Dutchess Watershed Awareness Month

Have you ever had a moment where you have been in awe of the landscape around you? When you realized how the land and water come together to create your environment? And how beautiful and precious it is? Maybe it was the first time you saw the Hudson River from the Walkway over the Hudson. Or perhaps it was the first sounds of spring peepers in March, reminding you that warmer weather really is on the way. Was it your favorite childhood swimming hole, or a scenic vista on the Appalachian Trail, or just view of your backyard from out the kitchen window? Whatever it was, this July the Dutchess Watershed Coalition asked Dutchess County residents to share their watershed moments as part of this year’s Dutchess Watershed Awareness Month.

Maybe you have yet to have a watershed moment. Let the Dutchess Watershed Coalition help you create one! If you missed our events this year, there will be another host of events during WAM 2012. Throughout the month of July this year, there were opportunities to learn more about Dutchess County’s amazing water and land resources through our many Watershed Awareness Month community events. Learn how to build a rain barrel, take a stream walk, go on a bird walk or nature hike,  attend a seminar on green infrastructure, see a free movie—and enjoy other family-friendly events as well. Want to know more? Visit the events page for a full list of 2011 Watershed Awareness Month events, and visit closer to next July for information on WAM 2012 events.

A Watershed Moment – Sunset Lake (Casperkill Creek)

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.