2021 FLOATING CLASSROOMs Announced!

While the 2020 Floating Classroom sessions aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport were cancelled due to the pandemic, we are excited to announce the schedule for our 2021 Floating Classroom series. Classes are tentative and depend on COVID restrictions at the time and availability of instructors. Registration and ticket cost will be available soon. Scroll down for dates, themes and presenters. More info will be shared soon.

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: Three of the sessions (Mind your Macros, Snakes & Songs on the Susquehanna and History Aboard the Hiawatha) are currently sold out. You can request a spot on the wait list for these floats for any openings that pop up closer to the event as restrictions change. If you have any questions, email John Zaktansky directly at midsusriver@gmail.com

JULY 6: Mind your macros!

Representatives of the Alliance of Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) out of Dickinson College will provide an overview session on common Macroinvertebrates from throughout our watershed. These include mayflies, stoneflies, crayfish and much more. Live and preserved examples, hands-on programming. Class runs 10-11 a.m. aboard the Hiawatha.
    ​** This cruise is currently sold out. However, we anticipate the possibility of adding seats depending on COVID restrictions closer to the event. To be added to a wait list for this cruise if we are able to add some additional spots, please fill out this form:

AUGust 3: Snakes & Songs on the Susquehanna

A local snake expert will provide a session for families on one level of the Hiawatha while musician KJ Reimensnyder-Wagner provides songs on the other. Both groups will rotate so everyone gets the full experience. ​Class runs 10-11 a.m. aboard the Hiawatha.
    ** This cruise is currently sold out. However, we anticipate the possibility of adding seats depending on COVID restrictions closer to the event. To be added to a wait list for this cruise if we are able to add some additional spots, please fill out this form:

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

Only a few left!

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

Renowned local educator, historian and musician Van Wagner 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.

    ​** This cruise is currently sold out. However, we anticipate the possibility of adding seats depending on COVID restrictions closer to the event. To be added to a wait list for this cruise if we are able to add some additional spots, please fill out this form:

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.

Sept. 7, 2021 Floating Classroom tickets: Amphibians of the Watershed

$0.00 - $10.00

Purchase tickets for our Sept. 7, 2021, Floating Classroom session aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport. 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. 
Purchase tickets

September 21: Microplastics in our Waterways

This float digs into the growing microplastic issue within our waterways, looking at the science behind the detection of this pollution by Dr. Jon Niles and students from the Susquehanna University's Freshwater Institute. Included will be tips on how to cut back on the microplastics we produce. Class runs 10-11 a.m. aboard the Hiawatha.

Sept. 21, 2021 Floating Classroom tickets: Microplastics in our Waterways

$0.00 - $10.00

Only a few left!

Purchase tickets for our Sept. 21, 2021, Floating Classroom session aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport. This float digs into the growing microplastic issue within our waterways, looking at the science behind the detection of this pollution by Dr. Jon Niles and students from the Susquehanna University's Freshwater Institute. Included will be tips on how to cut back on the microplastics we produce. 
Purchase tickets