More than 50 people learn about vital role bats play in our ecosystem during Aug. 11 Floating Classroom

More than 50 people learned about the vital role bats play in the greater watershed from Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) educators Kelly Pollock, Jake Smith and two of their interns on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport.

The Floating Classroom included a Powerpoint-focused discussion on the lower level by Smith on bat-related trends and impacts as well as reviewing some of the issues bats face within our watershed. 

Meanwhile, on the upper level, Pollock discussed what makes a bat, including an activity using a younger volunteer to dress up like a bat. Each step allowed Pollock to explain key features of bats, such as their ability to "see" via sonar, differences in skull structures between bats and rodents and other interesting details.

The program was the third Floating Classroom of the 2026 season, which features nine sessions altogether. Next is an overview on aquatic mammals and some specific information about muskrats and concerns about decline in their populations across the watershed. This program will feature PGC biologist Thomas Keller.

Check out details on all the upcoming programs and reserve your spot before they fill up by clicking here.

Some photos from the Aug. 11 program day on bats: