Taunton River Watershed facts for kids

The Taunton River watershed is a special area in southeastern Massachusetts, USA. Think of a watershed as a big bowl where all the rain and snow that falls eventually flows into one main river. For the Taunton River, this "bowl" covers about 562 square miles (1,500 km²)! It includes many rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands. It's the second largest watershed in Massachusetts. It's also a key part of an even bigger watershed, the Narragansett Bay watershed, which spans multiple states.

Most of the Taunton River watershed is in Bristol County and western Plymouth County. Some smaller parts reach into southern Norfolk County.

Discovering the Taunton River Watershed

This amazing natural area is home to many different plants and animals. It has a rich variety of habitats, which are like different types of homes for wildlife.

Wildlife and Habitats

The Taunton River watershed is full of life! Here are some cool facts about what you can find:

• It has 7 types of freshwater mussels. These are like natural filters for the water.
• You can find 27 different kinds of habitats. This means lots of different places for animals to live.
• There are 29 species of native fish swimming in its waters.
• Over 114 species of birds fly through the skies and nest in the trees.

Waterways and Wetlands

The watershed is also a great place for outdoor activities.

• It has about 173 square miles (450 km²) of rivers that are perfect for canoeing.
• There are 221 lakes and ponds scattered throughout the area.
• A very important part of the watershed is the Hockomock Swamp. This huge wetland covers about 16,800 acres (6,800 ha). Wetlands like this are important because they help clean the water and provide homes for many animals.

Protecting the Taunton River Watershed

Many people and groups care deeply about keeping the Taunton River watershed healthy and clean. They work hard to protect this natural treasure for everyone to enjoy.

Environmental Groups and Their Work

Several organizations are dedicated to protecting the Taunton River watershed. They do this through laws, getting money for projects, and educating people. Here are a few of them:

• Sheehan Family Foundation Grant: This foundation provides money to help projects that protect the environment, including those in the Taunton River watershed.
• Taunton River Watershed Alliance: This group works to protect and restore the natural resources of the watershed. They often organize clean-ups and educational programs.
• Taunton River Wild and Scenic Rivers Study: This study looked at how special the Taunton River is. It helped to give parts of the river a "Wild and Scenic" designation, which helps protect its natural beauty and importance.

These groups help make sure that the Taunton River watershed stays a healthy and beautiful place for both people and wildlife.