TENTATIVE 2020 FLOATING CLASSROOM DATES, Themes
The 2020 Floating Classroom series, conducted by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association aboard the Hiawatha Riverboat in Williamsport, will tentatively continue this summer depending on what COVID-19 restrictions are in place at that time. Our classes are tentatively set to begin Tuesday, July 28. Check out all the details below!
The Floating Classroom series offers children and their families a unique classroom atmosphere and engaging instruction revolving around our river, its tributaries and how we can best protect and promote those resources. Sessions run one hour, with five classes slated throughout the summer months. Class time runs from 10-11 a.m., unless otherwise noted.
Costs this year will be $10 per student age 18 or under per session. For additional children in the same family, cost will be $8 each. Cost for an adult family member or guardian is $5. Ticket purchases will be completed through the Hiawatha's system. Until that is available, we are asking people to reserve spots below.
For questions, comments or suggestions on any of these classes, click here to email Riverkeeper John Zaktansky.
Costs this year will be $10 per student age 18 or under per session. For additional children in the same family, cost will be $8 each. Cost for an adult family member or guardian is $5. Ticket purchases will be completed through the Hiawatha's system. Until that is available, we are asking people to reserve spots below.
For questions, comments or suggestions on any of these classes, click here to email Riverkeeper John Zaktansky.
JUly 28: Safety on the Susquehanna
When it comes to enjoying the river and its tributaries with your family, safety needs to be a priority. This session will provide basic boating safety measures, what sort of hazards to watch for while paddling and important steps to take to make sure that everyone is secure during your next outing. Included in this class will also be information about unseen risks lurking in the water (such as bacteria and other microscopic threats) and how to protect against them.
John Zangari-Ryan is an avid paddler along the Susquehanna River and runs kayaking camps taking young people out on our waterways emphasizing safety and planning before each outing. He and his wife operate Customized Tutoring Services out of Lewisburg, offering a wide variety of programs for local students, including STEM and STEAM curriculums. For more info, click here.
To pre-register for this session, scheduled for 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2020, please use the form at the end of this page. Please note that you will be sent a link for the Hiawatha's ticketing service as soon as it is available. The class will be filled in order of paying customer. Pricing will be $10 for the first student in each family (under 18) and $8 for each additional student per family and parent/guardian rate of $5.
Aug. 11: History aboard the Hiawatha
Note: This session was originally scheduled for June 16, but needed to be rescheduled due to restrictions associated with the coronavirus situation. It is now set for Aug. 11.
Join Susquehanna Jack (published historian John Moore) and educational musician Van Wagner for a look at the rich history of the Susquehanna River in the Williamsport region and beyond.
Van Wagner is a teacher in the Lewisburg School District and renowned local musician with more than 20 albums of original regionally based songs that both entertain and educate. Hear some of his music and more about his passion for the region's history in this podcast interview. You can also learn more about Van Wagner via his website by clicking here.
John Moore is a published historical author with more than a dozen books to his name via the Sunbury Press. He is also a professional storyteller who specializes in Pennsylvania’s colonial history. Dressed in 18th century clothing, he takes on the persona of “Susquehanna Jack,” and will be talking about the native Americans and settlers of European descent who lived in the West Branch Valley. For more about Susquehanna Jack, click here.
To pre-register for this session, scheduled for 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2020, please use the form at the bottom of this page. Please note that you will be sent a link for the Hiawatha's ticketing service as soon as it is available. The class will be filled in order of paying customer. Pricing will be $10 for the first student in each family (under 18) and $8 for each additional student per family and parent/guardian rate of $5.
August 18: Floating with the fish
A diverse variety of fish species inhabit the Susquehanna River and its many tributaries. This class will offer a look under the water with a goal of learning common fish species identification, how each type of fish fits into the greater aquatic ecosystem and what potential threats our fish populations face, with a look at some studies done locally.
Jon Beam is a longtime outdoor educator and naturalist from the Montour Preserve near Washingtonville, specializing in helping young people connect with -- and better appreciate -- our nature-based resources. He offers various programs throughout the year at the preserve. For more information about the Montour Preserve, click here.
To pre-register for this session, scheduled for 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2020, please use the form at the bottom of this page. Please note that you will be sent a link for the Hiawatha's ticketing service as soon as it is available. The class will be filled in order of paying customer. Pricing will be $10 for the first student in each family (under 18) and $8 for each additional student per family and parent/guardian rate of $5.
SEPTember 1: Waterfowl of the Watershed
Note: This session was originally scheduled for June 28, but needed to be rescheduled due to restrictions associated with the coronavirus situation. It is now set for September 1.
Overview session of the various ducks, geese, loons, mergansers, herons and other waterfowl found throughout the Middle Susquehanna River watershed. Objectives include learning general identification of these species, differences in behavior via feeding, migrating, etc., and how our daily actions can impact the waterfowl population.
Avid wildfowl enthusiast and John Maxwell leadership coach Caz Russell, and his well-trained sidekick Huck, will be among the presenters of this session. Caz offers presentations throughout the Susquehanna Valley on a variety of topics, engaging people of all ages. For more about him, visit his website.
This session is scheduled at a special time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020. To pre-register for this class, use the form below. Please note that you will be sent a link for the Hiawatha's ticketing service as soon as it is available. The class will be filled in order of paying customer. Pricing will be $10 for the first student in each family (under 18) and $8 for each additional student per family and parent/guardian rate of $5.
September 15: Raptors on the RIver
Numerous birds of prey rely on the Susquehanna River and its tributaries to provide the elements they need for survival. This session will introduce students to the different raptor species in our region, various trends within the populations and how we can help preserve the eagles, hawks, owls and other birds of prey within our watershed.
Mike Dupuy offers a variety of educational programs for kids and families, bringing raptors into the classroom and educating people on their habits, survival needs and how we can help preserve populations for future generations. He is a licensed falconer and has produced his own line of hawk foods and equipment sold around the world. For more information, click here.
To pre-register for this session, scheduled for 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2020, please use the form below. Please note that you will be sent a link for the Hiawatha's ticketing service as soon as it is available. The class will be filled in order of paying customer. Pricing will be $10 for the first student in each family (under 18) and $8 for each additional student per family and parent/guardian rate of $5.