TENTATIVE 2020 FLOATING CLASSROOM DATES, Themes
The 2020 Floating Classroom series, conducted by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association aboard the Hiawatha Riverboat in Williamsport, is currently on pause until we see what new guidelines mean for our upcoming floats. More information will be shared here when available.
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.
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. We also needed to change presenters from our original history-based float.
Enjoy an hour-long cruise on the Hiawatha while enjoying stories from Susan Kelly and Jim Charles, as they talk about the longstanding history of the river, including the importance of the logging industry, Native Americans and what we can learn from the river's history to protect it today.
Jim Charles is a lifelong resident of the Isle of Que near Selinsgrove, a Vietnam veteran and retired banker who devotes most of his time to the river. He offers a variety of educational sessions for all ages, ran the Isle of Que River Guides program and collects numerous artifacts from the river.
Susan Kelly is a veteran of 1970s television, playing a number of roles in popular shows and participated in a sketch comedy group with four guys, including a young Jay Leno. Kelly was born in Williamsport, lives in Muncy, and is active in the historical community by leading tours dressed in period clothing aboard Williamsport's Herdic Trolley of the mansions left behind by the region's logging boom. She has portrayed Mrs. Peter Herdic and helps with the historical museum with aspirations of writing a book about the logging boom.
August 18: Snakes and Songs on the susquehanna
Our watershed is home to a diverse number of snake species, which provide a vital role within the greater ecosystem. This float is devoted to reviewing the region's common species and dispelling myths and misconceptions that lead to an unnecessary fear of these reptiles. Meanwhile, KJ Reimensnyder-Wagner will offer music around the campfire, tying in how we can best share the outdoors with snakes and other species.
Karl Miller is extremely active within the state's snake-based circuits, promoting the safe catch-and-release of various species including rattlesnakes. He has received numerous accolades for his work, but his biggest accomplishment is to help people confront their unwarranted fears of snakes and promoting their many benefits within the greater ecosystem.
Singer, songwriter, entertainer and motivational speaker KJ Reimensnyder-Wagner started her musical career after mistakenly being left at a summer camp, forging a bond with the camp's musical director while she waited to be picked up. She is a strong advocate for the environment, farm families and land conservation via her music, helping uplift others. Find out more about her at her website by clicking here. Hear a podcast interview featuring KJ by clicking 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.