Whether you like hiking, bird-watching, hands-on activities, local history, or just want to find out more about the local environment, Dutchess Watershed Awareness Month (WAM) has something for you and your family! Browse through this booklet, find something you like, and join us as we celebrate and raise awareness about the land and water resources in Dutchess County!
The majority of Dutchess WAM activities events are FREE family-friendly activities related to watersheds. All activities are aimed at increasing public awareness of watershed issues.
This year, we’re challenging residents to look at our local watersheds in new and different ways with our theme: Windows on Your Watershed. Going on a bird walk or paddle, building your own rain barrel to help manage stormwater, or learning about the science and biodiversity of streams are only a few examples of ways to view our local watersheds from a different perspective.
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 
