What Is A Watershed? - Characteristics
- Management Plan
- Progress Newsletter
- Nutrient & Sediment Dynamics Report
- Links
- County Contact
- Photo Credits
What Is A Watershed?
A
watershed is the land that water flows across or under on its way to a 
stream, river or bay. River and large creek watersheds may encompass large land areas and cross several jurisdictions. Within large watersheds are
many smaller watersheds which drain to smaller water bodies such as runs
and streams. The smaller watersheds are
called "subwatersheds." Within the subwatersheds are "catchments,"
which define building sites. What occurs in the watershed affects the
water runoff and ultimately the quality of the waterbody. For example,
a spill of pollutants on a hillside may drain into a nearby gully and,
as it rains,continue to travel downhill into a stream and finally make
its way into a river or estuary.
All land is in a watershed. People interact daily with the land and thus the watershed. Whether it's going someplace like school, work, or shopping, or just staying home we're always in a watershed, which our activities affect.
We
often enjoy the main creeks and rivers of the watersheds by drinking the
water, getting fish for food, looking at the scenery, and recreational
activities, such as fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, biking and birdwatching.
These waterways are also important to the natural ecosystem as they provide
links in the food chain, habitat for wildlife and migratory stop-overs
for birds.
If
we remember that all of our activities, wherever we are, contribute to
the quality of our streams, creeks and rivers, we will be better caretakers
of the watersheds.
The Mattawoman Creek flows directly into the Potomac River and is renown as a premier recreational fishing location. Fish that can be caught in the creek include large and smallmouth bass, catfish, white and yellow perch, striped bass (rockfish), carp and hardhead. Sweden Point Marina located at Smallwood State Park in the lower part of Mattawoman Creek, is host to Bass Tournaments throughout the year.
A Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing License is required for this area and can be purchased at Sweden Point Marina Concession. Visit the Charles County Tourism website for more information and directions to Sweden Point Marina.
Is the
Mattawoman in your back yard?
What
can we do to make a difference? Some things we can all do are: fertilize
wisely, dispose of waste, oil and chemicals properly, and practice conservation
landscaping or "Bayscaping" on our property. "Bayscaping"
means using a large variety of plant materials to minimize turf areas
and maintenance needs. By planting , a variety of perennials, shrubs and
trees that are naturally suited to site conditions, the landscape will
thrive without extra watering, fertilizing, and mowing.
Go
to US Fish & Wildlife
Service to learn more about conservation landscaping. For additional
environmental tips to do inside your home, outside your home and in the
community, visit the The Maryland Department of Natural Resource's Fragile:
Handle With Care site.