Floating Classroom participants learn about eels, hellbenders on Sept. 12 program aboard Hiawatha

​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.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Riverkeeper John Zaktansky and board member Michael Kinney presented about the eastern hellbender in light of a national court victory in which the species may get new protections under the Endangered Species Act.

​Also, longtime board member Ann Fisher and her husband, Warren, were given the inaugural President's Award from former MSRKA Board President Kathy Snavely.

Photos from the program: