Dutchess Watershed Awareness Month is a series of educational and watershed awareness activities and events across Dutchess County including creek and watershed cleanups, guided nature walks, canoe and kayak trips, lectures, festivals and other events. The events take place primarily during the month of July in the towns across Dutchess County. To find out what events took place this past year check out our 2009 Events page.
All Watershed Awareness Month events provide family-friendly activities related to watersheds and are aimed at increasing public awareness of watershed issues.
What is a watershed?
A watershed is the area of land where all of the water that falls onto the land (i.e. rain, sleet, snow, etc.) drains into a single outlet, often a stream or river. Watershed boundaries are defined by the shape of the land and are found at higher elevations like ridgelines and mountain tops. The waterbody (lake, river, stream, etc.) of the watershed is found at lower elevations, often where the land flattens out. So imagine that a watershed is like a giant bathtub, where the drain is the river, lake, or stream. The high sides, or edges, of the bathtub are like a watershed boundary (the tops of mountains and hills) and any water that falls inside the tub (watershed) will eventually go down the drain (river) carrying dirt and soap with it. Any water that falls outside of the tub will fall into another watershed and drain into a different waterbody.
Why are watersheds important?
We rely on surface water (streams, lakes, rivers) and groundwater (water stored underground) for our drinking water supply. These waters also provide valuable recreational opportunities, aesthetics, and natural habitat to our communities. Our water and land resources are interconnected therefore the actions we take on the land can have profound effects on the quality and quantity of our water resources.
For more information on the watersheds of Dutchess County, including a community discussion forum and kids activities, visit www.dutchesswatersheds.org.
For detailed information about the watersheds in Dutchess County, visit 