5. The Hudson's Tributaries
Water that runs off the Hudson's watershed flows through tributary streams to the river. Tributaries may carry the pollutants mentioned in the previous slide. These streams also carry detritus (decaying organic material) to the mainstem, where it is an important source of food energy. Travelers within the watershed see signs where tributaries cross roads, reminding them that what goes into these streams ultimately influences the quality of the river. The signs are placed by the Hudson River Estuary Program, in cooperation with state transportation agencies.