What is a Watershed and why is it important to me?

A watershed is a basin-like landform that drains into a lake or river. After the rain falls and the snow melts, the water makes its way into larger rivers and eventually to oceans. Watershed areas are our home, where we live, work and play. We all rely on water and natural resources to exist. Everything we do on land effects the amount of freshwater we will have in the future. Our watersheds provide water for drinking, irrigation and industry. It keeps our soil fertile and supports self-reliant communities. Most of us also enjoy the beauty of our lakes and streams for swimming, boating and fishing. Wildlife needs healthy watersheds to live as well. Sudden changes to a watershed such as clear cutting trees and brush, littering and dumping waste have damaging effects that can take several generations to repair. It is important to recognize that the best way to ensure our natural resources for the future is to manage and protect them today.

Observe the map below and see how the streams, tributaries and brooks flow into each other creating the drainage system that creates our watershed. In this, the Becaguimec Watershed, all of the tributaries flow into the Becaguimec which then drains into the St. John River Basin. The St. John River flows into the Bay of Fundy while continuing to collect water from the other watersheds along the way. The colours on this map highlight other major drainages within the watercourses of the Becaguimec. Craig Brook and McLean Brook are both composites of this watershed. A composite is a collection of smaller brooks and streams. Can you find a river or watercourse close to your home and identify which part of the watershed it is connected to?

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