Release Date: February 25, 2026

As part of its year-long programming focus on “Ecologies of Water,” the Woodstock Land Conservancy is partnering with local experts to ask “How is the Sawkill?” and launch a new stream literacy program. The free event is March 14 at 5 p.m. at Mountainview Studio in the heart of Woodstock.

“How is the Sawkill?” will bring together scientists, storytellers, artists and community leaders to explore the local watershed that includes Sawkill Creek from multiple perspectives. The event will also be the premiere of Mapping the Sawkill, a year-long series of workshops and art projects culminating in an interactive exhibition at WAAM facilitated by artist Jennifer Zackin.

During the event, participants will be invited to join the new stream literacy program to survey stream features along the Sawkill. This free, volunteer opportunity will include training, data collection and special events.

Panelists include artist Judy Abbott, who will explore Indigenous stewardship of waterways to ground the conversation in traditions of care and responsibility; Beth Reichheld, former director of NYCDEP’s Stream Management Program, who will introduce the watershed that includes the Sawkill; and Joel Dubois, Greene County soil and water executive director, who will provide a baseline of what conditions are thriving in the watershed and what are of concern. 

Julie Blelock and Arlene Weissman of the Woodstock Environmental Commission will join Jill Olesker, founder of the Water Stories Project, to discuss the community connections to the Sawkill and protection of this important waterway. Blelock and Weissman will introduce Woodstock’s Drinking Water Source Protection Plan, while Olesker will facilitate community narratives.

The panels will be moderated by Candace Balmer, regional director for RCAP Solutions, a community organization focused on environmental services.

 The event is free, but registration is required. Go here to register https://bit.ly/4ak6iop or visit the Woodstock Land Conservancy website.