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Who are the Stewards? 

The Manlius Watershed Stewards are a group of Town of Manlius residents who are working to foster watershed resilience through education, outreach and community science. Limestone Creek and its tributaries form the main watershed in the Town of Manlius. The Town also contains part of Butternut Creek and Chittenango Creek watersheds. All three creeks are part of the much larger Oneida Lake watershed. All town residents are welcome. Special skills or knowledge are not a prerequisite. Please join us in creating a healthy watershed with high quality water, reduced risk of flooding, improved habitat, increased recreational opportunities and community fun.

Get Involved with the Stewards!

The Manlius Watershed Stewards meet on Tuesdays at the Town of Manlius Town Hall at 6:30. The committee also hosts events throughout the community.  Check out our calendar below for upcoming meetings and events. Email the Stewards at watershedstewards@townofmanlius.org. 

Report a Stormwater or Flooding Incident.

The Manlius Watershed Stewards want to know what is happening with stormwater and flooding in our community. If you experience or witness an event, please let us know by filling out our ONLINE FORM. 

Everyone who uses water should know where it comes from and where it goes!

What is Watershed and Why Does It Matter? 

  • A watershed is the land that water flows across or under on its way to a river, lake, stream or bay. Water travels over farm fields, forests, suburban lawns and city streets, or it seeps into the soil and travels as groundwater. Watersheds are separated from each other by high points, such as hills or slopes.
  • We all live in watersheds. The water in your backyard drains over or under the ground to a small creek or pond and is a part of its watershed. Where does the rain in your backyard end up? The answer to this question is your watershed address, the drainage basin where you live. 
  • People can affect the environment's health when they pollute a watershed. Pollutants are materials that can harm plants, animals or humans. These materials may be discharged directly into a waterbody or washed off the land and into waterbodies. Some can also seep into the soil and groundwater.

NYC logoThis helpful information on watershed is from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. You can learn more about watersheds and how to help protect them on their webpage.

water mapRiver Runner Mapping Tool 

Using this free open-source water mapping tool, you can watch the path of a raindrop from anywhere in the contiguous and see where stormwater flows. 

We are updating our page and adding information regularly. Check back for more information on how you can use this tool.

Drinking Water Source Protection Program Plan