The ah-ha moment

The ah-ha moment came for me Friday. The light bulb clicked on.

You see, I am not a scientist, and I have never been an environmental reporter. So the definition of watershed was a tricky concept for me to understand. Perhaps I am not alone?

I don't think I can explain watershed in my own words yet, but I am savvy enough to tap into some online resources and link to some explanations.

The Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum provides a nice little animated explanation of watershed.

I have to admit, I played The Watershed Game (novice level, of course). But I scored 100 percent.

The EPA explains watersheds in a more adult-like format.

Over the last three weeks we've been listening to guest speakers talk about water quality, hydrology and watersheds. It wasn't until yesterday that I suddenly understood the definition and boundaries of the Clinton Lake Watershed.

Paul Liechti, associate director of the Kansas Biological Suvey presented information to our class down at The Lawrence Journal-World. For me, Liechti's presentation made all the other guest speakers information fall into context. Now, as the reporter assigned to show how Clinton Lake stacks up, I feel I have a path to follow... down the Wakarusa River.

I no longer feel like I am going up the creek without a paddle.