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Water
makes up more than 70% of the human body. Did you know that without
it, a person would survive only a week? Earth is often called
"The Water Planet" because so much of its surface is covered with
water. But only a tiny fraction of the planet’s water is actually
available freshwater; 97% is saltwater and most of the
rest is locked away in polar icecaps, glaciers, and
snow.
People
need a constant supply of clean, fresh water, but so do the millions of plants and animals
that inhabit Earth’s mountains and plains, forests and fields, wetlands, rivers, oceans and streams.
Unfortunately, of the limited amount of water available, a great deal has been affected by human abuse.
The Academy of Natural Sciences
was founded in 1812 to expand knowledge of the natural world. More than fifty years ago,
long before water pollution was really understood, Academy researchers pioneered studies to
see what was happening in rivers and streams as cities, farms, and industries grew. Today,
they remain at the cutting edge of aquatic research and are renowned for their focus on how
human activities impact the environment.
You
may not realize it, but you affect water quality in some way almost every day.
That’s why it’s important to understand the role water plays in your life--and how
you can become a better steward of the world’s most important resource. The first
step is learning about watersheds, and then relating what you know to the waterways near to your home.
This site
is here to help you begin your own journey of discovery on the subject of watersheds--and to help
you recognize that people are intricately linked to the natural world. Just as surely as we depend on
water and air, these critical elements of life are dependant on us.
Here's a guide to what you will find on this site:
Living Downstream
is the Academy’s new interactive water exhibit, and it's a great place to start.
The Online Exhibit will give you a taste of the multimedia experience that awaits when you
visit the museum, but the real thing has to be seen to be fully explored.
Watersheds
offers basic Background information to help jump start your involvement, along with activities
designed to be informative and fun.
Education
details the Academy's exciting watershed Programs, including opportunities to learn about water issues through
classes in the Museum, at schools, on the Delaware River, and at the Chesapeake Bay.
Research
gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at Scientists in action and explains how and why they study the natural world.
Resources
provides links to a wide range of additional Web Sites, from local watershed groups to federal agencies, to sites for teachers, families, and kids.
Surf
through URA and follow some of the links. Visit our watershed exhibit. Join us for an educational experience.
Most importantly, get out there and get your feet wet.
You can make a difference in your watershed by getting involved!
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About URA