The term watershed describes an area of land that drains downslope to the lowest point. The water moves through a network of drainage pathways, both underground and on the surface. Generally, these pathways converge into streams and rivers, which become progressively larger as the water moves on downstream, eventually reaching an esturay and the ocean. Other terms used interchangeably with watershed include drainage basin or catchment basin.

Watersheds can be large or small. Every stream, tributary, or river has an associated watershed, and small watersheds join to become larger watersheds. It is relatively easy to delineate watersheds using a topographic map that shows stream channels. Watershed boundaries follow major ridgelines around channels and meet at the bottom, where water flows out of the watershed, a point commonly referred to as a stream or river.

The connectivity of the stream system is the primary reason for doing acquatic assessments at the watershed level. Connectivity refers to the physical connection between tributaries and the river, between surface water and groundwater, and between wetlands and water. Because water moves downstream, any activity that affects the water quality, quanity, or rate of movement at one location can affect locations downstream. For this reason, everyone living or working within a watershed needs to cooperate to ensure good watershed conditions.

This description of a watershed was taken from the Watershed Stewardship Education Program Training Guide, Oregon State Universtiy and Sea Grant Extension: http://seagrant.orst.edu/wsep

Also visit this website for a nice WATERSHED DIAGRAM!

http://www.canandaigualake.org/images/watershedactionlg.jpg

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http://www.adopt-a-watershed.org/?p=partner_us 

Is a site for people that want to learn more about a watershed.  Take a look!

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Planet Drum was founded in 1973 to provide an effective grassroots approach to ecology that emphasizes sustainability, community self-determination and regional self-reliance. In association with community activists and ecologists, Planet Drum developed the concept of a bioregion: a distinct area with coherent and interconnected plant and animal communities, and natural systems, often defined by a watershed. A bioregion is a whole "life-place" with unique requirements for human inhabitation so that it will not be disrupted and injured. Through its projects, publications, speakers, and workshops, Planet Drum helps start new bioregional groups and encourages local organizations and individuals to find ways to live within the natural confines of bioregions.

http://www.planetdrum.org/

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Take the time to consider what happens when you water your lawn with a pesticide for grubs.   Such fertilizer combinations have chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer in domestic pets...Cats and Dog that walk on those treated lawns.  What is it doing to critters down hill from your yard that is using such chemicals. 

If your lawn is not growing well, consider another ground cover!  NOT THE FOUR STEP TREATMENT!

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