Donald and Joanne Hosking probably never thought they could impact the lives of 9 million people. But they are doing so without leaving their Delaware County, New York, dairy farm. The Hosking's participate in the New York City Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) that is improving drinking water for New York City-area residents.

The CREP targets the 500,000-acre Catskill and Delaware watersheds, which furnish most of the 1.34 billion gallons of water used daily by New Yorkers. The goal is to reduce soil erosion by 36,000 tons per year and to decrease levels of pollutants entering the waterways.

The Hosking's CREP plan was complex. They planted a 22-acre riparian forest buffer next to the stream. Then, installing two ponds, a 2,400-foot livestock laneway, and an 8,000-foot fence, they kept their cattle out of the stream while ensuring the animals have a sufficient water supply.

Donald is very satisfied with CREP's results. "The water system works well and the cows have plenty of good water to drink. The trees and shrubs are fantastic and some, after two years, are five feet tall. There's an increase in songbirds and other wildlife. And the biggest benefit is the improvement in our cattle's health since they are out of the wet, swampy areas." At the same time, the Hosking's are helping safeguard drinking water consumed by a vast number of people.

CREP practices have improved the Hosking's dairy herd health and cleaned up drinking water for 9 million New Yorkers.

Don and Joanne Hosking take great pride in their farm and animals.

CREP practices work in progress: tree/shrub planting with shelters and animal crossing.