Our first set of program days ran June 21-25, 2021, as a total of 73 young people participated across the six days. Check out this post that shares more than 500 pictures, numerous videos and media coverage of our initial HERYN days. Also, check out coverage of the initial program days via WNEP's Pennsylvania Outdoor Life show.
Read Riverkeeper John Zaktansky's overview column reflecting on the success of the HERYN program.
More sessions will be scheduled soon. Details will be shared on this page as soon as they are available.
Read Riverkeeper John Zaktansky's overview column reflecting on the success of the HERYN program.
More sessions will be scheduled soon. Details will be shared on this page as soon as they are available.
The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association was chosen as one of 14 programs within 10 Pennsylvania counties to receive a combined $160,000 in grant money from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's 2020 R3 Grant Program, designed to recruit, retain or reactivate anglers.
The association used these funds to help jumpstart the HERYN (Helping Engage our River's Youth with Nature) Program (pronounced "heron"), designed to connect young people with outdoor experiences through hands-on fishing and kayaking instruction in a fun yet safe environment.
"Our goal is to develop a vested interest in our river-based resources for the next generation of environmental stewards," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association Executive Director John Zaktansky. "I remember the sense of independence I felt when I first started catching fish on my own, and the therapeutic aspect of conquering the fears of first learning to kayak. We want to provide those experiences for other young people who may not have the opportunity to otherwise."
The association used these funds to help jumpstart the HERYN (Helping Engage our River's Youth with Nature) Program (pronounced "heron"), designed to connect young people with outdoor experiences through hands-on fishing and kayaking instruction in a fun yet safe environment.
"Our goal is to develop a vested interest in our river-based resources for the next generation of environmental stewards," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association Executive Director John Zaktansky. "I remember the sense of independence I felt when I first started catching fish on my own, and the therapeutic aspect of conquering the fears of first learning to kayak. We want to provide those experiences for other young people who may not have the opportunity to otherwise."
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We held our first six program days, running consecutively June 21-26, 2021, at the Central PA Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia with 73 participants ranging in ages from 10 to 13 representing nine counties participating in groups of 12 per day over the six-day span.
The program wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of local businesses and individuals. Obviously, a huge shout out goes to the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission for its R3 grant program that has helped fund many needs associated with the program. We also greatly appreciated assistance from the NuCanoe kayak company, Hall's Marine in Muncy, Bass Pro Shop in Harrisburg, M&T Bank's charitable giving, Blue Heron Sports in Milton, Fishyaker.com out of Bloomsburg, Five Mountains Outfitters in Shickshinny, Clark's Wiggly Worm near Walker Lake in Snyder County, Coles Hardware and via individuals. We also greatly value our lunch sponsors for the week, including Weaver's Pizza in Allenwood, Buzz's Pizza in Watsontown, Domino's Pizza out of Milton, Pizza Town in Milton and Larry's Pizza out of Mifflinburg/Lewisburg. |
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Our instructors for the first batch of HERYN program days bring decades of experience in both kayaking and fishing throughout the region. In an effort to ensure safety for all our participants, childline clearances are required for each of our instructors.
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John Zaktansky: The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper gained a passion for our outdoor resources through Scouting and thanks to parents who loved to fish, hunt and camp. After earning the rank of Eagle Scout, Zaktansky helped organize and run Junior Leadership Training programs for Scouts and later worked as a counselor at a group home for troubled adolescents. He incorporated therapeutic fishing, hiking, camping and horseback opportunities into the program. Beyond his role as Riverkeeper, Zaktansky currently is the Youth Ministry Director at Port Ann Wesleyan Church and loves camping with his family. You can email him directly here. Check out a radio interview with Zaktansky here.
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Jolene Connelly is a middle school English teacher who resides in Selinsgrove, PA. She is a former level 3 America Canoe Association river kayak instructor, with paddling experience ranging from quiet lakes to Class IV whitewater. In addition to being a life-long angler, Jolene teaches Hunter-Trapper Education, Successful Furtaking, and Cable Restraints courses for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. She is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation. Learn more about her via the following interview on the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Podcast:
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John "Toast" Oast is the founder of the Pennsylvania Kayak Fishing Association (PKFA.org) and the Williamsburg Kayak Fishing Association (WKFA.org) in Virginia. He is the publisher of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine, LLC and its online platform, SusquehannaFishing.com. His popular Fishyaker Youtube video series has received more than 5,500,000 views. “Toast” is a member of the NuCanoe Pro Staff and an Okuma Fishing Tackle Influencer. When not on or around the water, Oast is a career law enforcement officer, has worked as a youth crime and gang investigator and has served as a Sunday school teacher, Scoutmaster and American Red Cross instructor. Learn more about him via the following interview on the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Podcast:
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Casey Magargle grew up in central Pennsylvania fishing with his family in streams, lakes and the Susquehanna River. Casey attended Temple University majoring in education. He joined a bass club and was very successful over the next decade competing in events all over the northeastern United States winning titles all over. Casey started a line of bass fishing baits called Sneaky Hollow Bait Company in 2009. In recent years, Casey has helped middle and high school students gain a respect and passion for the outdoors while competing in high school fishing leagues. His teams have been successful winning state and national bass fishing championships. Learn more about him via the following interview on the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Podcast:
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Graduating classes, June 21-26, 2021
DONATE NOW TO THE HERYN PROGRAM ...
Do you want to donate toward some of the equipment or other resources necessary to make sure the HERYN Program is successful and sustainable? Use the following form: