by Elena Freeman
We’ve witnessed some big rains this week. Have you thought about all that rain water and where it ends up? After the ground is saturated, most of the water runs off —where does it go? Depending on local topography, the water concentrates in a creek, then in a lake, river, bay, or the ocean. The local area that feeds to one creek or catchment area is a watershed. Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes. Everyone lives in a watershed—do you know which one you live in?
You can find your watershed and learn more about it at the Marin County Public Works website. This website has detailed maps and descriptions of our local watersheds. There is a wealth of information on watershed history and watershed science. Visit the site at www.marinwatersheds.org.
When it rains heavily, as it has this week, you may be concerned about potential flooding if you live near a creek. Visit this link for real time rainfall amounts for local watersheds: marin.onerain.com/home.php. The Marin County Sheriff’s office has current emergency information including links to traffic and weather related sites at www.marinsheriff.org/about.aspx?gi_id=45.
After the rain clears and you feel like going for a walk outside to stretch your legs and breathe in the clean-washed air, visit www.mcstoppp.org/map.htm to find an interactive map showing where you can get out into nature in your area, with lists and descriptions of local parks and open spaces.
Stay dry, drive safely and have a great weekend.
