CHESHIRE, Mass. — In celebration of Earth Month, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $167,000 in grants to support equitable access to outdoor recreation events through the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). 

 

21 organizations and municipalities have been awarded Inclusive and Accessible Event grants to improve ease of access to outdoor recreational activities for low-income residents, communities of color, and people living with disabilities.

 

In Berkshire County, Sonrisas was awarded $10,000. 

 

According to a press release:

 

Sonrisas cultivates empowerment and autonomy within marginalized communities of Berkshire County. The organization will also host Finca Luna Búho a land collective with a mission to create a rural place of refuge and knowledge sharing for immigrant, BIPOC, queer, poor and disabled communities.  Sonrisa’s partner - Mixed Faces, Wild Spaces - seeks to foster connection with the outdoors for mixed-race and gender-diverse people, people who experience marginalization, and anyone who has felt excluded in or from the outdoors. Through this grant, they will provide free and recurring outdoor educational and recreational programming located along the Ashuwillticook Bike Trail in Berkshire County for over 280 participants. Events will occur twice a month and include biking, hiking, plant identification, and outdoor education.  

 

Sonrisas is located in Cheshire.

 

"These grants support the essential work of organizations and municipalities striving to ensure everyone feels welcome and included in Massachusetts’ outdoors. Expanding access to outdoor recreation is the perfect opportunity for grantees to showcase the beautiful rivers, trails, and parks that we have to offer to all residents and visitors," said MOOR Director Paul Jahnige. "Outdoor recreation events in nature support our mental, physical, and social health and the state’s economic health. Investing in the outdoor recreation economy is a step towards strengthening our connections with each other and the natural environment." 

 

Established in December 2022, MOOR collaborates with agencies and private partners to promote activities across the state, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, swimming, and more. Outdoor recreation is vital to Massachusetts, contributing $11 billion to the economy, creating over 102,000 jobs and boosting tourism.