Approximately 100 people came out for an evening of learning, listening and reflecting on a stream that runs through so many parts of our community as WLC presented “How is the Sawkill?” March 14 at Mountain View Studio. Soon, we will digitize and post the video recordings to ensure that all can benefit from this amazing suite of presentations.

One of the clearest takeaways was that understanding the Sawkill means looking at it from many angles. Through mapping, ecological data, personal memory and art, the creek comes into focus not just as a waterway but as a relationship shaped by place and community. As Judy Abbott shared, the Munsee Lenape understood waterways not as human-centered resources but as living relationships among all beings. That perspective reminds us that caring for the Sawkill is about stewardship and reciprocity.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who shared their knowledge and time: Judy Abbott, Beth Reichheld, Joel H. DuBois, Jill Olesker, Julia Blelock and Arlene Weissman. We appreciate Ella Cattabiani’s help in creating a new Sawkill watershed map, to Candace Balmer for guiding the conversation, to WLC collaborator Mary McNamara for her support, and to Tom and Mountain View Studio for generously hosting the evening.

What’s next? We introduced many activities and programs that will continue and will benefit from your participation.

• Mapping the Sawkill This project is now underway. We’ll share updates as the project develops, and we’re especially looking forward to Jennifer Zackin’s exhibition at WAAM this fall. Stay tuned to Jennifer’s website for upcoming Mapping the Sawkill events, including the upcoming “Playing the Sawkill” percussion performance June 20.

• Stream Stewards Program As part of Mapping the Sawkill, Jennifer Zackin and Beth Reichheld will be working with volunteers to receive training in stream literacy and observe signs of ecological change. The program will take place from May through September, with about a one-day-per-month commitment. If you’re interested in hearing more, please contact us at info@woodstocklandconservancy.org to be included in the outreach.

• Drinking Water Source Protection Plan (DWSP2) As the Drinking Water Source Protection Plan process begins, community input will be an important part of the work. Woodstock Environmental Commission members Julia Blelock and Arlene Weissman are helping lead this effort and welcome feedback from residents as the plan develops. Email them at dwsp2@woodstockny.gov.

• Ecologies of Water at WLC Our 2026 theme continues with a number of hands-on workshops and programs focused on water. You can view upcoming events here (with more being added regularly).