About NYORC
The New York Outdoor Recreation Coalition is a statewide alliance of organizations, agencies, businesses, and advocates united by a shared belief: every New Yorker deserves equitable access to the outdoors. Formed in 2020 amid growing recognition of racial and economic disparities in outdoor recreation, NYORC drives systemic change through advocacy, coalition building, and capacity development.
Why do we exist
Our Mission
NYORC serves as a resource to the diverse communities, businesses, user groups, and nonprofit organizations, a partner to agencies, and an advocate for the outdoors in New York State. We empower local communities with information and connections, partner with state agencies to inform policy, and advocate for initiatives that expand access to parks, trails, and natural areas for all New Yorkers.
Where are we going?
Our Vision
All New York State residents and visitors, regardless of their identity and lived experiences, can equitably access, enjoy, benefit from, and contribute to the state’s public parks, lands, waters, trails, and natural resources. We envision a future where open spaces are welcoming and accessible to everyone — where a child in the Bronx has the same opportunity to explore nature as a child in the Adirondacks.
What is important?
NYORC Values
Equity & Inclusion
Expanding access and reducing barriers so historically marginalized communities can enjoy the outdoors fully. Prioritizing inclusive practices in programming and advocacy.
Collaboration & Partnership
Solving complex challenges together through trust, transparency, and mutual support among diverse stakeholders — from grassroots advocates to state agencies.
Representation & Diversity
Engaging partners from all regions and communities across New York State. Elevating voices not always heard and ensuring our coalition reflects the extraordinary diversity of New York.
Advocacy & Stewardship
Championing the care of natural resources and the communities that enjoy them. Promoting responsible recreation, sustainable management, and equitable policies.
Capacity Building & Empowerment
Sharing knowledge, tools, and opportunities so local leaders and organizations can grow, become self-sustaining, and drive change in their own communities.
A Coalition Born from Urgency and Purpose
NYORC was formed in 2020 during a time of converging crises — a global pandemic that underscored the vital importance of outdoor access for health and wellbeing, and a national reckoning with racial injustice that exposed deep disparities in who could access nature and who could not. From that moment, a broad coalition of community groups, land trusts, outdoor businesses, environmental justice organizations, and public agencies came together with a shared commitment: to build an outdoor recreation system that genuinely serves all New Yorkers. In 2022, NYORC was a driving force behind the landmark Open Spaces for All report, establishing a statewide vision grounded in equity, representation, and inclusion. Today, the coalition includes 100+ member organizations across all nine DEC regions, working to translate bold visions into on-the-ground change.
NYORC Leadership
The People Behind NYORC
Melissa Abrahmson
Co-Chair
Ronald Zorrilla
Co-Chair
Taylor Jaffe
Communications Working Group Lead
Josh Otero
Membership Working Group Co-Lead
Sarah DiMaggio
Funding Working Group Lead
Hank Osborn
Agency Working Group Co-Lead
Remy Schwartz
Membership Working Group Co-Lead
Shaina Hogan
Advocacy Working Group Co-Lead
Will Cote
Advocacy Working Group Co-Lead
A Coalition Housed at the Open Space Institute
NYORC is fiscally sponsored by the Open Space Institute (OSI) through its Citizen Action Program. OSI is one of New York’s leading conservation organizations, providing NYORC with institutional support, strategic guidance, and deep expertise in land conservation and public access. This partnership gives the coalition a strong organizational foundation while maintaining its grassroots, member-driven character.