2021 FLOATING CLASSROOMs Announced!

We are excited to bring back our popular Floating Classroom sessions aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat near Williamsport. Continue to scroll to check out the dates and themes for each cruise, and to purchase your tickets while they are still available.

If you have any suggestions for future sessions, or would like to be involved as a sponsor for these event, send an email to John Zaktansky by clicking here.

    REGISTRATION for FLoating Classrooms

    Registration for our Floating Classrooms requires TWO steps. First, filling out and submitting this form in full, including the names and ages of the young people you plan to bring (to help us in planning and preparation). You can select which classes you want to sign up for in this form. Secondly, you need to pay for your tickets using the forms below by each of our session descriptions. Your seats in our Floating Classrooms are secured only after payment is received. If you have any questions, email midsusriver@gmail.com

    ** Note: Sessions are filling rapidly. We were recently able to add some tickets to each of the floats, but don't anticipate them lasting long. Seats are reserved in order of ticket sales received.

JULY 6: Mind your macros!

Representatives of the Alliance of Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) out of Dickinson College provides an overview session on common Macroinvertebrates from throughout our watershed. Check out some photos and feedback on the session here.

AUGust 3: Snakes & Songs on the Susquehanna

Local snake expert Karl Miller provided a session for families on one level of the Hiawatha while musician KJ Reimensnyder-Wagner shared some songs on the other. Check out some images and a video from the session here.

August 10: Common Fish species & Threats

Local Master Naturalist Jon Beam, along with representatives of the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, will present a session focusing on identifying common fish species, what makes each unique and learning about threats they face. ​Class runs 10-11 a.m. aboard the Hiawatha.

Aug. 10, 2021 Floating Classroom tickets: Common Fish Species

$0.00 - $10.00

Purchase tickets for our Aug. 10, 2021, Floating Classroom session aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport. Local Master Naturalist Jon Beam, along with representatives of the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, will present a session focusing on identifying common fish species, what makes each unique and learning about threats they face. ​Class runs 10-11 a.m.
Purchase tickets

August 17: History aboard the Hiawatha

Local storyteller, natural history guru and musician Gary Gyekis teams up with Susquehanna Jack, a frontier ruffian portrayed by historian John Moore in this entertaining yet educational program looking at the river's rich history and the lessons we should learn from it. ​Class runs 10-11 a.m. aboard the Hiawatha.

Aug. 17, 2021 Floating Classroom tickets: History Aboard the Hiawatha

$0.00 - $10.00

Purchase tickets for our Aug. 17, 2021, Floating Classroom session aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport. Local storyteller, natural history guru and musician Gary Gyekis teams up with Susquehanna Jack, a frontier ruffian portrayed by historian John Moore in this entertaining yet educational program looking at the river's rich history and the lessons we should learn from it. ​Class runs 10-11 a.m. 
Purchase Tickets

September 7: Amphibians of the Watershed

Renowned hellbender researcher and advocate Dr. Peter Petokas headlines a float focused on the various amphibians found in the region, with a focus on the hellbender and recent efforts to protect it. ​Class runs 10-11 a.m. aboard the Hiawatha.
     ​** This session has been sold out. If you are interested in signing up for our waiting list for this specific Floating Classroom, please fill out the form below:

September 21: raptors on the River

Falconer Mike Dupuy will share a live raptor demonstration, talking about raptors found along the river and connected to our watershed. There will also be some instruction on raptor identification and a look into major issues facing raptors in our region. Class runs 10-11 a.m. aboard the Hiawatha.

Sept. 21, 2021 Floating Classroom tickets: Raptors on the River

$0.00 - $10.00

Purchase tickets for our Sept. 21, 2021, Floating Classroom session aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport. Falconer Mike Dupuy will share a live raptor demonstration, talking about raptors found along the river and connected to our watershed. There will also be some instruction on raptor identification and a look into major issues facing raptors in our region. 
Purchase Tickets

September 28: Birding while boating

Dan Brauning, from the Lycoming County Audubon Society, will help lead a session where participants learn about various bird species that frequent our waterways. The class will include a birding experience from the boat, so participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and any field guides they may have. ** Please note: Class runs from 9:45-10:45 a.m. aboard the Hiawatha. Participants will be able to board starting shortly after 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 28, 2021 Floating Classroom Tickets: Birding While Boating

$0.00 - $10.00

Dan Brauning, from the Lycoming County Audubon Society, will help lead a session where participants learn about various bird species that frequent our waterways. The class will include a birding experience from the boat, so participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and any field guides they may have.
Purchase tickets