A simple definition A watershed encompasses all of the land area that drains

to a given water body.

When it rains, all of the land within a watershed, drains by gravity descending downwards across the land into creeks, streams and smaller tributaries and on to larger rivers and eventually to its receiving water body such as an enclosed lake, ocean or gulf.

Components of a watershed1. Divides are found at the top of the system and

separate one watershed from another.

2. Watersheds are usually named for their receiving water body.

3. Tributaries are smaller streams or creeks that feed or flow into a larger stream or river. Large rivers have many tributaries that flow into them. These tributaries each have their own smaller watersheds.

4. The headwaters are found at the top of a river system and are where the river, stream or creek begins.

This map is of an area in Florida that has 10 major watersheds.

Each of these 10 major watersheds is made up of many smaller microsheds.This map can be found at sjrwmd.com

We all live within a watershed.

We all live downstream. We all live upstream.

All of us that live upstream contribute, for good or for ill, to the quality of life for all who live downstream.

Smaller waterways feed into larger waterways.

Arrows show the direction of water flow.

Can you find at least four (4) different watersheds in this aerial photo?

One is already shown for you.

1

Answer Key

The numbers indicate several of the watersheds shown on this aerial photo.

These watersheds are all different sizes and shapes. Many of the watersheds combine to make up a larger watershed.

1

2

6

4

5

3

7

8

9

Black Creek in the lower St. Johns Basin has many tributaries that flow into it.

It is a complex watershed found in Clay County.