Join us on NY Gives Day - Watershed Agricultural Council

When we protect a farm, we preserve a way of life. For generations, people in the Catskills have appreciated the rural character of the region’s undeveloped landscape: beautiful farm and forestland patched together with cool mountain streams.

The Watershed Agricultural Council, an on-the-ground local organization of committed professionals, has used both science and law through economic and conservation strategies to protect NYC’s Watershed for over 20 years. Because of this commitment and capacity, the Catskill Mountains are a source of safe, chemical-free and abundant drinking water to the Northeast’s largest metropolitan city. We ensure the delivery of over one billion gallons of fresh drinking water every day to more than nine million NYC residents.

While 70% of the world is covered by water, less than 1% of it is accessible and drinkable. The United Nations estimates that by 2050 the world population will require 60% more food to sustain three billion more people. According to American Farmland Trust, in New York State, roughly 4,000 farms have been paved over since the early 1980’s, an average of three farms a week have been destroyed for over 30 years due to development. These challenges require visionary thinking, planning and ultimately solutions that build on a track record of results and push us to incorporate new thinking, as well as focusing on expanding land conservation balanced with economic opportunities. As an organization we have demonstrated not only a track record of success and a commitment as a region leader, but are also positioned to positively impact farms, forest and clean water into the future.

Through a unique agricultural conservation easement with the Watershed Agricultural Council, landowners can permanently protect their farmland while preserving their right to farm and forest the land. By donating to our Stewardship Endowment Fund, you are supporting this practice and ensuring that the land is protected in perpetuity.

Join us on Tuesday, November 28th as we protect farms, forest and clean water by donating online at: nygivesday.org/organizations/watershed-agricultural-council

Thank you for supporting the Watershed Agricultural Council’s mission of promoting the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, the protection of water quality, and the conservation of working landscapes for generations to come!

#NYGivesDay is a 24-hour giving challenge brought to you by the New York Council of Nonprofits and United Way of New York State to celebrate the life-changing work of nonprofits across the vast state of New York.