The Solution to Pollution
Everyone lives in a watershed and everyone can take small steps to keep our waters clean!
What Can You do to Protect Your Watershed ?
- Always pick up after your pet!
- Be aware of how much water you use. Think of ways to use less water, or conserve.
- Don’t throw trash on the ground – that way, it won’t wash down into streams or storm drains. Make sure to put garbage in the trash bin, and remember to recycle when you can.
- Ask your parents to use fertilizers or pesticides on the lawn very carefully – and not to use them before it is supposed to rain. They can also use natural fertilizers like manure, mulch, or compost.
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Let an adult know if you see an oil stain on the driveway under your car - oil and antifreeze that leaks out of cars can wash off into the watershed and waterways when it rains. Check your cars for drips and leaks. If you find any, ask whoever is responsible for the car to have them fixed soon!
- Ride your bike and ask your parents to try to drive less often – cars emit chemicals in the air that can deposit into our streams and lakes – like acid rain.
- Ask an adult or classroom teacher to help you plant some trees or tall grasses next to a stream in your watershed. These plants will help keep the dirt from eroding down to the stream. They will also help catch some of the bad chemicals that can get washed into streams.
- Talk to your teacher about planning a watershed awareness day, outdoor trash cleanup, or Earth Day event at your school – where you can learn and teach other kids and adults about protecting water!
- Ask an adult to take you hiking or to a community watershed event. If kids and adults go outside and hike or play in nature more often, they are more likely to want to protect the environment!
Science Fair Ideas
Have you done a science fair project relating to watersheds, water quality, or local streams? Let us know your great ideas! Email Carolyn at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Cool Programs
- Adopt-a-Spot
Help beautify our watersheds by picking up litter and spreading the word that the actions we take on our land affect the quality of our water resources!
1. Pick a spot in your watershed that needs a little cleaning up
2. Find a group of people to help you
3. Choose a date and time - and do it!
If you choose a date during the month of July (Dutchess Watershed Awareness Month), a member of the Dutchess Watershed Coalition will help coordinate your spot with you. For more information, contact Carolyn at (845)677-8223 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
- USEPA’s Water Activities for Kids
A fun website with different activities for all age groups!
- USEPA's Water Drop Patch Project
Inspires youth to learn about water quality and to take action in their communities to protect and restore local water resources, including rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and ground water. The project was developed with the Girl Scouts, but can be used by Boy Scouts, 4-H groups, or other school or after-school programs (grades 2–12). It promotes Discovery, Connections with nature and water, and Action for youth to make a difference in their communities.
- World Water Monitoring Day™
This is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies. Celebrate with us on September 18.
And learn more with fun activities, including word finds, scavenger hunts, coloring pages, and more!
