About Friends of the Water Trails
Our Mission
Friends of the Water Trails, Inc. is dedicated to promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of older adults by offering outdoor educational programs that foster environmental awareness, community engagement, and family bonding. We provide seniors and their families with opportunities to connect with nature, enhance health, and contribute to the preservation of green spaces.
Our Vision
To create a world where older adults are empowered through outdoor activities that enhance their health, foster strong family connections, and inspire a lasting appreciation for the environment. We aim to transform senior living environments by integrating nature, environmental education, and wellness into daily life.
Our Values
- Well-Being: Prioritizing the mental, physical, and emotional health of seniors through nature-based activities.
- Family Engagement: Strengthening family bonds through shared outdoor experiences and educational opportunities.
- Environmental Stewardship: Promoting sustainable practices and preserving green spaces for future generations.
- Inclusivity: Providing accessible, engaging programs that cater to the unique needs of older adults, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities.
- Community Impact: Building a sense of community and fostering a collaborative spirit among seniors, families, and local environmental organizations.
Friends of the Water Trails is a Nonprofit 501(c)(3)
Discover more with Friends of the Water Trails!
Among the specific activities and undertakings of the Corporation is the following: to raise and expend property and funds for the purposes of:
1) providing educational programs that facilitate environmentally sound practices to preserve biodiversity by educating the public about the preservation, restoration, and establishment of green infrastructures;
The organization offers outdoor educational programs that emphasize environmental awareness and promote physical and mental well-being, particularly with an emphasis on gerontology. This aligns with the mission's focus on environmental education and the preservation and restoration of green infrastructures, while also integrating health and well-being.
2) financing and sponsoring, publishing, promoting and distributing research on issues important to watershed;
Publish research and reports that demonstrate the positive impact of water trails, outdoor activities, and green spaces on the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of older adults. By providing evidence-based advocacy, we aim to promote the inclusion of accessible water trails and green spaces in urban planning, with a particular focus on the needs of aging populations. These reports will be shared through academic journals, local community centers, and public health
3) promote a larger and healthier access to the outdoors and water trails as part of the urban ecosystem with community development, maintenance, education and advocacy;
Through its programs, including nature walks, kayaking lessons, and other outdoor activities, Friends of the Water Trails is working to provide access to outdoor spaces, fostering community development, engagement, and a greater appreciation for nature. and
4) promote, sponsor, and provide access to experiences to water trails, outdoor activities, and projects that are consistent with the stated purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
The organization's activities—such as outdoor adventures and educational programs—are consistent with the stated purposes of a 501(c)(3) organization, focusing on healing through nature and supporting health and vitality, particularly for older adults.
