The purpose of this summer project was to identify key areas for watershed protection in the Higganum Creek Watershed using GIS and satellite imagery. A study area was used to identify vernal pools, forested wetlands, and unique vegetation sites, and will subsequently be applied to the entire watershed. The results of this project will be combined with a parallel social study on private landowner's conservation attitudes to prioritize land parcels within the watershed for conservation. The final analysis will be used primarily by the Haddam Land Trust as they make decisions on land purchases and areas to focus their conservation efforts. It will also be given to local officials in charge of planning, zoning, and wetlands. The satellite image analysis will also serve as a pilot study to determine the value of using IKONOS images and satellite imagery for watershed protection efforts. If successful after it is completed, the same methods can be used in other places.