Lorren Kezmoh she/her
Fishing Manager
lorren@ventureoutdoors.org
1. Briefly tell us about your background: where did you grow up, where did you go to school, or what brought you to Venture Outdoors?
I grew up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, PA and went to Duquesne University for my B.Sc. in Biology and Chatham University for my M.Sc. in Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience. I’ve spent the last decade sampling a variety of roles across a handful of well-known Pittsburgh-based non-profits and cultural institutions, however, I’ve always aspired to work on or near the water, especially with aquatic creatures. So, over the last few years, I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering alongside Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Waterways Conservation Officers to “get my fix” by stocking trout, assisting with boating safety courses, and coordinating fishing programs. That’s actually how I was introduced to Venture Outdoors and the Pittsburgh First Catch Program, and the rest is history!
2. Describe your role at Venture Outdoors in 10 words or less.
Inspire lifelong engagement with and conservation of aquatic natural resources.
3. If you had to pick only one recreational activity to practice for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Going on reptile and amphibian scavenger hunts, also referred to as “herping.” It’s a legitimate thing, I swear. Reptiles and amphibians tend to be rather elusive critters, so it’s always super exciting when you’re able to spot them in the wild and their presence is often a great indicator of environmental health!
4. What are your top five favorite outdoors/travel destinations?
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Ouray/The Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
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Bar Harbor/Acadia, Maine
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St. Augustine/Vilano Beach, Florida
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Iowa 80 Truckstop, Iowa
5. What is your favorite forest/camping snack?
PB&J sando. Hands down.
6. Name three people in history (dead or alive) with whom you would want to take on a Venture Outdoors program of your choice.
I’d love to take my parents (they’re a packaged deal, naturally) out on a fishing program; fellow outdoor enthusiast and best friend, Levi, hiking; and, it’s not a person but I’d like to be coordinated enough to take my green iguana, Blue, kayaking.
7. What is the earliest memory you have of being outside?
Fishing with my dad! More specifically, catching my very first fish, which was a bluegill that I had dubbed “Tom.” I was actually terrified of the little fish and started crying when my dad asked me to hold it for a picture.
8. Any hidden talents?
I’m a fairly decent pumpkin carver and my green iguana has a minor cult following.
9. What is your favorite song (or album) right now?
“Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” by Taylor Swift.
10. What is your biggest challenge nowadays?
