​Ticks have a tiny yet tenacious hook on the end of each leg, especially their forelegs, with which they are extremely good at latching onto things and not letting go, according to Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) tick specialist Christian Boyer.

“Questing is the action where they come to the edge of vegetation and when a host comes by, they’ll put their arms in the air and grab hold,” he said. “If there is a change in temperature – a shadow casts over them – they will stretch out their arms when they sense a host and grab a hold and find a place to attach.”

The process, therefore, is very similar to writing a compelling story. The first paragraph, the very tip of the material that will come in contact with a reader – the potential host – is called a lede and within that you want a good hook.

​While other kids raced to claim their favorite kayaks, paddles and life jackets before the others, Ramona Kroll walked slowly and deliberately along the edge of the lake at the Central PA Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia during the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association’s HERYN (Helping Engage our River’s Youth with Nature) kayak and fishing day programs.

Then, quickly, she darted down and scooped up a small frog before it could jump into the water.

Through three summers, we have served hundreds of kids at our HERYN program, and each one brings different interests, skills, personality, and, for some, even emotional baggage.

But, for Ramona, the unique perspective she added to this year’s program was her keen fascination for everything reptile and amphibian. From the snakes on the T-shirt she wore to early morning registration to her specialized radar for finding these species at the campground that day, it was a cool experience.

More than 70 people participated in the Sept. 19 Floating Classroom aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport where the Susquehanna University Freshwater Research Institute (FRI) presented on trout. 

Downstairs, FRI Director Matt Wilson discussed ideal trout habitat, how drought impacts that habitat and how trout respond to those changes. He included stream study images and passed around sample trout from the FRI lab. 

​Fifty-five people attended the Sept. 12 Floating Classroom aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat featuring the Susquehanna River Basin Commission biologist Johanna Hripto and some live elvers -- young eels -- that were caught near the Conowingo Dam.

Hripto presented an overview of eels on the river, their history and significance in the Susquehanna and what is being done to reverse some reductions to their numbers.

During the Sept. 12, 2023, Floating Classroom aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport, former board treasurer and secretary Ann Fisher and her husband, Warren, received the inaugural 2022 Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association President's Award from former president Kathy Snavely.

"Despite Ann’s protests, it is my deep privilege - with 500 percent board approval - to award the first President’s Award to Ann and Warren Fisher, for their tireless commitment and dedication to the MSRKA," said Snavely during the presentation. 

"When our first Riverkeeper gave us her one-month notice (in late 2019), Ann Fisher and I weren’t remotely prepared. We were, at the time, President and Secretary/Treasurer of a very small board of directors. Ann and I worked through every issue together, and there were some pretty monumental issues," said Snavely. "She was instrumental in the hiring process for John Zaktansky back in 2020, helped shape and mentor a new team of leaders for the association and she and Warren have been invaluable assets in fundraising for the association's work, as well."

​Riverkeeper's note: This is the general press release issued as an alert to today's update. Our association is working on a localized update on this story and will be sharing it out as soon as possible. Check back for more information. If you have any questions, you can contact Riverkeeper John Zaktansky at [email protected] or 570-768-6300.
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In response to a lawsuit filed by five conservation groups, including the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, a federal judge found today -- Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2019 denial of Endangered Species Act protection for the eastern hellbender salamander was arbitrary and unlawful.

District Judge Lewis J. Liman set aside the Service’s decision and instructed the agency to make a new decision consistent with law.
 
“This ruling is a lifesaving victory for hellbenders and their declining freshwater habitats,” said Elise Bennett, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The Fish and Wildlife Service can no longer ignore overwhelming scientific evidence that hellbenders are in danger of extinction and face even greater threats ahead. These odd and charming salamanders can survive, but they desperately need the help of the Endangered Species Act.”

More than 50 people, including families and younger children, participated in the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's Sept. 5, 2023, Floating Classroom aboard the Hiawatha. 

The theme was "Secret Life Inside our Fish" and included a fish dissection by Jeremy Harper and Brandon Forsythe of Penn State University on the lower level with several large trout.