A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls as rain or snow drains into a common body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. It includes all the streams, rivers, and lakes that are connected to that body of water. Watersheds are important because they help manage water resources and support ecosystems. Watersheds can vary in size, from small areas that drain into a creek to large regions that feed into major rivers like the Mississippi River. The boundaries of a watershed are defined by the highest points of land, known as ridges or divides. Understanding watersheds is crucial for water conservation and environmental protection.