Last updated: May 17, 2021
Article
Wander Our Watershed: An Interactive Outreach Initiative for the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Watershed
One question that many land, river, and park managers ask themselves is: “How can we get the word out to residents and visitors about all the fun and exciting outdoor activities available in our region?” This is what the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee sought to answer when they launched the Wander Our Watershed initiative. Through this unique online platform, site visitors can use an interactive map to filter through different activities and features.
The mission of the Wander Our Watershed Map project is to provide an online resource for the greater Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Watershed region that highlights the variety of outdoor recreation opportunities available, while supporting local services and businesses. Highlighting recreational opportunities is important in fostering a love of the watershed and boosting local economies. This past year, many people have reconnected with nature through new forms of recreation, and prioritized supporting their local outdoor businesses and restaurants.
With 40,000 acres (62 square miles), there’s a lot to wander in the Eightmile watershed! The resource has something for everyone, from local cultural and historic sites to birding and biking trails. The map offers not only an ecotourism opportunity, but highlights the preservation and conservation work that has been done on a watershed-scale. By taking this watershed approach to their Wild & Scenic designation, the Eightmile Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee successfully protects not only the Eightmile River, but also local lands and over 150 miles of tributaries and streams. These areas are essential to the viability and long-term health of the Eightmile River. Since 2010, over 1,000 acres of land have been preserved, bringing the total to over 15,400 acres--about 40% of the watershed. These efforts and areas have been highlighted in the new Eightmile preserve map.
The Wander Our Watershed project is just one of the many projects that the Eightmile has spearheaded and supported. Some of these efforts include creating a new trail, the Goodwin Trail, to connect eight parcels in four towns, and designating the Lyme Forest Block as the first landscape Important Bird Area in Connecticut. This designation was due in part because the Eightmile River Watershed offers significant habitat in the state for species such as the globally vulnerable Cerulean Warbler.
The outdoor recreation industry is an oft-overlooked, yet powerful force in the overall United States economy. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, consumers spend nearly $900 billion annually on outdoor recreation and the sector creates 7.6 million American jobs. In addition to the economic benefits, research shows that there are also social benefits, such as reduced crime rates, improved educational outcomes, and lower health care costs.
The Wander Our Watershed Map is equipped with map filters like Arts & Culture; Farm Stands & Farmers Markets; Food & Drink; Outfitters, Gear, and Services; Rentals and Expeditions; Lodging; and, of course, Recreation. To make the map even more user-friendly, you can also use additional filters like ADA accessible, Pet friendly, and Family friendly. The map gives you an opportunity to plan your unique and perfect day out exploring the watershed. Are you a birder who wants a brewery option at the end of the day? What about the family of four who is looking for a weekend vacation on some mountain bike trails? Are you looking to explore the preserved lands in the Eightmile Watershed? This map has you covered. It’s part of what puts the “WoW” in the Wander Our Watershed initiative.
This interactive and mobile map project was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of The Coca-Cola Company and The Coca-Cola Foundation. It was also made possible by partnering with local towns, land trusts, and outdoor resources and recreation groups such as the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), Southeast Connecticut Chapter of the Northeast Mountain Bike Association, and the Thames Valley Trout Unlimited Chapter.