Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $165,000 in Grants to Support Inclusive and Accessible Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Mentorship and Educational Development Program  

BBEC will implement their Outdoor Mentorship and Educational Development Program aimed at increasing participation for youth of color in outdoor recreation. In partnership with Hunters of Color, BBEC will provide training in hunting, fishing, navigation, and conservation to youth in the Berkshires; fostering community, safety, and diversity in outdoor activities. The event, to be held in March or April 2025 at Greylock Glen, aims to break down barriers for Black and Brown communities and inspire long-term engagement in nature. 

Early Childhood and Caregiver Walks  

BOPN will offer a series of free nature walks for parents and caregivers with babies aged birth to 15 months. Held at the Arnold Arboretum, Eustis Estate, and Wolbach Farm from February to June 2025, these walks aim to foster community and promote the mental and physical health benefits of nature immersion. The initiative will engage up to 180 families and enhance accessibility by providing outdoor gear to those in need. BOPN is committed to making early childhood outdoor experiences inclusive for all families, regardless of socio-economic status. 

Quinobequin Paddle  

CRWA, in partnership with Indigenous People's Day Newton, will host the Quinobequin Paddle, an Indigenous-led cultural and environmental event on the Charles River. The event will engage 80-100 participants, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals, in a canoe trip to promote environmental education, cultural teachings, and community building. With activities centered around Indigenous ecological knowledge and conservation, the event aims to increase awareness, diversity, and engagement in outdoor recreation. The paddle is scheduled for June 28, 2025. 

Horses for Heroes: Equine Therapy for Veterans   

Clear Path for Veterans New England will implement its "Horses for Heroes: Equine Therapy for Veterans" program, in partnership with Kairos Spring Farm. This program, aimed at veterans facing PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma, provides therapeutic equine sessions designed to improve emotional resilience and well-being. The six-week program will engage 36 veterans, offering fully subsidized participation and transportation assistance to ensure accessibility. The program will foster a sense of community, promote outdoor recreation, and support veterans in their healing journey. 

Horseback and Alpaca Experience for Youth 

This project will provide enriching farm experiences for 50 youth from Lowell’s Acre neighborhood. Through partnerships with Harvard Alpaca Ranch and Hunters Haven Farm, participants will engage in horseback riding, animal care, and nature exploration during February and April 2025. This initiative seeks to foster teamwork and build self-confidence for low-income children by offering these meaningful, animal-centric outdoor experiences. The program aligns with CBA’s mission to support community development and provide opportunities for underrepresented youth. 

Father - Child Hikes  

Fathers' UpLift will hold bi-monthly guided Father-Child hikes across Massachusetts, in partnership with Guineafowl Adventure Company. These hikes aim to foster deep bonding experiences between fathers and children while introducing them to the healing benefits of nature. Engaging up to 40 participants over four hikes, the initiative will provide transportation, gear, and expert guidance, ensuring accessibility for urban families. By promoting outdoor exploration, Fathers' UpLift aims to enhance relationships and encourage ongoing outdoor activities, with a target of 80% of participants reporting improved connections with their children. 

The Great Malden Outdoors  

This grant will expand outdoor recreation opportunities for underrepresented communities in Malden, MA, specifically targeting students with disabilities and schools lacking access to green spaces. The project, "The Great Malden Outdoors" (TGMO), aims to bridge the "Adventure Gap" by introducing adaptive hiking and rock climbing programs in collaboration with Malden Public Schools, Waypoint Adventure, and Friends of the Fells. The grant would fund two adaptive hikes and one rock climbing event for students with disabilities, as well as expand an after-school outdoor education program to an additional Malden school. The goals include promoting outdoor equity, fostering long-term outdoor engagement, and addressing barriers such as lack of equipment, resources, and access to nature. Success will be measured by student participation, community feedback, and program expansion. 

Food Sovereignty: Reviving Traditions, Empowering Community, and Sustaining Our Future  

The Tribe will host a series of hands-on workshops focused on food sovereignty and cultural preservation. Partnering with MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest program, the workshops will teach traditional and modern deer processing methods, including skinning, brain tanning, and traditional cooking. These sessions aim to empower participants with self-sufficiency skills, strengthen cultural connections, and create economic opportunities. The workshops are a critical part of the Tribe's broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability and community resilience. 

Therapeutic Riding and Beach Wellness

Latham Centers will establish a Scholarship Fund that will enable up to 16 students with complex needs to participate in therapeutic horseback riding at Emerald Hollow Therapeutic Riding Center. This initiative aims to ensure that all students, regardless of financial constraints, can benefit from equine-assisted services, which support physical and emotional well-being. The funding will also cover beach and park passes, facilitating outdoor recreational activities like swimming and hiking. By promoting inclusivity and enhancing access to therapeutic experiences, Latham Centers aims to foster independence, self-worth, and happiness among its students. 

