofit Consultant • Jennifer Mull Neuhaus, Past Chair, Former CEO, Backwoods • Hilary Hartley, Treasurer – Secretary, President, Thule Group • Jennifer Boldry, Director, Applied Innovation Leader, NAXION • Danica Carey, Director, Director of Marketing Operations, Seirus Innovation • Bill Neff, Director, Vice President of Marketing – YETI • Joseph Pellegrini, Director, Managing Director, R.W. Baird & Co • Nate Simmons, Director, Co-CEO, Backbone Media #Thankyou #ThriveOutside #outdoorindustry

This #GivingTuesday, we're reflecting on the power of the outdoors to connect, heal, and inspire. Every step, every hike, every moment spent outdoors makes a difference—and so does your support. 💚 With your help, we can continue to expand access to outdoor experiences, break down barriers, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of background or ability. Donate today and join us in creating a more inclusive, healthier outdoor community for all. https://bit.ly/3UiqyMa #GivingTuesday #ThriveOutside #OutdoorsForAll #OutdoorFoundation #GiveBack

Today, we're joining REI to #optoutside and spend time out in nature. Together, we can collectively increase equitable access to the outdoors, and grow a future generation of diverse outdoor enthusiasts and environmental leaders. #community #outdoorindustry

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month this November, the Outdoor Foundation is highlighting the outstanding efforts of Indigenous organizations in the outdoors: 🌱 Native Outdoors is in the business of empowering Indigenous communities for a more sustainable world. 🌱 Native Women’s Wilderness aims to inspire and raise the voices of Native Women in the Outdoor Realm. Ultimately, encouraging a healthy lifestyle within the Wilderness. 🌱 For over 30 years, Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) has promoted equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities. 🌱 Native Like Water (NLW) prepares and reintegrates teens and young adults into ocean recreation, conservation, wellness, and inter-generational cultural self exploration. Their program focuses on an indigenous sacred relationship to water. All of these organizations are engaging their children, youth, families, and communities with the transformative power of the outdoors! #NationalNativeAmericanHeritageMonth #Community #ThriveOutside

In this season of gratitude, the Outdoor Foundation extends a deep THANK YOU to our incredible funders. These supporters have helped to power the Thrive Outside initiative making it possible for us and our community partners to connect more children and families to the transformative power of the outdoors. Together, we're creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to explore, build community, and THRIVE outside. Thank you for being part of this vital journey! Leadership Partners: Amazon, Capital One, Carhartt, L.L.Bean, Patagonia, REI, Thule Group, VF Corporation, Winnebago, Wolverine Worldwide, YETI, Richard King Mellon Foundation Community Supporters: Baird, BioLite, Hydro Flask, Nalgene, The North Face, Timberland #thankyou #partners #funders #thriveoutside #community #outdoorindustry

Yesterday, our Executive Director, Lesford H. Duncan, MPH, joined other outdoor leaders for ORR's Together Outdoors discussion on equitable grantmaking for outdoor recreation. We're proud to collaborate with other organizations and leaders fostering inclusion in outdoor spaces. Watch the webinar below:

We're excited to welcome Nate Simmons, Co-CEO of Backbone Media, to the Outdoor Foundation Board of Directors “The Outdoor Foundation is excited to welcome our newest board member, Nate Simmons. As a leader in the outdoor industry through Backbone, Nate brings a wealth of expertise in marketing and public relations. We look forward to his insights and leadership as we expand our storytelling efforts around outdoor recreation and inspire more people to connect with the great outdoors.” - Lesford H. Duncan, MPH, OF Executive Director “We’re thrilled to welcome Nate Simmons to the Outdoor Foundation Board. Nate’s strong networks and experience across the outdoor industry will be great assets as we engage new partners in helping connect more children and youth to the outdoors.” - Amy Dominguez-Arms, OF Board Chair #board #welcome #community #outdoorindustry

"When people see others like themselves active in the outdoors, it creates a sense of belonging for all." – Amy Dominguez-Arms As the Chair of the Outdoor Foundation Board of Directors, Amy Dominguez-Arms emphasizes the critical importance of Hispanic leadership in outdoor spaces. Citing the Outdoor Participation Report, she highlights how representation is key to fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging for Latinos and other people of color in the outdoors. By seeing others like themselves biking, hiking, or climbing, communities feel empowered to embrace nature in new ways. 🌱 Want to learn more about Amy's inspiring journey and vision for the future of outdoor equity? Read the full interview on our blog here: https://bit.ly/3B2OjE6 #community #outdoors #recreation #ThriveOutside

"If my children at a young age were not exposed to 'green' areas, why would they later want to pursue a career focused on nature or care for our environment?" – Gabriela Monge-Escalante In this insightful interview, Gabriela Monge-Escalante of Boulder Thrive Outside shares why Hispanic leadership is crucial in the outdoor space. She emphasizes that fostering inclusivity today is key to ensuring that future Latino generations can enjoy and protect nature. Gabriela’s personal journey to the outdoors began during the pandemic when she realized that many communities of color, including her own, were often excluded from nature due to financial and systemic barriers. Now, through her work with Thorne Nature Experience and Nature Kids/Jóvenes de la Naturaleza, Gabriela collaborates with over 20 partners to make nature accessible to all and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Want to dive deeper into Gabriela’s vision for a more inclusive outdoors? Read the full interview on our blog here: https://bit.ly/3B2OjE6 #ThriveOutside #recreation #community #outdoorindustry