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Sponsored by Pure Catskills local campaign, an economic initiative of the Watershed Agricultural Council (funding provided by the WAC, the NYCDEP and other sources).

Left: A restored section of the Batavia Kill using natural channel design principles will be highlighted in the Guided Stream Walks

3rd Annual Batavia Kill Stream Celebration

Saturday, August 1, 2009

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rain date Sunday, August 2

Come celebrate the beauty and wonder of the Catskill Mountain streams through interactive exhibits, display booths, guided stream walks, and a host of activities for children and adults alike! The 3rd annual Batavia Kill Stream Celebration is a Free Event for people of all ages who have an interest in learning about the environment and the importance of stream stewardship.

On Saturday, August 1, 2009 the grounds of the Country Suite Bed and Breakfast in the town of Ashland, Greene County, will come to life with an amazing assortment of activities, educational displays, music, and theater—something for everyone. Born through a collaborative effort involving public, private, government, educational and non-profit institutions, the Batavia Kill Stream Celebrations are organized to promote and celebrate the natural environment through watershed stewardship and education.

While the event will offer many “festival activities” including interactive displays, active programs, games, great food, prizes, and music, the Celebration will also promote environmental awareness by stressing the importance of the Batavia Kill Stream as a valuable natural resource for the local communities and the region as a whole, particularly New York City. One of many streams West of the Hudson supplying NYC’s water, the Batavia Kill is in fact a precious commodity to millions, and the Celebration is designed to emphasize this interdependency & connectedness between upstate and downstate residents, and how everyone has a stake in maintaining this essential resource.

The full-day event offers:

S Interactive and educational displays on stream stewardship and natural resource protection and awareness

S Active educational programs for kids and adults to learn about stream dynamics, such as what makes a stream healthy, how they function, what they mean to the broader environment in which we live, and what aquatic and terrestrial species are native to the area.

S Guided hikes along a major stream restoration project designed by Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District and sponsored by New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

S Fly fishing and fly tying demonstrations and plant identification walks will also be featured.

S Music by renowned Molly Mason and Jay Ungar….. The heart and soul of American roots music!

S A feature performance by Arm of the Sea Theater, a renowned not-for-profit organization that performs environmentally aware theatrics throughout the Hudson Valley and tri-state region.

S Plenty of Food and prizes!

Teachers from local school districts, who have been instrumental in designing educational activities for the event, will be available to engage youth of all ages in fun, interactive games.