Berwick teen center students engage with Riverkeeper, Briar Creek to learn more about ecosystem

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association traveled to the Berwick Teen Center to discuss river ecology and do a creek stomp experience looking for signs of creek life and the inter-connectedness across the aquatic ecosystem. 

Students found a wide variety of different macroinvertebrates and other species and talked about their importance in the greater watershed.

"It is so important to get kids back into nature, especially in today's society to make those connections because taking care of the environment also takes care of us," said Doug Fessler, board member with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association. "Clean water is a very important part for a healthy future for all of us. Macroinvertebrates in waterways allow us to keep an eye on water quality and teaching the next generation to engage with that is so rewarding"

Riverkeeper John Zaktansky agreed.

"What was especially cool about this program was seeing the pride these kids took in the creek flowing behind their center. They couldn't wait to show us the work they've done, putting in steps to better access the creek, the pile of trash they've removed to help clean it up," he said. "It was so neat to enhance that excitement by studying the smallest of creatures in that creek and adding to the kids' excitement and appreciation for the resource flowing through their backyard.

"Wouldn't it be cool if we could spark the same sort of excitement and clean water revival for our numerous local communities along the river?"