Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Podcast series

As an additional way to tell the story of our river, its tributaries and the creatures and people that depend on the extended Middle Susquehanna watershed, we have created the following series of podcasts interviewing people who are passionate about clean water and our environment. If you have feedback or would like to suggest an interview, send an email to midsusriver@gmail.com

Dr. Jennifer Elick & Olivia Weaver

August 16, 2023 -- Associate professor of earth and environmental sciences at Susquehanna University Dr. Jennifer Elick and student researcher Olivia Weaver, of Sunbury, talk about their study of a legacy island, formed of coal waste, in our river.

Kim Mattern, archeologist

May 17, 2023 -- Advocational archeologist Kim Mattern, curator for the Snyder County Historical Museum, talks about Native American artifacts found along rivers and creeks and the lessons they can teach us about ancestors who lived in these areas.

Songs of the susquehanna: Vol. 3 artists

April 1, 2023 -- Check out a special episode of our podcast as we introduce the 20 songs that will be on our Songs of the Susquehanna: Vol. 3 playlist as well as catch up with some of the artists behind the music.

Andrew "Rockhound" Eppig

March 28, 2023 -- Andrew Eppig, better known as Rockhound, talks about the geology of the Susquehanna River, its historical connection, some unique (AMD) impacts today and how people can best explore the rocks of our river region.

Dr. Brian Mangan, Kings College

Feb. 3, 2023 -- Dr. Brian Mangan, Professor of Environmental and Ecological Sciences and Biology at Kings College, talks about mercury research in macro species such as crayfish and hellgrammites, as well as overall river health and trends he's noticed.

Travis Wingard, Master Watershed Steward program

Dec. 14, 2022 -- Travis Wingard, the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Coordinator for the PA Wilds region, talks about the program's evolution in the PA Wilds region, recent expansion into new counties and why people should get involved.

Sydney Stark, Megan Schall and Geoff Smith, Flatheads Part 3

Nov. 2, 2022 -- Research student Sydney Stark, Assistant Professor of Biology at Penn State-Hazleton Megan Schall and PA Fish and Boat Commission biologist Geoffrey Smith wrap up their discussion on invasive flathead catfish with findings from recent dietary studies and the importance of community involvement.

Vicki Blazer, US Geological Survey

Oct. 18, 2022 -- Vicki Blazer, a research fishery biologist of the US Geological Survey, shares details about PFAS, what they are, where they come from and trends in the emerging contaminant in fish species in our watershed.

Scott Morris, filmmaker

Sept. 1, 2022 -- Independent filmmaker Scott Morris talks about his new documentary, "American River," ahead of a special screening of the film scheduled as part of a Clean Water Celebration in Lewisburg on Oct. 15, 2022.

Leslie Rieck, Lycoming College

August 29, 2022 -- Leslie Rieck, of Lycoming College, talks about the Clean Water Institute, current research efforts, storm water concerns in the Williamsport area and ways people can make a difference at home and via citizen science work.

Geoff Smith, Sydney Stark and Megan Schall, Flatheads part 2

Aug. 6, 2022 -- PA Fish and Boat Commission biologist Geoffrey Smith, research student Sydney Stark and Assistant Professor of Biology at Penn State-Hazleton Megan Schall continue the discussion about flatheads by looking at other waterways where flatheads have invaded and what red flags are being seen in the Susquehanna.

Abby sieg, Watershed specialist

July 22, 2022 -- Columbia County Conservation District watershed specialist and environmental educator Abby Sieg talks about the upcoming Susquehanna Valley Watershed Festival, the importance of watershed groups and environmental education.

Megan Schall, Geoff Smith & Sydney Stark, Invasive Flatheads 

July 14, 2022 -- Assistant Professor of Biology at Penn State-Hazleton Megan Schall, PA Fish and Boat Commission biologist Geoffrey Smith and research student Sydney Stark talk about aquatic invasive species with a focus on the flathead catfish. ** This is the first of what will be a three-part series on the flathead and its impacts regionally.

