The Licking Watershed, located in central Ohio, covers approximately 1,600 square miles and is part of the Muskingum River watershed. The watershed is characterized by a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. It experiences an average annual precipitation of around 36 inches, with most of it falling during the summer months. The Licking River, the primary watercourse of the watershed, is prone to flooding due to its steep slopes and large drainage area. Snowpack is moderate in the area and typically melts by early spring. The watershed is home to several reservoirs, including Buckeye Lake and Dillon Lake, which serve as sources of drinking water and recreation for the surrounding communities. Climatic trends in the Licking Watershed include increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, with more frequent extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and droughts. Concerns about water quality and quantity have led to increased efforts to monitor and manage the watershed's resources to ensure sustainability for future generations.