We all live in a watershed, from the heart of Manhatten to the desert of Arizona.. A watershed can be defined as an area within hydrologic boundaries that drains to a river, lake, or ocean. For ease of reference, the United State Geologic Survey (USGS) has classified watersheds into HUCs, or Hydrologic Unit Codes. The country is divided into 21 regions, with 2,262 cataloguing units.

With the human population increasing every day, and the average American using around 70 gallons/day, there is a need to manage our water resources. This management includes not only the hydrologic systems such as ground water and surface water, but also land cover, land use, and human interactions.

The Center for Watershed Stewardship, based in State College, Pa, is dedicated to producing the next generation of watershed professionals. Every year, watershed groups from around the state apply to work with the Center as a Keystone Project.

These Keystone Projects are one-year long, comprehensive watershed assessment and recommendation projects by Penn State graduate students working closely with local watershed organizations and government.