Andrew Stuhl, Bucknell University

June 10, 2022 -- Andrew Stuhl, department chair for Bucknell University's Environmental Studies and Sciences Department, talks about his extensive research into the historic flooding of Hurricane Agnes on our region 50 years ago this month.

Andrew Bechdel, Outdoor enthusiast

May 25, 2022 -- Andrew Bechdel is involved with numerous local outdoors programs, pulling from his degree in recreation management from LHU to provide environmental education and striving to connect people with our natural resources.

Peyton Curley, Summer intern

May 10, 2022 -- Peyton Curley, a rising junior at Susquehanna University studying environmental science, will serve as the MSRKA's summer intern for 2022. Get to know her and what drives her passion for our environmental resources.

JEremy Hoffman, SRBC Manager of Compliance 

April 28, 2022 -- Jeremy Hoffman, of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, answers questions about a reported water draw concern in the watershed, talking about thresholds for when water draws are an issue and when you should report one.

Lou Ann Tom, CHEmistry professor

April 14, 2022 -- Susquehanna University Associate Professor of Chemistry Lou Ann Tom talks about pharmaceuticals, our waterways and efforts to better detect issues and reduce impacts via photodegradation research.

David staebler, Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance

April 4, 2022 -- David Staebler, chairman for the Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance, talks about the 20th anniversary event for the group, major issues they've addressed along the Buffalo Creek and how to get involved with upcoming stewardship needs.

Shannon Thomas, Chesapeake Conservancy

March 29, 2022 -- Live stake coordinator for the Chesapeake Conservancy, Shannon Thomas talks about what a live stake is, the many ways live stakes can improve water quality and how to get involved in the live stake program.

Richard Hess, Ex-Land Specialist for the Montour Preserve

Mar. 24, 2022 -- Marking the 50th anniversary of the Montour Preserve, we check in with the original land specialist on the flooding from Agnes, other historical and memorable moments and the significance of the preserve today and in the future.

RIVERKEEPER on WVIA Radio

Feb. 23, 2022 -- Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky spoke with Fiona Powell on WVIA radio about our Songs of the Susquehanna project and the impending deadline for feedback on the 58 songs we received.

RiverkeepEr on WKOK Radio

Feb. 17, 2022 -- Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky chatted on-air with Mark Lawrence on WKOK's Sunrise program about the Songs of the Susquehanna project and other initiatives for the coming year.

Alana Jajko, Susquehanna Greenway partnership

Feb. 17, 2022 -- Alana Jajko, the director of communications and outreach for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, talks about the group's big outdoor expo coming June 4, how people can get involved and other upcoming events.

Aaron Eldred, Watershed Specialist

Feb. 8, 2022 -- A watershed specialist with the Columbia County Conservation District, Aaron Eldred talks about the vital importance of watershed associations, stream structure projects, drone footage and an incident that inspired his career.

Ben Lorson, PFBC section chief

Jan. 14, 2022 -- Ben Lorson, the PA Fish and Boat Commission's Watershed Analysis Section Chief, talks about studies that show an increase in salinity in the state's waterways and the role rock salt spreading on roadways in the winter plays in that.

Kelly Caudle, MSRKA board 

Jan. 7, 2022 -- Kelly Caudle, the newest board member of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, talks about what sparked her passion for our river-based resources, some of the threats she sees facing those resources and how you can help.

Doug Fessler, environmentalist

Dec. 31, 2021 -- Doug Fessler talks about his experiences of cleaning up litter along the Susquehanna River near Sunbury, protecting resources like vernal pools and offers tips on how to make a difference in your own local community.

John Zaktansky, Riverkeeper

Dec. 20, 2021 -- Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky's WKOK Radio interview from Dec. 8 discusses the Sentinels of the Susquehanna book, search for new Songs of the Susquehanna submissions and River of the Year voting.

Michele Kittell Connolly, Wildlife Leadership Academy

Dec. 6, 2021 -- Wildlife Leadership Academy Executive Director Michele Kittell Connolly shares details about the program, how to nominate a teen for the extensive experience and why it is critical to connect young people to the outdoors.

