Harnessing the Power of Place

Program Overview

The Outdoor Economy Academy is a cohort-based learning program that helps communities explore the relationship between outdoor recreation, natural resources, tourism, economic development, community vitality, and long-term resilience.

Designed for municipal leaders, planners, economic development professionals, nonprofit organizations, businesses, conservation partners, and community volunteers, the Academy brings together participants from across the state to learn from experts, peers, and real-world examples. Through interactive sessions, field-based learning, and facilitated discussion, participants gain practical tools and strategies for leveraging outdoor assets to support community goals.

The Academy recognizes that natural assets such as trails, parks, forests, rivers, lakes, open spaces, working lands, and public recreation areas play an increasingly important role in community development. Communities are using these assets to attract residents and visitors, support local businesses, improve quality of life, strengthen resilience, and create vibrant places to live, work, and recreate.

Learning Approach 

Jim Donchess, Mayor, welcomes Academy participants to Nashua on Day 1 of the Outdoor Economy Academy.

The Outdoor Economy Academy combines expert presentations, peer learning, facilitated discussions, hands-on activities, and place-based exploration to help participants connect concepts with real-world community applications. Through a cohort-based format, participants gain practical strategies, learn from community examples, build professional networks, and explore opportunities to apply new ideas within their own communities and organizations.

The cohort model encourages collaboration, relationship building, and the exchange of ideas among participants facing similar opportunities and challenges in their communities.

Academy Topics

Academy topics are designed to reflect emerging trends, community priorities, and opportunities related to outdoor recreation, natural resource stewardship, economic development, and resilience. While themes may vary by cohort, the Academy explores how communities can leverage outdoor and natural assets to strengthen local economies, enhance quality of life, and build long-term sustainability. Topics are grounded in practical examples and informed by current challenges and opportunities facing communities across New Hampshire and beyond. 

Who Should Participate?

The Outdoor Economy Academy is designed for community leaders and partners interested in leveraging outdoor and natural assets to support economic vitality, community well-being, environmental stewardship, and resilience. Participants may include municipal staff and elected officials, planners, economic and community development professionals, conservation and recreation practitioners, tourism organizations, business owners, nonprofit leaders, regional partners, and engaged community volunteers.

Outcomes

Participants leave the Academy with a deeper understanding of outdoor economy concepts, exposure to innovative practices and case studies, and stronger connections to peers and partner organizations. The program provides practical tools and strategies that participants can adapt to advance recreation, tourism, conservation, resilience, and community development efforts in their own communities.

By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the Outdoor Economy Academy helps communities better understand, manage, and leverage their outdoor and natural assets to support thriving economies, healthy environments, and vibrant places for current and future generations.

Digital Credential

Participants who complete all Academy sessions earn a University of New Hampshire digital badge, recognizing their achievement and participation in a professional learning program focused on outdoor assets, economic development, and community resilience.

The Outdoor Economy Academy continues to evolve as communities explore new opportunities and challenges related to outdoor recreation, tourism, economic development, natural resource stewardship, and resilience. To see how these concepts were explored through the Academy's inaugural cohort, including session topics, host communities, and learning activities, visit the Outdoor Economy Academy Pilot Program page.