EMMA — Pop quiz: What exactly is a “watershed?”

Have no idea? Eighty-eight percent of Americans don’t, either.

And while Tim O’Keefe doesn’t want you to feel bad, he and the Roaring Fork Conservancy would love to be the agents of change.

Simply, watersheds are areas where water converges and all drains to one place, he explained. As education director of a watershed conservation organization, it’s his job make people see how important these fragile waterways are — or at least know what they are.

A “key piece” in that puzzle, he knows, is just making it interesting. Enter the organization’s Watershed Series, which continues year-round. In sunnier months, the group offers free bike trips and hikes, all giving people a new look at local water resources.

In a romantic turn, tonight, in the twilight, members of the organization will lead snowshoers through Emma’s Open Space.

“Moonlight plus snow equals a pretty cool experience,” said O’Keefe, not a trace of sarcasm in his voice.

He admitted that, yes, in the beginning, you can hear sounds of the highway, but after a while they melt away. Instead, you find yourself focusing on the almost untouched piece of land, now caked with soft powder. It’s a heavy wildlife migration area, and the only other beings sharing space will be an animal or two, finding their way in the heavy snow.

“We’re just providing really unique opportunities to get people connected to where they live,” said O’Keefe.

The tours have been going on for the last four years, while the space has been protected since 2001, when it was purchased by Pitkin County. It’s since been managed under a conservation easement. The winter explorations of its wetlands and open fields are hosted by the RFC as well as Pitkin County Open Space and Trails.

O’Keefe feels that while schoolchildren usually get the bulk of such hands-on learning activities, adults need them just as much. He doesn’t just want to affect the “future deciders,” he said — he wants to impact those making decisions right now.

“The more informed they are, the better off we all are to protect the water,” he said.

But instead of just talking about the environment, O’Keefe’s preference was clear. He’d rather drop people off in the middle of it.

Contact Stina Sieg: 384-9111

ssieg@postindependent.com

Registration for tonight’s shoeshoeing event is now full. A second such evening is slated for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Attendees may bring their own snowshoes, or use those provided, free of charge. Preregistration is a must. For more information, or to register, visit RFC at www.roaringfork.org or call 927-1290.