Nearly 50 people participate in July 29 Floating Classroom about ducks on Hiawatha Paddleboat

Nearly 50 people joined the July 29, 2025, Floating Classroom aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat near Williamsport along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River for an overview on duck species. 

Families and participants of all ages enjoyed a discussion about diving ducks on the upper level with longtime species advocate and professional leadership speaker Caz Russell while the lower-level program on dabbler duck ID and species characteristics was led by Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky.

"This was our second official Floating Classroom program of the 2025 summer season and it was attended by people from all over - from as far away as New York state and Wilkes-Barre - and the interaction seemed to go very well," said Zaktansky. "Being more aware of the diversity of species and the unique traits they each possess adds an extra level of excitement and appreciation for people as they spend time along the Susquehanna and its tributaries."

​The next Floating Classroom will be Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 10-11 a.m. and will feature an overview of owl species as well as offer a hands-on owl pellet dissection opportunity. Learn more about this session and others and secure your spot by purchasing tickets while they remain available (some are nearly sold out) by going to ​www.middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org/floating-classroom.html

Additional photos from the July 29 program include: