Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Assoc., Vernal School plans Open House during Sunbury River Festival on Aug. 15-16 with activities, prizes

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership will be holding an Open House during the Sunbury River Festival on Friday, Aug. 15 (from 4-8 p.m.) and Saturday, Aug. 16 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) at its 112 Market Street, Sunbury, PA, office. 

The Open House will include a wide variety of hands-on opportunities, including an interactive beaver stream table display where kids/families can manipulate sediment and see how it impacts the flood plain similarly to how beavers can alter stream channels. 

Visitors can also check out the association's VR (virtual reality) paddling experience along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, compliments of 360-degree footage from board president Michael Kinney's 228-mile, 24-day excursion in May of 2024. 

People can also learn about citizen science opportunities such as a new microplastic sampling initiative, tech-based programs such as Birdnet to develop indicators to help monitor changes in water quality using birding trends, Micro:bits coding opportunities and invasive species, etc. There will be STEM-related activities and more available.

Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Vernal School merchandise will be available for purchase to help support the work done by these groups and information will be avaiable about the growing number of coming opportunities and programs this fall and beyond. 

Finally, there will be random giveaway prize drawings of those who register during the weekend (no purchase necessary) with additional chances available. Prizes include an inflatable kayak prize pack (with paddle and pump), fly rod kit and more. Each person who stops in and registers in person at 112 Market Street, Sunbury, will receive an entry into the drawings

Additional entries will be added for those who purchase association merchandise (additional entry per each $10 spent or donated during Open House hours). If you have any questions, please call or text Riverkeeper John Zaktansky at 570-768-6300.