Please note: Projects intended for audiences in the East-of-Hudson Watershed or Hudson Valley towns outside the WOH Watershed or the five boroughs of New York City are ineligible for this program. Please consult a Watershed map and/or contact the CWC before applying.

The purpose of the grant program is to support projects that emphasize the importance of the city’s water supply; the role of watershed residents as stewards of that resource; the ecology of the WOH Watershed and diversity of its aquatic and terrestrial life and habitat; the importance and means of preserving water quality in the Watershed; the unique cultural heritage of the area; the development of the city’s vast water system; and the importance of increasing communication and understanding among residents throughout the NYC water supply system.

Examples of previously funded projects include curriculum development, teacher training, oral history and folklife studies, artistic, theatrical and literary projects on water and environmental themes, scientific and technical research and exploration, service learning initiatives, and visits to Watershed and NYC environmental education centers. Descriptions of grant projects and other information of interest to educators may be found on the Catskills-NYC Watershed Educators Network website.

The grants are offered on an annual cycle and are usually restricted to Kindergarten-12th grade audiences, however program guidelines may change from year to year. A Special Program Fund may also be available to applicants with projects that do not meet audience or other stipulations, but which the CWC Education Committee believes will further the goals of the Watershed Public Information and Education Program. Applicants are advised to consult with CWC to determine guidelines and eligibility for both the standard grant and the Special Program funds.

Applications are evaluated by a 13-member Public Education Advisory Group (PEAG) made up of teachers and educators from the WOH Watershed and New York City. Their award recommendations must be approved by the CWC Board of Directors and the NYC DEP.

For more information, call 845-586-1400.

Regional Watershed Museum: The CWC has consulted on and provided support for the establishment of a regional museum, The Catskill Water Discovery Center, now under development in the Town of Middletown, Delaware County. The museum is a non-profit organization with its own Board of Directors and Education Committee.

Back to Top