The following report was compiled by Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association intern Danielle Tryon, of Susquehanna University.

“The most precious commodity in the county, commonwealth, US, and world is fresh clean water," said John Levitsky, watershed specialist at the Luzerne County Conservation District. "We all live upstream or downstream of someone and it is critical for everyone to work together as a community to better the watershed. One person can’t do it all but if we all join hands as a community, we can protect our waterways for drinking, fishing, swimming and boating."

In an effort to keep everyone on the same page to protect the Chesapeake Bay and the waterways that feed her, county conservation districts throughout the Susquehanna River watershed have been working on Countywide Action Plans (CAPs) which “provide an opportunity for everyone involved to learn more about their local waters and … outline how to achieve local clean water goals in a way that fits with local priorities,” according to the state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

More than 50 people participated in the second of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper's Floating Classroom programs of the summer aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat near Williamsport, PA.

The theme of the Aug. 3 session was "Snakes & Songs on the Susquehanna." Renowned snake expert Karl Miller, of Liberty, shared important facts about various snake species found throughout our watershed, introducing the students to three live specimens he brought on board. On the lower level, KJ Reimensnyder-Wagner led participants in a variety of water-based songs, sharing a message of conserving our aquatic resources.