Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) announced a major new initiative spotlighting the powerful role of outdoor recreation in advancing public health, well-being and community vitality. This effort will culminate in the first-ever National Executive Forum on Health and Outdoor Recreation, to be held in Washington, D.C., in May 2026, ORR said in a release.
The forum for the first time will bring together outdoor recreation CEOs, leading health researchers, policy experts, health care and pharmaceutical companies, and cross-sector partners to identify shared priorities for strengthening the connections between mental and physical health and time outdoors. Drawing on evidence-based research and lessons from the U.S. and abroad, the convening will chart a forward-looking agenda for harnessing outdoor recreation as a solution to the nation’s pressing health challenges.
“The forum comes at a pivotal time,” said Jessica Turner, president at ORR. “We know that outdoor recreation strengthens not only our economy, but our minds, bodies and communities. Now, with health crises like obesity, heart disease, loneliness, mental health and screen-induced anxiety at the forefront of national concern, it’s time to elevate outdoor recreation as part of the solution.”
The announcement comes as ORR also launches a new webinar series exploring the science and policy potential behind outdoor recreation’s positive impact on health. From lowering health care costs to improving mental resilience, gut health and overall wellness, the series will feature leading voices in health, academia, policy making and outdoor recreation to explore how nature heals us — individually and collectively.
Outdoor recreation generates $1.2 trillion in economic impact annually and supports over 5 million jobs, yet its contributions go far beyond economic impact. Research consistently demonstrates that time outside reduces healthcare costs, boosts productivity, strengthens social bonds and improves quality of life. ORR’s upcoming forum and related initiatives underscore the need to ensure these benefits are central to the national dialogue on health and wellness.
For more information about the National Executive Forum on Health and Outdoor Recreation, the webinar series, and ORR’s health resources, visit recreationroundtable.org/priorities/health-and-outdoor-recreation
