About the SRWA
The Stones River Watershed Association was founded in April, 2003 at an initial meeting of about 25 people who shared an interest in water quality, wetlands, environmental education and water-based recreation. The organization was created by transforming and renaming the Black Fox Wetlands League, which had formed in 1990 to protect a single small water resource. Since its founding SRWA has concentrated on building partnerships with public agencies and related non-profits that share a commitment to water resource protection; fostering public interest in recreational use of our rivers; collaborating with schools and teachers in delivering quality environmental education; developing expertise in the assessment and restoration of river corridors; and networking with sister organizations in other watersheds. Among its notable achievements is the creation of annual Boat Day events to introduce families to paddling and founding of the Watershed Summit on Short Mountain, a gathering of watershed activists from the mid-State.
SRWA WORKS To protect the streams, rivers, creeks, springs and wetlands comprising the Stones River watershed of Middle Tennessee for the benefit of the public and the welfare of the general environment. To advance public awareness of the importance of the Stones River, its tributaries and associated wetlands for water supply, recreation, flood control, wildlife habitat, agriculture and other purposes. To promote responsible stewardship of private and public lands in the watershed as a means of improving water quality in the Stones River and its tributaries. To increase public access to rivers and streams for low-impact recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. To encourage the preservation of natural and historic resources associated with the Stones River and its tributaries. To provide educational opportunities, including water-based outdoor activities, for students, youth groups and the general public.
What is a watershed?
The term watershed describes an area of land that drains downslope to the lowest point. The water moves through a network of drainage pathways, both underground and on the surface. Generally, these pathways converge into streams and rivers, which become progressively larger as the water moves on downstream, eventually reaching and estuary and the ocean. Other terms used interchangeably with watershed include drainage basin or catchment basin.
Watersheds can be large or small. Every stream, tributary, or river has an associated watershed, and small watersheds join to become larger watersheds. It is relatively easy to delineate watersheds using a topographic map that shows stream channels. Watershed boundaries follow major ridgelines around channels and meet at the bottom, where water flows out of the watershed, a point commonly referred to as a stream or river.
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