Available now: Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper book includes 50-plus stories about wide range of issues

"Sentinels of the Susquehanna: Volume 1​" is a 285-page book featuring more than 50 stories that highlight a wide variety of issues facing our river-based resources and some of the people who strive to protect and promote those resources.

The book, produced by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, includes some of the most popular blog articles and investigative reports on topics such as abandoned mine drainage, microplastics in our waterways, fracking concerns, invasive species, erosion, impacts of high and low water on aquatic ecosystems and much more. 

A chapter-by-chap​ter study guide/quiz is being developed and will soon be available for download, making the book an ideal way to add environmental science education to a homeschool routine or in addition to cyber or public school programming. This guide can be requested directly by emailing Riverkeeper John Zaktansky at [email protected]

Stories you can expect, directly from the book's table of contents:

Intro: Becoming a Riverkeeper

• Eagle experience provides clarity, a catalyst for change, finding a voice

Forward: Terms and trends to know

• Watersheds, regulations and rights: How it all flows and our duty

 
Chapter 1: The Eastern hellbender

• Pilot project helps restore Eastern hellbenders to river basin
• Severing stereotypes offers a step toward saving salamander

Chapter 2: Microplastics

• Series of studies highlight reality of microplastics in watershed
• Column: Searching for more realistic next steps in the battle 

Chapter 3: Fracking

• Vet: Fracking potentially caused sick foals at Pennsylvania horse farm
• Column: Help us collect and connect fracking, health concern dots 

Chapter 4: Invasive species

• Exotic crayfish a growing issue in the middle Susquehanna watershed
• Invasive snakehead impacts aquatic ecosystems on many levels

Chapter 5: Abandoned mine issues

• The many faces of AMD: Issue scars waterways across region
• Specialist seeks funds to address Plainsville Borehole Discharge issue 

Chapter 6: Cost of construction

• Potential environmental impact of the Central Susquehanna Thruway
• Impact offers obligation to be involved and work together 

Buy your copy!

All proceeds from the sale of books go directly back to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's mission to promote and protect the health and vibrancy of the Susquehanna watershed.

The book can be ordered in one of two ways. You can preorder copies for $15 at the link below and pick up your book copies at the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's office at 112 Market Street, Sunbury, PA.  Fresh copies are available now at the office for immediate pickup.

BOOK ORDER: Sentinels of the Susquehanna: Volume 1

$15.00

This 285-page book looks at some of the biggest issues facing the Middle Susquehanna River watershed and people who share a passion to promote and protect our aquatic resources. Cost is $15 if purchased here and picked up at the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association office (112 Market Street, Sunbury, PA). Or, it can be purchased directly through Amazon.com for $20 and shipped to your home.

Buy now!

Or, you can order copies via Amazon.com for $20 each and have them delivered directly to your home. To pursue this option, click here or search for the book title at Amazon.com.

​A kindle e-book version of the collection is available for download for $9.99 in at the Amazon.com link shared above.

Proceeds from every book sold go back to our association's mission throughout the greater watershed.

If you have any questions or comments, contact Riverkeeper John Zaktansky at [email protected] or 570-768-6300.

​Chapter 7: How fish kills are handled

• Fish kill investigations are a race against the clock and conditions

Chapter 8: Environmental reporting

• ‘Instagram for water quality:’ Start using Water Reporter app
• Susquehanna Survey provides valuable feedback for association

Chapter 9: Waterway conditions

• Color, smell can help determine if foamy substance is natural or not
• Algae, in various forms, can pose a multitude of issues 
• Assessment the first step in addressing a petroleum-based spill

Chapter 10: Endocrine disruptors

• Awareness, smart shopping key in reducing endocrine disruptors

Chapter 11: Following the flows

• Extremely low water table, changing temperatures impact river 
• Experts: Flooding impacts on ecosystem hinges on many variables

Chapter 12: Pandemic trash trends 

• Littering among threats facing Penns Creek, other tributaries
• Creating one pandemic while coping with another
• Anglers’ character is defined by what they leave behind
• As agencies back off duties, fifth-grader sets example

Chapter 13: Trees and erosion 

• Wanted: Landowners to plant free trees, protect our waterways
• Cub Scouts help protect region’s streambanks 

Chapter 14: Black fly spraying

• Biologist: Protecting aquatic ecosystems a critical part of program

Chapter 15: Vernal pools

• Filling a critical springtime niche, vernal pools require awareness, protection
• Earth Day everyday: Tweaks at home, engaging others can create cascade of improvement

Chapter 16: Protecting trout

• Unique trout rescue situation sparks discussion on region’s threats 
• Catch-and-release fishing tips to save one of our state’s treasures
• Excitement, dedication and big trout on display at stocking excursion

Chapter 17: Birds in our watershed

• Migration of ducks offers seasonal clock as species face various threats
• Herons play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem
• Patience, collaboration both lessons from raptor restoration

Chapter 18: Rescue tips

• Dancing with turtles: Lessons from helping a snapper cross a busy road

Chapter 19: Waterway safety

• Checklists, communication, common sense keys to boating safety
• Preparation, awareness among keys to cold-water kayaking safety
• Tech, clothing upgrades fuel ice fishing surge as experts urge safety

Chapter 20: Getting outdoors

• Families take on challenge to spend more time outside
• Canoe trip success highlights therapeutic element of waterways

Chapter 21: Outdoor education

• HERYN (Helping Engage our River’s Youth with Nature) connects 73 with kayaking, fishing, awareness
• HERYN Program success hinged on humble heroes’ enthusiasm
• Seven Floating Classroom sessions educate 407 people
• Waterway Exploration Training gets kids’ feet ‘wet’ via stations

​
Chapter 22: Engagement

• Riverkeeper podcast series marks anniversary with 50 episodes
• Songs of the Susquehanna project connects people to the issues
• Riverkeeper Nature Book Club inspires discussion on environment

Chapter 23: Lessons from Montour

• Diversity of lake and preserve important to surrounding region
• Agreement shows commitment to clean water, reasons to support