July 14, 2003

Contact: Ian Michaels (718) 595-6600

New York City And Watershed Teachers: Learning Together About The New York City Water Supply System

Commissioner Christopher O. Ward of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that 23 teachers from New York City and upstate watershed schools will take hikes, wade streams and visit working forests and reservoirs to learn about the New York City water supply system and the DEP’s watershed protection efforts.

The fifth annual Watershed Forestry Institute for Teachers provides middle and high school science teachers with the skills and knowledge to help their students learn about the connection between watershed forests and water quality. The program begins Tuesday afternoon, July 15th, and ends Friday afternoon, July 18th. Teachers will be provided with all materials and curriculum and college credits, if needed.

The Institute will be based at the Frost Valley YMCA Straus Center in the heart of the Catskill Mountains and the New York City watershed. The Straus Center provides a wonderful setting for participants to learn about watershed forest issues. The presenters include professional forestry staff and watershed specialists from government, private and non-profit organizations.

Facilitated discussions about New York City watershed issues help participants understand how forest management impacts both rural and urban citizens. Participants will measure and observe trees with conventional forestry equipment and learn how to help students understand and appreciate forests in their own communities. Teachers will “get their feet wet” when studying the aquatic life found in the East Branch of the Neversink River. Field trips include visits to a model forest research and demonstration site, as well as a New York City reservoir educational kiosk. Fieldwork plays a major role in this intensive 4-day program, so teachers will be involved in learning, a little hard work, and a lot of fun while in the company of their watershed/New York City partners.

The Institute for Teachers is an educational program of the six-year old New York City Watershed Forestry Program, which is administered by the non-profit Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) with funding from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and USDA Forest Service. The 4-day Institute is coordinated by the Catskill Forest Association in partnership with WAC, DEP, USDA Forest Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, SUNY - College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Frost Valley YMCA, Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, and other Watershed Forestry Program partners.