Mickayla Poland, artist

Nov. 19, 2021 -- Wildlife artist Mickayla Poland talks about the Upstream Art Project in Elk County, painting murals on storm drains to help raise awareness about how pollution can enter our waterways.

Katie Caputo, Roambler.com

Nov. 13, 2021 -- Katie Caputo, founder of Roambler.com, talks about the site's ability to connect people with suitable mentors for a wide variety of outdoor activities, hoping to spark a vested interest in our natural resources.

Ed Wytovich, CCRA president

Oct. 25, 2021 -- Catawissa Creek Restoration Association President Ed Wytovich discusses the unique aspects of his creek, the successes it has seen via two treatment facilities and the threats it still faces from abandoned mine drainage concerns.

Dan Brauning, Wildlife specialist

Oct. 14, 2021 -- Retired Pennsylvania Game Commission Supervisor of Wildlife Diversity Dan Brauning talks about the incredible recovery story of bald eagles, ospreys and peregrine falcons in our region and the value of our river's habitat.

Cindy Adams Dunn, DCNR Secretary

Oct. 1, 2021 -- DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn talks about her role with the agency, the importance of forest-based buffers along waterways, issues facing our watershed and important programs the DCNR is working on.

John Zaktansky, Riverkeeper

Sept. 22, 2021 -- Listen to Riverkeeper John Zaktansky's live interview on the WKOK Sunrise radio program that aired between 7-8 a.m. on Sept. 22.

Randy Farmerie and Tom Mears,
DEP

Sept. 14, 2021 -- Randy Farmerie and Tom Mears, of the Department of Environmental Protection, discuss petroleum spills, when to report them & impact.

Colin Jerolmack, Author

Sept. 2, 2021 -- Author of the newly published book "Up to Heaven and Down to Hell," Colin Jerolmack talks about his time in Williamsport researching the fracking industry and telling the stories of those who leased land and were directly impacted.

Pete Allison, outdoor educator

Aug. 24, 2021 -- Pete Allison, an associate professor in Penn State University's Recreation, Park & Tourism Management Department, talks about the value of taking people onto the river and connecting them with natural resources.

Dr. Joseph Simons III, Wild Trout Man

Aug. 16, 2021 -- Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association Board Vice President Dr. Joseph Simons III talks about his efforts as Wild Trout Man to educate others about the importance of conservation and fly fishing for wild trout.

ERic Rosengrant, Eric Skrivseth, Moshannon Creek 

Aug. 9, 2021 -- Moshannon Creek Watershed Association President Eric Skrivseth and Vice President Eric Rosengrant on their association's efforts in the past year.

Bobby Hughes, EPCAMR director

July 16, 2021 -- Executive director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR), Bobby Hughes talks about the many issues involving mine drainage, how EPCAMR is addressing them and how to help.

Danielle Tryon, MSRKA Intern

July 9, 2021 -- Susquehanna University rising sophomore Danielle Tryon is working through the month of July as an intern for our association. Learn more about her, what sparked her passion for the environment and what she has in store.

Matt Wilson, Susquehanna Univ.

June 28, 2021 -- Matt Wilson helps connect students at Susquehanna University with on-the-water research projects and also works with local conservation groups on streambank stabilization projects. He talks about erosion and other aquatic issues.

Mike Strunk, Hiawatha Captain

June 12, 2021 -- Hiawatha Paddleboat Captain Mike Strunk previews the venue's upcoming 40th season, chats about the history of the Hiawatha, reflects on some trends he has noticed in our river and cool sights of being on the river so often.

William Ryan, musician & student

June 4, 2021 -- William Ryan, a Marine Corps veteran and Penn State grad student in Environmental Resource Management, was one of 36 musicians to get involved in our Songs of the Susquehanna project. Listen to his song, his inspiration and his efforts to protect our waterway resources.

Morgan Thomas, MSRKA InterN

May 28, 2021 -- The first of two interns from Susquehanna to work with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association this summer, Morgan Thomas talks about why she is so passionate about our resources and what she hopes to accomplish.

