THRIVE OUTSIDE PHILADELPHIA

The Thrive Outside Philadelphia Community, led by the National Wildlife Federation, is bringing together several regional organizations, stakeholders and existing large-scale networks to collectively create pathways for equitable access to the outdoors. The effort builds upon the existing infrastructure of networks in the Delaware River Watershed (Alliance for Watershed Education, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and the Circuit Trails Coalition) to amplify the work and move toward a more cohesive model of communication, partnership, programming and placemaking. The initiative will create 4-8 hubs that will be focused on developing specific strategies for removing barriers and coordinating activities geared at building youth engagement and repeat and reinforcing outdoor recreation.

Key Focus Areas:

Delaware River Watershed, hub model, and experiential water and trail programming

Backbone Organization:

National Wildlife Federation

Steering Committee Partners:

Pennsylvania Environmental Council, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Jersey Audubon, John Heniz National Wildlife Refuge, Berks Nature, Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed, and Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed

Community Partners:

Alliance for Watershed Education (23 environmental and nature education centers), Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (150+ NGOs), and the Circuit Trails Coalition (50 NGOs and 15 agencies)