Watersmith Guild Receives Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
The Watersmith Guild received a 2023 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for its First Waves programs which inspire conservation of waterways and mentorship for at-risk youth through transformative experiences in outdoor adventure and the art of filmmaking.
The Watersmith Guild receiving their Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.
About the awards From the Pennsylvania Environmental Council:
Across the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council has the great privilege, through a series of events, of recognizing other Pennsylvanians for their significant contributions to the environment.
We are very excited to collaborate again this year with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental protection, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and all of our sponsors in recognizing the winters of the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.
The Governor’s Awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise in the Commonwealth.
This year’s event provides an opportunity for those of us who care deeply about improving environmental quality to recognize these organizations and individuals in Pennsylvania who are making significant environmental improvements.
About the project:
The First Waves program inspires conservation of waterways and mentorship for at-risk youth through transformative experiences in outdoor adventure and the art of filmmaking. The inaugural project in 2014 provided a first-of-its kind approach through the fusion of river surfing, paddleboarding, and conservation actions that fostered love and appreciation for the outdoors and improved the lives of students in areas with limited opportunities and access.
The students learned to become proficient paddlers, spearheaded watershed cleanups, and created documentary films to inspire others. The powerful combination of experiences illustrated how Pennsylvania’s waterways could become a canvas for youth empowerment, particularly in underserved communities.
First Waves has continued to expend by serving environmental justice communities where access and knowledge about waterways is limited. In 2022, the projects encompassed 4 regions, 13 events, and 24 education modules that forged a connection between conservation, recreation, and the use of digital media to inspire positive change. Since the inception of First Waves in 2014, more than 1,000 youth have learned to paddleboard, surf, and participated in watershed conservation efforts through the program. First Waves has orchestrated more than 60 workshops across an array of waterways in Pennsylvania and has been recognized internationally for its innovative approach to conservation, environmental education, filmmaking, and youth mentorship.
From the Executive Director:
We are extremely grateful to receive this award that acknowledges the amazing work of our partners, volunteers, and supporters of this program. This year also celebrates the 10 year anniversary of First Waves and gives us even more ambition to continue providing the program to communities and waterways throughout Pennsylvania.
- Ian Smith
Executive Director
2023 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence - Harrisburg, PA