Watershed
When considering the variable and comprehensive impacts of development in the region, undergraduate students at William and Mary need to look no farther than their own backyard. The Lake Matoaka watershed is dominated by second-growth forest, but developmental pressures associated with economic growth on campus and in the surrounding community are on the rise. These pressures include construction of new academic buildings on campus and new housing, business, and community development surrounding the campus. With all the elements for interdisciplinary study of the impacts of upland development accessible in the local watershed, we are completing a comprehensive study of scientific and social components of our local watersheds. Our goals are threefold:
1) To establish a watershed observation network and clearinghouse for scientific and social data;
2) To provide scientific and social data for teaching and research in the environmental curriculum at the College of William and Mary;
3) To contribute scientific and social data for informed stewardship and management of natural resources in the College Creek watershed.
