Bus Tours

Views from the Watershed tours explore the landscape, history, and politics of the NYC water supply in the Catskills. NYC’s water supply has shaped the Catskills’ landscape and economy for more than a century. The relationship between the two places, 100+ miles apart, is forged by water. It’s an extraordinarily complicated and fascinating story—and if you drink NYC water or spend time in the Catskills, it’s a story worth knowing.

Experience how water shapes the past, present, and future of the Catskills. We’ll hear stories of the watershed that run from the profound to the everyday, from tour leader Lize Mogel, with special guests including local historians, naturalists, water experts, and others who will meet us at each stop. Participants on past tours called the experience “mind-blowing,” “wonderful and informative” and “riveting”!

This year, we’re offering two lengths of tours:
Half-day tours, Sunday August 7 and Sunday August 21: This ~3 hour tour visits scenic places around the Ashokan Reservoir, a tributary stream, and other points of interest. Guest speakers include a local historian, stream experts, and others.

Full-day tour on Saturday, August 20^th: This 6-hour tour (including a stop for lunch) travels to the Ashokan and Pepacton Reservoirs and resonant places in between. Guest speakers include a local historian, a hydrologist, a grave restorer, and a trail builder.

Details for 2022 tours here, and you can read about the 2019 tours here.