CSIU STEM campers go on OTTERS riverwalk to explore ecosystem along the Susquehanna's banks

Nineteen middle schoolers involved in a summertime CSIU STEM camp  attended an OTTERS (Observational Tours To Explore River Systems) Riverwalk along the Susquehanna at the Sunbury Boat Launch on Friday, July 14.

“It’s a been a lot of fun getting into the water,” said 12-year-old Rachel Roslevich, of Turbotville, in an article by The Daily Item about the event. “I might be looking for a chance to do this more.”

"It’s been a lot of fun exploring the water and the wood," added 11-year-old Kennedy Moore, of Watsontown. "I’ve never got to go out and do stuff like this.”

"This is basically a guided riverside adventure where we equip kids with various tools to see the river on a whole new hands-on level," said Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "We break them up into smaller teams and give each team an exploration bag with various tools and equipment and then encourage them to get wet and muddy and creatively explore the various elements of the river."

Each exploration bag includes an underwater camera for photos and video, net, laminated ID sheets for various common aquatic species, ice cube tray for sorting and viewing smaller creatures, binoculars, notepad and pencils for taking notes, magnet fishing kit, trash bags and gloves for picking up litter, plastic forceps for smaller specimens, magnifying glass and more. Each group also gets a fishing pole with hook, sinker and bobber and is encouraged to observe what sort of things they think fish eat along the river's banks and find their own live bait as they go.

​"You never know what sort of experience a kid will have that sticks with them. Some of these young people may be the next generation of stewards for our river. Some may use the camera and develop a love of outdoor photography and videography. Others may walk away with a fascination with science or want to pursue fishing or some other river-related recreation," said Zaktansky. "Ultimately, for all of them, we hope we at least plant a seed of appreciation for our aquatic ecosystem and a desire to better protect the fragile synergy across each level of it."

When asked about his favorite part of the day, MSRKA board member Doug Fessler was quick to respond: "Being able to take you guys down there to enjoy the river like I used to do when I was younger."

The students had a wide variety of likes from the experience, including "finding and collecting trash to make things better."

Below are photos from the program day on July 14: