Monadnock Outdoors
Monadnock Outdoors is a partnership of community leaders dedicated to building a healthier, more connected community where individuals thrive by engaging with nature and maintaining an active lifestyle.
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Our goal is to promote physical activity, active transportation, and a love for the outdoors to contribute to the overall well-being and vitality of the Monadnock region.
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As one of the six Workgroups of the Healthy Monadnock Alliance, Monadnock Outdoors is committed to advancing active living in the region, ensuring that all residents have the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to get active and connect with nature and our community. By collaborating with local organizations and community members, we aim to create a supportive environmental that fosters a culture of well-being and outdoor recreation.
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This initiative is made possible through community support and the Healthy Monadnock Alliance.
Mission
Our mission is to foster connections to nature and improve community well-being through education and the promotion of active living through physical activity, active transportation, and recreation in the outdoors.
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Vision
Our vision is that Monadnock Region residents are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to get active, connect with nature and the community, and improve their well-being.
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Who We Are
Monadnock Outdoors was launched in 2021 and currently has 12 active members representing 10 regional organizations, including: The Harris Center for Conservation Education, Horatio Colony Preserve, Cheshire County Conservation District, Cheshire Medical Center, Keene Housing Kids Collaborative, The Monadnock Conservancy, Monadnock Region Rail Trail Collaborative, the Southwest Region Planning Commission, Cheshire County and the Keene Public Library.
Current Projects:
The Outdoor Recreation Resource Map helps community members locate and access public recreation opportunities and resources available across the Monadnock Region.
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The map allows you to search for everything from trailheads to public parks, boat launches, XC ski trails and more!
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In 2022, Monadnock Outdoors collaborated with Antioch University’s Spatial Analysis Lab (ASAL) to create this resource. And in 2023, the map was updated with help from the New Hampshire Children's Foundation and Southwest Region Planning Commission to more comprehensively show parks and play spaces in our region.
The Monadnock Gear Library gives all Cheshire County residents the ability to borrow outdoor recreation gear at no-cost!
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Gear includes camping supplies, fishing equipment, watercrafts, nature exploration tools and more.
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The gear library is located at and run by the Keene Public Library. View the full collection of items below!
The Monadnock Outdoors Adaptive Recreation Survey
aims to identify adaptive outdoor recreation interests in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire to improve access and supports for people with adaptive recreation interests and their caregivers. Our goal is for community members of all abilities to feel welcome, and have the information they need to get more involved with Monadnock Outdoors. ​
Through this work we hope to do the following:
- Identify a list of adaptive recreation equipment that would suit the interests of our community, and what would be most universally helpful to prioritize purchasing.
- Identify critical access points for outdoor recreation and what improvements need to be made to ensure they are suitable for adaptive recreation.
- Identify ways to improve the region’s culture by supporting accessibility and adaptive recreation.
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What is Adaptive Recreation?
Adaptive recreation, also known as inclusive recreation, supports people with disabilities to participate in recreational activities. It involves modifying equipment, teaching methods, and services to accommodate the interests of participants.
What is a Gear Library?
A gear library is a free community resource in which community members can borrow gear for their outdoor adventures! Gear can include trekking poles for hiking, camping equipment such as tents, fishing equipment, binoculars, and even kayaks! Monadnock Outdoors currently offers a free Gear Library program through a partnership with the Keene Public Library -- open for use among all Cheshire County community members! Utilizing the gear library is a great way to try something out, save on costs for your next adventure, etc.!
Service providers in our region are encouraged to share this survey within the communities they work with! Access our outreach toolkit here!
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Please consider completing this survey at the link below, if you are an individual with adaptive outdoor recreation interests or if you are a caregiver of someone with adaptive outdoor recreation interests.
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For assistance in completing your survey please contact 603-904-3011 or info@cheshireconservation.org
Get Involved!
Are you an organization or individual interested in getting involved? Contact info@cheshireconservation.org
Monadnock Outdoors meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at 10am via zoom.
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