All of humanity and the entire global economy depend on a daily supply of clean water. Most of that water originates in small streams and wetlands—the headwaters—which are often unnamed and unmapped. Yet these anonymous headwaters are essential for maintaining downstream water quality, preventing flooding, providing wildlife habitat, and improving people’s quality of life.

“Where Rivers Are Born” summarizes the scientific basis for the value and benefits of small streams and wetlands, which are often unnoticed, unappreciated, and unprotected, and yet are a critical part of the natural infrastructure that sustains humanity. This second edition is an update to the original version, first published in 2003, and draws on hundreds of relevant scientific papers that have been published in the past two decades. 

The second edition is authored by the RBC and American Rivers.