Information Release from the ActivEnviro Operating Board

 

ActivEnviro’s governing Operating Board Members are very sad to announce that after 18 years of research, education, and development for health, recreation, and land management professionals, educators, and allies, the Board has identified the need and voted to dissolve the ActivEnviro organization, effective March 31, 2026, primarily due to financial instability. 

 

ActivEnviro (formerly GP RED), was created in 2008 to help fill the gaps for the professionals and educators who help communities thrive. We made a conscious decision early on in formation of our 501(c)3 Not-for-Profit organization to NOT be membership based, as this helped us to better support, partner with, and not compete with our many allied state and national associations and organizations for members. Unfortunately, due to a financial “perfect storm” in 2025 and 2026, we have been unable to secure sufficient organizational donors and sponsors to sustain operations. In addition, federal funding (often from the CDC, NIH, National Park Service, etc.) which has helped finance our events, attendance at programs, and projects, has been severely restricted or eliminated. Many of our long-time governmental and university employees and supporters have left our allied fields. Sustainable funding options to continue the good work have been minimal.

 

We know that the ActivEnviro connections and legacy, especially through our larger signature events such as our Think Tanks and the Active Living Conference and Global Outdoor Health (formerly SHIFT) Summits, are important. This year’s big event, the combined Active Living + Outdoor Health Summit, was a success, thanks to our local hosts in Minneapolis/St. Paul, staff, and volunteers, with a great program. Conversations are happening to help possibly continue the legacy through other allied organizations in the future. Please email Dr. Teresa Penbrooke now at teresap@activenviro.org if you would like to be involved in future planning or obtaining legacy files. 

 

Please join us to thank all of our Operating and Advisory Board members, staff, and volunteers, and especially Dr. Teresa L, Penbrooke, CPRE, GP RED Co-founder and current ActivEnviro Executive Director, and Amanda Walker, Event Manager, for their dedication as we wrap up our activities.

 

These gatherings and sharing of information can’t continue to happen unless we all continue to come together somehow, now more than ever. If you have questions, would like additional information, or have ideas to offer potential future options after ActivEnviro is closed, please email info@ActivEnviro.org.   This site and main email will stay active through Nov. 2026.