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Watervliet
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
2.6
•
Community
2.8
•
Safeguard
4.7/10
Watervliet, Michigan is a charming small town located in Berrien County. The region experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the mid-20s°F (-4°C) in winter to the mid-80s°F (29°C) in summer. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an annual average of 36 inches (91 cm), including moderate snowfall during winter months.
Watervliet is situated near Paw Paw Lake, which contributes to the town's hydrology. The lake, along with the Paw Paw River, provides opportunities for water-based activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. The area's hydrology also supports diverse flora and fauna, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts can enjoy several activities in and around Watervliet. Paw Paw Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as bass, pike, and panfish. Hiking and wildlife-watching can be enjoyed in nearby parks and nature reserves, including the Van Buren State Park and the Sarett Nature Center. Additionally, Watervliet boasts golf courses, tennis courts, and parks for picnicking, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.8
Watervliet receives approximately
953mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Watervliet has a plant hardyness factor of
6, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Area Rivers
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Snowpack Depths
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.6
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardin Ridge | 200 | 780 ft | |||
| Deer Creek Co Park | None | 702 ft | |||
| Potato Creek State Park | 290 | 783 ft | |||
| Paynetown State Rec Area - Monroe Lake | 320 | 557 ft | |||
| Morgan - Monroe State Forest | 30 | 941 ft | |||
| Brown County State Park | 430 | 899 ft | |||
| Shamrock Park | None | 608 ft | |||
| Johnson County Park | 50 | 741 ft | |||
| Mason Ridge - Morgan Monroe State Forest | 30 | 707 ft | |||
| Yellowwood State Forest | 80 | 613 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.8
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.