Tyler Groh, Watershed specialist

May 20, 2021 -- Taking over as a watershed management extension specialist for the Penn State Extension a year ago, Tyler Groh chats about agricultural and urban stormwater issues, sedimentation and ways that people get make a difference locally.

Kathryn HaYDEn, Research Asst.

May 14, 2021 -- Kathryn Hayden, a graduate research assistant at Penn State University, chats about her current study of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in our waterways, their impact on the ecosystem and how to gauge your EDC footprint.

Douglas Orr, Aquatic Biologist

May 6, 2021 -- DEP aquatic biologist Douglas Orr, who oversees the agency's Black Fly Suppression Program, talks about how the initiative got started, defines the black fly and discusses the compound sprayed into our waterways and its aquatic impact.

John Zaktansky, Riverkeeper

May 3, 2021 -- Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky chatted for two segments with WKOK Radio's Mark Lawrence on his Sunrise program about upcoming programs and other efforts to protect and promote our river.

John Zaktansky, Riverkeeper

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May 2, 2021 -- Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky spoke with WVIA Radio's Lisa Mazzarella on the May 2 episode of Keystone Edition about the importance of youth engagement of our outdoor resources, our Songs of the Susquehanna project and much more. Check out the conversation by clicking the red icon in the player to the left.

Lou Ann Gasperine, Educator

April 29, 2021 -- Lou Ann Gasperine is a retired educator who still offers programs via the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's mobile ag unit and is active with conservation efforts along the Pine Creek watershed. She discusses the importance of outdoor education.

Jon Beam, Master Naturalist

April 19, 2021 -- Jon Beam, the vice president of the Montour Area Recreation Commission and naturalist/educator at the Montour Preserve, talks about vernal pools, why they are important, which species frequent them and how we can protect them.

Peter Petokas, Hellbender research

April 9, 2021 -- Peter Petokas, a renowned expert on the hellbender with 15 years experience, talks about the dwindling populations in our watershed, the importance of the amphibian, what can be done to improve the situation and other water quality issues.

Brittney Hartzell, Water Specialist

April 1, 2021 -- Water specialist for the Columbia County Conservation District, Brittney Hartzell grew up in the region. She talks about the county's response to a Chesapeake Bay initiative and ways people can make a difference for our water resources.

Faran Savitz, Microplastics study

March 26, 2021 -- A conservation associate for PennEnvironment, Faran Savitz was one of two people behind a recent study that indicated the massive proliferation of microplastics in waterways across the state. He talks about the study and what we should learn from it.

COREY ELLISON, Greenway director 

March 18, 2021 -- Corey Ellison, the executive director for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership talks about the group's efforts to connect the land and water resources throughout the Susquehanna River basin.

Michele RichardS, Master Naturalist

March 5, 2021 -- Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Program President and Director Michele Richards talks about what it means to be a master naturalist, how the program was formed and some of the many ways the naturalist family is making a difference.

CASEY MAGARGLE, Angler/Instructor

Feb. 26, 2021 -- Bass Pro and Mifflinburg school educator Casey Magargle talks about coaching numerous students to big fishing tournament victories, his bait shop and important trends he has noticed in countless hours on the Susquehanna.

Brenda Sieglitz, 10 Million Trees

Feb. 19, 2021 -- Brenda Sieglitz talks about the 10 Million Trees Partnership with a goal of cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay, how trees can drastically improve water quality and the major need of new land to plant trees on in the coming years.

Tim Schaeffer, Fish & Boat director

Feb. 12, 2021 -- Tim Schaeffer, the executive director of the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, chats about the historic start to the 2020 trout season and what people can expect for this coming year in terms of the trout opener, stocking and opportunities.

Franklin Kury, legislator & Author

Feb. 5, 2021 -- Franklin Kury served three terms in the PA House of Representatives between 1966 and 1972, playing an instrumental part in the PA Clean Streams Act and Environmental Rights Amendment. He talks about all that and his new book arriving soon.