Rafting the Neighborhood 

LPCT will launch "Rafting the Neighborhood," a program aimed at increasing access to outdoor recreation for historically underrepresented communities in Lowell. The event will introduce BIPOC and low-income residents to rafting on the Concord River, with scholarships for three participants to attend Zoar Outdoor’s Raft Guide School. This program aims to break barriers in outdoor recreation, enhance environmental stewardship, and create employment opportunities in the rafting industry for participants. 

Building a Community of Environmental Professionals of Color 

POCIE will hold a unique outdoor recreation event in 2025 at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Designed for environmental professionals of color, the event will offer hiking, canoeing, bird watching, and forest bathing. Aimed at increasing access to nature and fostering community, the event will also focus on hands-on learning and personal well-being. POCIE's goal is to engage over 50 participants and promote diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreation spaces. 

Charlemont  

PDOTR, a volunteer-led organization dedicated to LGBTQIA2S+ visibility in paddlesports, proposes to enhance its annual event on June 14-15, 2025. This year's festivities on the Deerfield River will feature rafting, kayaking, and community paddles for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, promoting inclusivity in outdoor recreation. The grant will support rafting activities, an after-raft celebration, and transportation, aiming to engage 100-120 participants and foster connections within the queer community. PDOTR continues to create a safe and welcoming environment while celebrating diversity on the river. 

Berkshire Trans Hiking  

Seeing Rainbows, a trans-led nonprofit, will expand its Berkshire Trans Hikes, which foster community among trans individuals through outdoor activities. Weekly hikes, facilitated by paid leaders, promote safety and connection in nature for approximately 6-12 participants each week, totaling around 400 people annually. The program emphasizes inclusivity by accommodating varying schedules and accessibility needs, and collaborates with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for trail access. Funding will enhance the initiative's sustainability by covering supplies and stipends, helping to build a supportive and affirming trans community in the Berkshires. 

Adaptive Water Skiing Events 

This grant will expand the adaptive water skiing program in 2025. Webster Water Ski Collective is the only organization in the state offering adaptive water skiing, and they will use this grant maintain equipment and host five major events for over 120 participants with disabilities. Events will include a special ski day for disabled veterans; promoting inclusivity, confidence, and independence for individuals with a range of physical and cognitive challenges. These events will also help bring the sport to new locations, increasing access and outreach.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester (BGCD) 

Dorchester 

Family-Friendly Skiing for Youth with Disabilities 

BGCD, in partnership with Elevate Youth and Blue Hills Ski Area, is hosting two family-friendly ski trips for youth with disabilities. These events aim to introduce underserved families to outdoor recreation. BGCD will cover transportation, meals, and ski rentals, ensuring accessibility for all participants. The ski trips will foster a love for nature, develop outdoor winter skill, build self-confidence, and promote inclusion for youth and their families. The events will be held at Blue Hills Ski Area in early 2025. 

$9,965 

Nature and Arts Retreats  

Creative by Nature will complete a series of Nature and Arts Retreats for Somerville teenagers in 2025. These free events will focus on building connections through art, outdoor experiences, and leadership, with support from Rise Outside, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and Big City Mountaineers. Youth participants will engage in local green space orientations, day trips, and a three-day cabin retreat. The program aims to increase outdoor accessibility, foster leadership, and enhance youth confidence in arts and nature. 

Shad Row River Festival  

Holyoke Rows will enhance its annual rowing regatta, transforming it into the Shad Row River Festival. This event aims to connect the Holyoke community with the Connecticut River through a variety of activities, including rowing races, kayaking clinics, fishing, and guided river tours. By promoting accessibility and targeting the Latino community, the festival seeks to engage at least 200 attendees, with a goal of 50% being Latino. The initiative also includes four weekends of free kayaking to encourage ongoing participation and raise awareness about river health and recreational opportunities. 

Winter Hiking Experience  

Valley Collaborative will establish an outdoor education program for elementary students, focusing on winter hiking. The program aims to engage students in activities like hiking, fishing, gardening, and camping, promoting social, emotional, and physical well-being. The inaugural winter hike, set for February 2025 at Wachusett Mountain, will provide essential winter gear to ensure safe participation. By empowering students from diverse backgrounds who may lack outdoor opportunities, Valley Collaborative seeks to foster lifelong engagement with nature and improve coping skills, ultimately enhancing students' overall independence and health.