First Waves Expansion and a New Home!
Since 2014, First Waves has empowered underserved youth with education, adventure, and mentorship that promotes watershed conservation and recreation. We are excited to announce that in 2022, First Waves will be expanding to regional programming that encompasses 4 projects across Pennsylvania. The projects will include the Greater Pittsburgh Region, Greater Johnstown Region, Indiana County, and Cambria County. The expansion will allow the initiatives to reach a greater number of youth in both urban and rural areas where access and educational opportunities are limited.
Furthermore, First Wave’s success and growth has always been facilitated through collaborations with other non-profit organizations such as the Benscreek Canoe Club, Tree Pittsburgh, and many others. Now, along with the program’s expansion to regional impacts, First Waves will become the flagship program of a new non-profit, The Watersmith Guild. Officially founded on Earth Day in 2021, the Watersmith Guild’s mission is to inspire watershed conservation and improve lives through arts and adventure programming.
This step forward will set the foundation for launching new programs and increasing reach and impact to the communities and watersheds that need it most. We are deeply grateful for the generous support of the volunteers, partners, and sponsors that have helped First Waves reach this pivotal moment. We look forward to continuing this work for communities and watersheds with all of you through the launch and debut of the Watersmith Guild and First Wave’s regional projects in 2022 and beyond.
You can support the Watersmith Guild and First Waves HERE.
