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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

Roo Yawitz

President

Matt Green

Matt Green

Executive Director

Brad Kovach

Brad Kovach

Deputy Director

Sara Feagans

Sara Feagans

Director of Operations

Chris Geden

Chris Geden

Director of Community Engagement

Natalie Rolwes

Natalie Rolwes

Director of Communications

Mike Clark

Mike Clark

Director of Outfitting & Education

Mark Malkowicz

Mark Malkowicz

Manager of Outfitting

Pete Nagel

Pete Nagel

Manager of BMA at Simpson Lake

Amanda Weaver

Amanda Weaver

Manager of Experiences

Rob Fulstone

Rob Fulstone

Manager of Facilities & Special Projects

Shawn Donelly

Shawn Donelly

Managing Editor

Logan Faircloth

Logan Faircloth

Community Engagement Coordinator

Darcia Haley

Darcia Haley

Operations Assistant

Reiss Wegman

Reiss Wegman

Digital Media Specialist

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