From the viewpoint on Mt. Wismer at 2,000 feet, the Brodhead watershed spreads out below, drenched in autumn color all the way to Camelback.
At this elevation all you see is trees and the shapes of the Pocono Plateau. No developments or highways, no warehouses or water parks.
Miles to the west you see a deep notch in the blue Appalachian ridge line-- the Delaware Water Gap, the point where every drop of water flowing below was tending.
Can anyone witness this without feeling awe and wonder? And gratitude?
All this richness, this bounty of clean air, pure water, and native woodland-- If only everyone could see this!
If only you could fill the heart of every person who benefits from this natural landscape with the knowledge of how lucky we are.
Because in today’s world, safe, abundant water is not a given-- and it’s ours to enjoy here in the Poconos because people work to keep it that way.
For some officials and staff, protecting water is part of their job.
Commissioners and supervisors, planning commission members, zoning officers and sewage enforcement officers protect land, regulate water use, determine rules for development, create regulations-- and take action when someone breaks the law.
Thanks to people in these positions, thousands of acres in our area have become priceless preserves-- for hunting and fishing, creekside parks, hiking and birding, picnicking, adult and children’s sports, and just to protect the views like this that we love, and that also draw tourism from around the world.
For others, it’s also part of the job-- and based on a deep, abiding need to make a difference.
Among them are the staff, management and directors of organizations like the Monroe County Conservation District, Brodhead Watershed Association, Pocono Heritage Land Trust, PennFuture, The Nature Conservancy and the Monroe County Waste Authority.
Same goes for state outfits like the Game Commission, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Protection.
And then there are just everyday people.
Members of Brodhead Trout Unlimited and local conservation-minded hunting and fishing clubs.
Volunteers like Boy Scouts and other service organizations, Streamwatchers, and volunteer trailbuilders and cleanup crews.
Anyone who takes the time to pick up roadside trash, segregate their recyclables, and take their own reusable bags with them for shopping.
Landowners who put conservation easements on the land they love to protect it from development forever.
Taking water for granted is never a good idea. Just ask the people of Flint, Michigan, who, more than a decade later, are still dealing with the fallout from contaminated drinking water.
We have a lot to be grateful for in the Brodhead watershed. Countless caring, dedicated, lovers of the natural world are at the top of the list.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Visit the Brodhead Protecting Clean Water Together webpage for more articles in this series.
The Brodhead Watershed Association protects water quality and quantity throughout our area. Get involved! Become a member!
Related Articles This Week:
-- Water At Risk: A.I. Data Centers Bait And Switch? - By Carol Hillestad for Brodhead Watershed Association, Monroe County [PaEN]
[Posted: November 3, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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