LHHT Quest in April

Paving the way to wellness

Venture Outdoors (VO) Family & Community Programs are slated to serve more individuals than ever this year thanks to new funding for programs and equipment from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Highmark has awarded VO with a $12,500 for this initiative, sponsoring events throughout the year, including four Family Outdoor Festivals and 13 community programs. Additional funds will provide equipment for urban programming including snowshoes and handheld GPS units, as well as 500 family passes to remove economic barriers to growing participation in outdoor recreation.

“Our ultimate goal is to leave no community without access to nature, said Sean Brady, Assistant Executive Director at Venture Outdoors. “An estimated 17% of Allegheny County residents are minorities. We asked, ‘how we can extend the health, wellness, and social benefits of our programs to all of those residents?’ The Family & Community Programs Initiative provides free and affordable, beginner-friendly outings that take place in diverse neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh.”

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VO to Propel Conservation Efforts

A new collaboration will rally support for environmental organizations

Conservation organizations in Western Pennsylvania have gained a new set of tools to engage the public. Thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Colcom Foundation, Venture Outdoors will launch their “Environmental Catalyst Program,” a movement to use their portable climbing walls, kayaks, hiking trips, bike tours, and even snowshoe outings to showcase environmental efforts in the region.

These new programs will combine the social camaraderie of a Venture Outdoors outing with the inside knowledge of conservation biologists and naturalists, who can tell the natural history and human history stories of their nature preserves. Funding will also help sites develop improved infrastructure to welcome future visitors.
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