Every drop of rain that falls on the landscape has several possible destinations. Some water evaporates back into the atmosphere. Some is absorbed by plants and later released through transpiration. Some flows across the land as stormwater runoff into ditches, streams, rivers, and lakes. Another por…
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Few lakes in the world inspire the sense of awe that Crater Lake does. Formed nearly 7,700 years ago after the collapse of Mount Mazama, the lake fills a massive volcanic caldera and reaches a depth of 1,943 feet, making it the deepest lake in the United States. Its remarkable blue color and extraor…
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The Adirondack Watershed Institute, often referred to as AWI, has become one of the most important environmental organizations working to protect New York’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Based at Paul Smith’s College in the northern Adirondacks, AWI blends scientific research, on-the-grou…
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Waterfront properties are among a community's most valuable and desirable lands. They offer scenic views, recreational opportunities, and direct access to lakes, rivers, ponds, and coastal waters. Yet the landscaping practices commonly used to maintain these properties can unintentionally become…
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Watersheds are essential ecosystems that collect, store, and channel water across the landscape, ultimately feeding into rivers, lakes, and oceans. At the heart of every healthy watershed is the water cycle - the continuous movement of water through the atmosphere, land, and underground reservoirs. …
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The Clean Water Act is the foundation of modern water pollution control in the United States. While many people associate the law with industrial pollution or wastewater treatment plants, it also serves as the legal basis for regulating stormwater runoff through Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System…
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What Is a Riparian Ecosystem? A riparian ecosystem is the corridor of vegetation and wildlife located along the banks of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Unlike upland areas farther from water, riparian zones are shaped by frequent interaction with moving water. The soils are typically w…
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Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lake George is often referred to as the "Queen of American Lakes," and for good reason. With crystal-clear waters stretching over 32 miles and a watershed that supports rich biodiversity, Lake George is both an ecological treasure an…
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