Western North Carolina launched the “Thrive Outside” initiative, a multi-year effort designed to expand access to the outdoors for youth and families, with a focus on communities that have historically faced “barriers to outdoor recreation.”
The program began on August 25, with a gathering at Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins along the French Broad River.
The initiative is led by the North Carolina Outdoor Economy Office in partnership with the Outdoor Foundation, The Morrison Family Foundation, and VF Foundation.
Local support comes from a coalition of youth-serving organizations, public schools, environmental education programs, outdoor recreation businesses, workforce development groups, conservation nonprofits, and community organizations.
The effort will strengthen regional collaboration to ensure long-term connections between youth and nature.
“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from time spent outdoors,” Amy Allison, director of the North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, said in a press release.
“This initiative marks an exciting and collaborative milestone—one that will introduce more youth across the region to meaningful outdoor experiences while fostering a lasting sense of welcome and connection to nature,” Allison added.
The launch event convened leaders from across the region, including representatives from funding partners and outdoor industry organizations. Attendees participated in a riverfront program, shared locally sourced food, and discussed strategies for making outdoor spaces more inclusive.
Thrive Outside Western North Carolina will focus on four main goals: expanding high-quality, culturally relevant outdoor programs for youth; building a sustainable regional network of cross-sector partners; supporting youth leadership and workforce development in the outdoor sector; and centering inclusivity in environmental stewardship.
The program is part of the national Thrive Outside initiative powered by the Outdoor Foundation.
Over the past six years, the foundation has established 14 Thrive Outside communities nationwide, which have helped connect more than 300,000 children, youth, and families to outdoor experiences.
“This initiative builds on the strong foundation of partnerships already thriving across Western North Carolina’s communities,” Lesford Duncan, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, said.
“By strengthening and expanding this collaborative network, we’re supporting the region as it rebuilds from the impacts of Hurricane Helene—creating an outdoor recreation economy that is more inclusive, resilient, and inclusive,” Duncan added.