Dr. Kathleen Mullen, veterinarian

Jan. 28, 2021 -- Kathleen Mullen, a veterinarian at Littleton Equine in Colorado, talks about a study she was a part of in our watershed that potentially links fracking chemicals to sick foals at a northern PA farm. Check out the full story package here.

Andrew Dehoff, SRBC Director

Jan 22, 2021 -- Andrew Dehoff, the executive director of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, chats about the SRBC's 50th anniversary, accomplishments from the first five decades, what is next and how people can keep on top of permits and other actions.

Don Shappelle, musician

Jan. 18, 2021 -- Don Shappelle, a musician from Luzerne County, shares a song he wrote with children aboard the Hiawatha during a Floating Classroom a few years ago and the therapeutic crossover between music, the river and the Songs of the Susquehanna project.

John LEVITSKY, Water Specialist

Jan. 13, 2020 -- John Levitsky, watershed specialist for the Luzerne County Conservation District, talks about Abandoned Mine Drainage issues, including the Plainsville Borehole Discharge and what his plans are (and hurdles he's faced in tackling the issues at this site.

CAIN CHAMBERLIN, Endless Mtns

Jan. 5, 2021 -- Cain Chamberlin, of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, talks about nominating the Tunkhannock Creek for 2021 River of the Year, why people should vote for the waterway (by Jan. 22) and shares info about his group's efforts to protect resources.

R. John Dawes, Water Reporter App

Dec. 30, 2020 -- R. John Dawes, executive director and co-founder of The Commons, helped develop the Water Reporter app, an "Instagram for anglers," as a tool to help catalog catches and watch for important water quality trends throughout the watershed.

KATHLEEN LAVELLE, Trout Unlimited

Dec. 22, 2020 -- Kathleen Lavelle, the field coordinator for Pennsylvania's Trout Unlimited cold water habitat program, talks about our native trout populations, various threats they face and a unique fish relocation situation she assisted with along a wet road. 

John dawes, Pa Watersheds

Dec. 14, 2020 -- John Dawes, of the Foundation for Pa. Watersheds, shares how the agency helps smaller groups via grants and other services, talks about the dangers of acid mine drainage, fracking and other waterway concerns and suggests how to make a difference.

Diana Dakey, Protect Northern PA

Dec. 7, 2020 -- Diana Dakey, founding member of ProtectNorthernPA.org, speaks ahead of a Dec. 9 permit review about her concerns involving liquified natural gas (LNG) being produced and transported from Bradford County to a New Jersey port.

John Zaktansky, Riverkeeper

Dec. 7, 2020 -- Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky chats with WKOK radio personality Mark Lawrence on the Sunrise program about the HERYN (Helping Engage our River's Youth with Nature) Program, Songs of the Susquehanna and other projects.

Lila Oast, teen kayaker & angler

Dec. 1, 2020 -- Lila Oast, of Bloomsburg, has been kayaking with her father along the Susquehanna River for as long as she can remember, and has since picked up sponsors as she competes in a variety of tournaments throughout the country.

JOHN ZaNGARI-RYAN, Kayaking expert

Nov. 24, 2020 -- John Zangari-Ryan has kayaked across the United States, but feels we have the most diverse paddling experience right here on the Susquehanna. He chats about kayak routes he developed, kayak camps he provides for kids and the health of our watershed.

Special DUCK Overview episode

Nov. 17, 2020 -- Jon Beam, of the Montour Preserve, and longtime Lycoming Audubon member Gary Metzger discuss different categories of ducks you can find in our watershed, unique behaviors, various threats they face and review a few of the common calls they make.

Renee Carey, Conservancy director

Nov. 12, 2020 -- Renee Carey, the executive director of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, talks about the important work the conservancy does, efforts to preserve access points to our waterways and her take on the health of our river and its tributaries.

BEnjamin Hayes, Bucknell University

Nov. 4, 2020 -- Benjamin Hayes, the program director for Bucknell's Watershed Sciences & Engineering Program, talks about the current health of the Susquehanna River along with details about the upcoming 15th Annual River Symposium.

