

St. Louis is home to a rich outdoor landscape, from Gateway Arch National Park to the rolling foothills of the Ozarks. The Missouri and Mississippi rivers offer epic paddling, while forests, caves, and prairies provide stunning settings for hiking, camping, and exploration.
Whether in the heart of the city or out in the wilderness, St. Louis boasts diverse, accessible outdoor experiences year-round.
River City Outdoors was founded to make the most of these opportunities. Our mission is to support, promote, and advocate for outdoor recreation for all. We believe everyone deserves to connect with natural spaces in ways that are safe and meaningful to them, leading to a healthier, more inclusive community.
We pursue this vision through innovative programming, education, partnerships, funding, and community engagement. Our goal is not just more recreation but to build a culturally and economically strong St. Louis. We are dedicated to sharing diverse and authentic stories and promoting our region as a national destination for outdoor adventure.
Focused on reaching those with limited access to outdoor recreation, River City Outdoors works closely with trusted community organizations to break down barriers and build a welcoming, equitable, and sustainable outdoor ecosystem.
ABOUT Us
HEALTH
Access to outdoor recreation leads to improved health outcomes across the region.
Equity
Our programs promote equitable access to outdoor recreation for all.
Quality of Life
Communities that offer outdoor recreation opportunities are happier, more vibrant, and foster a stronger sense of civic pride.
Economic Activity
Outdoor recreation contributes to regional economic viability by improving quality of life and boosting economic output through tourism and a strong outdoor industry.
Conservation
Outdoor recreation fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and supports conservation efforts.
How We Benefit The Region
OUR IMPACT
River City Outdoors provides and funds programs that address critical issues such as outdoor inequity, education, and community connection. Our commitment to these causes has not only increased access to nature and learning opportunities but also strengthened the bonds and engagement within the communities we serve.
$129,700
Total amount contributed to the St. Louis outdoor community in 2024, including monetary contributions, donations, sponsorships, program subsidies, and the value of community-based direct programming.
112
Partner organizations in the River City Outdoors network. We work with groups in the education, environment, social, and community sectors to expand equitable outdoor recreation in St. Louis.
155
Outdoor adventure trips guided by Big Muddy Adventures. Our excursions offer something for everyone and blend physical activity, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship.
22,479
Boats and bikes rented in 2024 at Big Muddy Adventures at the Boathouse and Simpson Lake. More rentals mean more access to independent outdoor experiences.
192,000
Readers reached by Terrain Magazine in 2024. Our free bimonthly publication features inclusive outdoor articles, news, events, destination features, and more.
6,000
Attendees at the 2024 Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit. Our free annual exposition serves as a hub for education, information, and networking within the regional outdoor community.
Read our Annual Report
Staff
River City Outdoors is staffed and guided by a group of longtime outdoor enthusiasts and thought leaders who also call St. Louis home.

Roo Yawitz
President

Matt Green
Executive Director

Brad Kovach
Deputy Director

Sara Feagans
Director of Operations

Chris Geden
Director of Community Engagement

Natalie Rolwes
Director of Communications

Mike Clark
Director of Outfitting & Education

Mark Malkowicz
Manager of Outfitting

Pete Nagel
Manager of BMA at Simpson Lake

Amanda Weaver
Manager of Experiences

Rob Fulstone
Manager of Facilities & Special Projects

Shawn Donelly
Managing Editor

Logan Faircloth
Community Engagement Coordinator

Darcia Haley
Operations Assistant

Reiss Wegman
Digital Media Specialist