Available at our office now: New Middle Riverkeeper book makes perfect gift heading into holidays

"Sentinels of the Susquehanna: Volume 1​" is a 285-page book featuring more than 50 stories that highlight a wide variety of issues facing our river-based resources and some of the people who strive to protect and promote those resources.

The book, produced by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, includes some of the most popular blog articles and investigative reports on topics such as abandoned mine drainage, microplastics in our waterways, fracking concerns, invasive species, erosion, impacts of high and low water on aquatic ecosystems and much more. 

A chapter-by-chap​ter study guide/quiz is being developed and will soon be available for download, making the book an ideal way to add environmental science education to a homeschool routine or in addition to cyber or public school programming. This guide can be requested directly by emailing Riverkeeper John Zaktansky at midsusriver@gmail.com

Stories you can expect, directly from the book's table of contents:

Intro: Becoming a Riverkeeper
Eagle experience provides clarity, a catalyst for change, finding a voice

Forward: Terms and trends to know
Watersheds, regulations and rights: How it all flows and our duty
 
Chapter 1: The Eastern hellbender
Pilot project helps restore Eastern hellbenders to river basin
Severing stereotypes offers a step toward saving salamander

Chapter 2: Microplastics
Series of studies highlight reality of microplastics in watershed
Column: Searching for more realistic next steps in the battle 

Chapter 3: Fracking
Vet: Fracking potentially caused sick foals at Pennsylvania horse farm
Column: Help us collect and connect fracking, health concern dots 

Chapter 4: Invasive species
Exotic crayfish a growing issue in the middle Susquehanna watershed
Invasive snakehead impacts aquatic ecosystems on many levels

Chapter 5: Abandoned mine issues
The many faces of AMD: Issue scars waterways across region
Specialist seeks funds to address Plainsville Borehole Discharge issue 

Chapter 6: Cost of construction
Potential environmental impact of the Central Susquehanna Thruway
Impact offers obligation to be involved and work together 

Chapter 7: How fish kills are handled
Fish kill investigations are a race against the clock and conditions

Chapter 8: Environmental reporting
‘Instagram for water quality:’ Start using Water Reporter app
Susquehanna Survey provides valuable feedback for association

Chapter 9: Waterway conditions
Color, smell can help determine if foamy substance is natural or not
Algae, in various forms, can pose a multitude of issues 
Assessment the first step in addressing a petroleum-based spill

Chapter 10: Endocrine disruptors
Awareness, smart shopping key in reducing endocrine disruptors

Chapter 11: Following the flows
Extremely low water table, changing temperatures impact river 
Experts: Flooding impacts on ecosystem hinges on many variables

Chapter 12: Pandemic trash trends 
Littering among threats facing Penns Creek, other tributaries
Creating one pandemic while coping with another
Anglers’ character is defined by what they leave behind
As agencies back off duties, fifth-grader sets example

Chapter 13: Trees and erosion 
Wanted: Landowners to plant free trees, protect our waterways
Cub Scouts help protect region’s streambanks 

Chapter 14: Black fly spraying
Biologist: Protecting aquatic ecosystems a critical part of program

Chapter 15: Vernal pools
Filling a critical springtime niche, vernal pools require awareness, protection
Earth Day everyday: Tweaks at home, engaging others can create cascade of improvement

Chapter 16: Protecting trout
Unique trout rescue situation sparks discussion on region’s threats 
Catch-and-release fishing tips to save one of our state’s treasures
Excitement, dedication and big trout on display at stocking excursion

Chapter 17: Birds in our watershed
Migration of ducks offers seasonal clock as species face various threats
Herons play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem
Patience, collaboration both lessons from raptor restoration

Chapter 18: Rescue tips
Dancing with turtles: Lessons from helping a snapper cross a busy road

Chapter 19: Waterway safety
Checklists, communication, common sense keys to boating safety
Preparation, awareness among keys to cold-water kayaking safety
Tech, clothing upgrades fuel ice fishing surge as experts urge safety

Chapter 20: Getting outdoors
Families take on challenge to spend more time outside
Canoe trip success highlights therapeutic element of waterways

Chapter 21: Outdoor education
HERYN (Helping Engage our River’s Youth with Nature) connects 73 with kayaking, fishing, awareness
HERYN Program success hinged on humble heroes’ enthusiasm
Seven Floating Classroom sessions educate 407 people
Waterway Exploration Training gets kids’ feet ‘wet’ via stations

Chapter 22: Engagement
Riverkeeper podcast series marks anniversary with 50 episodes
Songs of the Susquehanna project connects people to the issues
Riverkeeper Nature Book Club inspires discussion on environment

Chapter 23: Lessons from Montour
Diversity of lake and preserve important to surrounding region
Agreement shows commitment to clean water, reasons to support

Buy your copy!

All proceeds from the sale of books go directly back to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's mission to promote and protect the health and vibrancy of the Susquehanna watershed.

The book can be ordered in one of two ways. You can preorder copies for $15 at the link below and pick up your book copies at the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's office at 112 Market Street, Sunbury, PA.  Fresh copies are available now at the office for immediate pickup.

BOOK ORDER: Sentinels of the Susquehanna: Volume 1

$15.00

This 285-page book looks at some of the biggest issues facing the Middle Susquehanna River watershed and people who share a passion to promote and protect our aquatic resources. Cost is $15 if purchased here and picked up at the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association office (112 Market Street, Sunbury, PA). Or, it can be purchased directly through Amazon.com for $20 and shipped to your home.

Buy now!

Or, you can order copies via Amazon.com for $20 each and have them delivered directly to your home. To pursue this option, click here or search for the book title at Amazon.com.

​A kindle e-book version of the collection is available for download for $9.99 in at the Amazon.com link shared above.

Proceeds from every book sold go back to our association's mission throughout the greater watershed.

If you have any questions or comments, contact Riverkeeper John Zaktansky at midsusriver@gmail.com or 570-768-6300.