Watersheds
Natural water systems are one of our most valuable resources. Efforts to restore, protect and maintain the county’s waterways are facilitated by the District’s Watershed Program. A watershed is defined by its topography and the water that drains collectively into its streams, creeks and rivers. York County has five main watersheds – four of which flow into the Chesapeake Bay by way of the Susquehanna River. Because our watersheds drain into the Chesapeake Bay, our local activities affect its water quality. This unique relationship has a profound effect on how we conduct our watershed program. The Watershed Specialist conducts stream assessments, and develops work plans & strategies with land owners to preserve the natural water cycle in York County – doing our part to protect the Bay. Additionally, the watershed specialist coordinates and nurtures relationships among watershed organizations throughout our county and Northern Maryland. With your help, these cooperative efforts to promote watershed stewardship will ensure our water quality, the quality of the Bay, and the vital plant & animal habitats we all share.
Below is a list of Watershed Prgrams and Partner Programs. Each contain information covering a wide array of subjects.
General Overview of the York County Conservation District’s Programs
Our “Be Water Wise” Series contains information regarding how to manage on-lot storm water and the construction of Rain Barrels. It also contains information about Rain Gardens, how you can do it yourself at home, and what you need to know about starting your own small pond.
MAEscapes was created to demonstrate conservation landscaping principles and techniques. The habitats created encourage diversity of native wildlife and have the additional benefits of lower cost and less maintenance. These ideals are appropriate for homes, schools, businesses and public spaces.
Plant life/Invasive Species Series
This section contains information regarding Mid-Atlantic Greenscaping and invasive species.
Pennsylvania’s Floodplain Monitoring Program
Provides information regarding flood hazards, flood maps, and flood insurance.
Our “This OLDs House” Series contains information on how to manage your on-lot drinking water and disposal systems, whether you’re a homeowner, municipality, or a realtor.
American Rivers joins AARP and Hollywood to Inspire Volunteerism
To promote volunteerism, AARP is partnering with the Entertainment Industry Foundation to issue this week-long, high-profile national call to service. American Rivers is working with AARP to increase volunteerism through our National River Cleanup™ program with a new how-to video and toolkit, How to Organize a River Cleanup, (http://www.createthegood.org/diy-toolkits?cmp=CTG-E-AmRiv-ServiceWeek-20091020).
which shows the easy, step-by-step process to organize a river cleanup near you. To organize and register your own river cleanup, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org/Cleanup. AARP has launched a community service program, Create the Good, to help Americans find and organize volunteer events in their community. The site is also available in Spanish and the National River Cleanup™ video is available with Spanish subtitles. We are proud to be a part of this historic volunteerism promotion. At American Rivers, we know what a difference volunteers can make on their local river, and we encourage you to participate.