The St. Joseph watershed covers approximately 1,190 square miles in northeastern Indiana and southern Michigan. It is primarily a rural agricultural area with urban development in the cities of Fort Wayne and Sturgis. The watershed is mostly flat with gentle rolling hills, and it is drained by the St. Joseph River and its tributaries. The river is prone to flooding, and efforts have been made to reduce flood risks through the construction of levees and other flood control measures. The watershed receives an average of 36 inches of precipitation per year, with snowfall typically occurring between December and March. Snowpack can accumulate to depths of up to 20 inches during peak winter months. The St. Joseph River is a major source of surface water for the region, and it is used for municipal and industrial purposes as well as recreation. The river and its tributaries are also home to a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Reservoirs within the watershed include the Bixler Lake Reservoir, which provides drinking water for the city of Kendallville, and the St. Joseph River Dam, which forms the St. Marys River Reservoir. The reservoirs are managed for flood control, recreational activities, and wildlife habitat. In recent years, the St. Joseph watershed has experienced more frequent and severe flooding due to increased precipitation and changing weather patterns. There has also been concern about the impact of agricultural practices on water quality and aquatic habitat in the watershed. Efforts are underway to address these challenges through better land use practices and watershed management strategies.