John Zaktansky, riverkeeper

Nov. 2, 2020 -- WPGM/WBGM News Director Matthew James interviews Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association executive director John Zaktansky for a show that aired Oct. 18 on the mission of the organization, upcoming programs and other topics.

Steve Kurian, Wild for Salmon

Oct. 29, 2020 -- Steve Kurian and his family operate the business Wild for Salmon out of Bloomsburg, making regular trips to the Alaskan wilds for fresh salmon to sell in our watershed. He talks about the importance of clean water and eating fresh fish.

VAN WAGNER, Eels in the classroom

Oct. 21, 2020 -- Renowned watershed educator, historian and musician Van Wagner talks about lessons learned with students via a unique "Eels in the Classroom" program, why eels used to play such a vital role in the region's waterways and what happened along the way.

MARC YAGGI, Waterkeeper Alliance

Oct. 15, 2020 -- Marc Yaggi, the executive director for the Waterkeeper Alliance, was raised on the banks of the Loyalsock Creek. He shares his story from playing in local waterways to overseeing a global movement to confront pollution and take back our water-based resources. 

JOLENE CONNELLY, outdoor educator

Oct. 8, 2020 -- A member of the governor's advisory council for hunting, fishing and conservation, Jolene Connelly also engages people via kayaking, hunter/trapper education and other ventures. She talks on trends in the aquatic ecosystem and value of the outdoors.

RICH BEST, Certified SCUBA instructor

Sept. 30, 2020 -- Rich Best, owner of the renowned Sunken Treasure SCUBA Center near Jersey Shore, talks about trends and threats he has noticed within the Susquehanna River, efforts to pull more than 12,000 tires from our waterways and a sunken canal barge he found.

TALI MacArthur, watershed advocate

Sept. 23, 2020 -- Tali MacArthur, the program manager for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and Pa. Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), talks about the essential work of watershed groups across the state and why people should get involved.

MIKE DUPUY, Licensed falconer

Sept. 17, 2020 -- Mike Dupuy, a longtime falconer out of Snyder County, shares some feedback about various species of raptors (such as ospreys, bald eagles, etc.) we can find along the river and its tributaries in our region. He also talks about current-day threats they face.

MIKE PARKER, Fish & Boat Commission

Sept 9, 2020 -- Mike Parker, the communications director for the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, talks about the unexpected trout season opener, how COVID has impacted a fishing and boating resurgence, the importance of waterway safety and fishing license fees.

Emily Sliski, Wesley Forest CAMP

Sept. 2, 2020 -- Emily Sliski, center director for the Wesley Forest Camp along the Penns Creek near Weikert, discusses the value of getting young people outdoors and waterway monitoring. 

John Oast, kayak angler & YouTuber

Aug. 26, 2020 -- John Oast began developing kayak rigging videos in 2006, developing a YouTube presence via fishyaker.com that today has more than 5,000,000 video views.

John Zaktansky, riverkeeper

Aug. 23, 2020 -- WVIA Radio's Lisa Mazzarella interviewed Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky for a recent episode of Keystone Edition. The original broadcast is here.

Dr. David Lieb, aquatic biologist

Aug. 19, 2020 -- Dr. David Lieb, who has studied crayfish in Pennsylvania's waterways for nearly two decades, talks about the dangers of  invasive exotic species wiping out the natives.

Kathy Snavely, board president

Aug. 12, 2020 -- Kathy Snavely is the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Board president and only remaining founding board member. 

Dr. Joseph Simons, board vice president

Aug. 12, 2020 -- Dr. Joseph Simons is an avid trout angler and wildlife photographer out of Luzerne County, serving as the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Board vice president.

Ann fisher, Board secretary & Treasurer

Aug. 12, 2020 -- Ann Fisher, who spent 10 years working in Washington with the Environmental Protection Agency, currently lives in Snyder County.

Caz Russell, board member

Aug. 12, 2020 -- Caz Russell is a certified John Maxwell leadership instructor, motivational speaker and avid waterfowler on the Susquehanna River.