Venture Outdoors

Venture Outdoors is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting people in the Pittsburgh region with the outdoors by providing affordable and accessible outdoor recreation and education opportunities to everyone regardless of socio-economic status, heritage, skill level or physical capability. In doing so, Venture Outdoors promotes the Pittsburgh region's natural amenities, highlights the excellent quality of life, fosters a greater appreciation for the environment, and inspires an active lifestyle.

Now in its 15th year, Venture Outdoors has provided a variety of Public Programs that seek to "leave no Pittsburgher inside." Over 400 year-round programs include hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, fishing, camping, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, geocaching, and outdoor leadership training were executed in 2015. All programs help participants develop a greater appreciation of environmental issues and follow an inclusive, social format, open to both Venture Outdoors members and non-members alike. Participation in Venture Outdoors programs in 2015 exceeded 5,000 adults plus nearly 2,000 children and adolescents served through youth programs. Our two Kayak Pittsburgh sites saw more than 48,000 trips onto Downtown's rivers and North Park Lake. Membership included over 2,000 households and nearly 150 volunteer trip leaders helped the organization deliver successful public programs last year thanks in large part to our Outdoor Leadership Development program.