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
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Bobby Hughes, EPCAMR directorJuly 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.
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Danielle Tryon, MSRKA InternJuly 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.
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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.
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Mike Strunk, Hiawatha CaptainJune 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.
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William Ryan, musician & studentJune 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.
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Morgan Thomas, MSRKA InterNMay 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.
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Tyler Groh, Watershed specialistMay 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.
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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.
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Douglas Orr, Aquatic BiologistMay 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.
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John Zaktansky, RiverkeeperMay 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.
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John Zaktansky, Riverkeeper
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.
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Lou Ann Gasperine, EducatorApril 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.
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Jon Beam, Master NaturalistApril 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.
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Peter Petokas, Hellbender researchApril 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.
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Brittney Hartzell, Water SpecialistApril 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.
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Faran Savitz, Microplastics studyMarch 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.
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COREY ELLISON, Greenway directorMarch 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.
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Michele RichardS, Master NaturalistMarch 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.
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CASEY MAGARGLE, Angler/InstructorFeb. 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.
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Brenda Sieglitz, 10 Million TreesFeb. 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.
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Tim Schaeffer, Fish & Boat directorFeb. 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.
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Franklin Kury, legislator & AuthorFeb. 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.
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Dr. Kathleen Mullen, veterinarianJan. 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.
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Andrew Dehoff, SRBC DirectorJan 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.
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Don Shappelle, musicianJan. 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.
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John LEVITSKY, Water SpecialistJan. 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.
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CAIN CHAMBERLIN, Endless MtnsJan. 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.
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R. John Dawes, Water Reporter AppDec. 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.
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KATHLEEN LAVELLE, Trout UnlimitedDec. 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.
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John dawes, Pa WatershedsDec. 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.
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Diana Dakey, Protect Northern PADec. 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.
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John Zaktansky, RiverkeeperDec. 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.
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Lila Oast, teen kayaker & anglerDec. 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.
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JOHN ZaNGARI-RYAN, Kayaking expertNov. 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.
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Special DUCK Overview episodeNov. 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.
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Renee Carey, Conservancy directorNov. 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.
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BEnjamin Hayes, Bucknell UniversityNov. 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.
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John Zaktansky, riverkeeperNov. 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.
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Steve Kurian, Wild for SalmonOct. 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.
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VAN WAGNER, Eels in the classroomOct. 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.
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MARC YAGGI, Waterkeeper AllianceOct. 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.
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JOLENE CONNELLY, outdoor educatorOct. 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.
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RICH BEST, Certified SCUBA instructorSept. 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.
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TALI MacArthur, watershed advocateSept. 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.
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MIKE DUPUY, Licensed falconerSept. 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.
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MIKE PARKER, Fish & Boat CommissionSept 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.
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Emily Sliski, Wesley Forest CAMPSept. 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.
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John Oast, kayak angler & YouTuberAug. 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.
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John Zaktansky, riverkeeperAug. 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.
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Dr. David Lieb, aquatic biologistAug. 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.
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Kathy Snavely, board presidentAug. 12, 2020 -- Kathy Snavely is the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Board president and only remaining founding board member.
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Dr. Joseph Simons, board vice presidentAug. 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.
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Ann fisher, Board secretary & TreasurerAug. 12, 2020 -- Ann Fisher, who spent 10 years working in Washington with the Environmental Protection Agency, currently lives in Snyder County.
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Caz Russell, board memberAug. 12, 2020 -- Caz Russell is a certified John Maxwell leadership instructor, motivational speaker and avid waterfowler on the Susquehanna River.
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