2022 FLOATING CLASSROOMs

Eight summertime Floating Classroom programs were slated for the 2022 season as we continue to work through the schedule, here are links to recaps (with photos and video) from each session offered so far:

June 28, 2022: Aquatic mammals
July 12, 2022: Mining heritage & AMD concerns
July 19, 2022: Microplastics and fish anatomy
August 2, 2022: Bats of the watershed
August 16, 2022: Invasive invaders
September 10, 2022: Photography and videography
September 13, 2022: Flooding and Agnes' anniversary

We still have three more Floating Classrooms scheduled for the 2022 season. Learn more, purchase your tickets and join us for the fun educational experience below ...

    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 will need to pay for your tickets. The first three Floating Classroom ticket platforms are up and ready for processing. The others will be added in the near future. Seats are reserved in the order of ticket sales received. If you have any questions, email midsusriver@gmail.com
    ** Note: Your attendance on each of the Floating Classroom sessions is only official after payment for tickets is received.

JUNE 28: Aquatic Mammals (SOLD OUT)

Join the Department of Environmental Protection’s Bert Myers as he profiles the wetland mammals native to the Commonwealth. This presentation will provide tips on identification, natural history and their current status. Participants will learn how to classify these mammals by diet and family. In the second presentation, learn specifically about the beaver and how it can impact a watershed. This hands-on program is suitable for the entire family. Session runs from 10-11 a.m. ** This session is sold out, but if you'd like to be considered on a waiting list for any potential unexpected openings, send an email to midsusriver@gmail.com

July 12: Mining heritage and AMD Issues (SOLD OUT)

Join former Pennsylvania coal miner Van Wagner for interpretive program about the human story behind coal. Who were the people who mined (and still mine) coal?  Where are the coal regions found?  A little bit of music and a lot of history will make for a special program on the Susquehanna. Meanwhile, Bobby Hughes, the executive director of the Eastern PA Coalition of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, will offer a presentation of current issues related to Abandoned Mine Drainage. ​Session runs from 10-11 a.m.

July 19: Microplastics & Fish Anatomy (SOLD OUT)

Kim Dagen, environmental scientist with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, shares an overview on plastics found in the river, the sampling equipment used and hands-on experiments that demonstrate some of the issues related to microplastics in our waterways. Meanwhile, USGS research fisheries biologist Vicki Blazer will discuss general fish anatomy via a dissection demonstration of fish health methods . ​Session runs from 10-11 a.m.

Aug. 2: Bats of our Watershed (SOLD OUT)

Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist talks about the importance of bat species in our watershed, how they impact our aquatic ecosystem and we will review different bat species' identification and characteristics.

​AUG. 16: Invasive Invaders (SOLD OUT)

Dr. Megan Kepler Schall, Assistant Professor Biology at Penn State-Hazelton, will lead presentations on common aquatic invasive species that threaten our watershed including the flathead catfish, snakehead and rusty crayfish.

SEPT. 10: Aquatic photography, videography

Dr. Joseph Simons, vice president of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and pioneer of the Wild Trout Man video series, will join photographer/videographer Michael Kinney in presentations about their work with tips on how to improve your own photography/videography of our outdoor resources.

Sept. 13: Flooding impacts

This year is the 50th anniversary of the devastating Agnes flooding throughout the region. This session will offer a look back at the historical elements of the flood with a presentation by Bucknell University's Andrew Stuhl, and how flooding events impact aquatic ecosystems as demonstrated through a floodplain simulation model run by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission's Graham Markowitz and Ben Pratt.

Sept. 13, 2022: Flooding impacts

$0.00 - $10.00

Only a few left!

This year is the 50th anniversary of the devastating Agnes flooding throughout the region. This float will offer a look back at the historical elements of the flood, how flooding events impact aquatic ecosystems and will include a presentation from a Susquehanna River Basin Commission biologist using a floodplain simulation model.
Buy tickets

Sept. 27: Flex those mussels!

Sean Reese, program scientist with Bucknell University's Watershed Sciences and Engineering Program, will lead a presentation on freshwater mussel life cycles, their importance in aquatic ecosystems along with some implications for their conservation along with a demonstration of their filtration capacity. Another presentation onboard will focus on identification and invasive species concerns.

Sept. 27, 2022: Flex those mussels!

$0.00 - $10.00

Only a few left!

Sean Reese, program scientist with Bucknell University's Watershed Sciences and Engineering Program, will lead a presentation on freshwater mussel life cycles, their importance in aquatic ecosystems along with some implications for their conservation along with a demonstration of their filtration capacity. Another presentation onboard will focus on identification and invasive species concerns.
Buy tickets