Beyond the river’s edge, exciting collaborative approach to education
As the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) explored avenues for community connection that were still safe during these COVID times, outdoor opportunities were key. When John Zaktansky, the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper asked if we wanted to collaborate on their Floating Classroom series, it was a quick yes for us!
The ALLARM team made their way upstream on Tuesday, July 6th to board the Hiawatha Paddleboat in Williamsport, PA. The theme for the classroom was local macroinvertebrates and water quality. Participants had the opportunity to identify specimens using microscopes, learn about the role of macroinvertebrates in the ecosystem, and learn about their pollution sensitivity levels. It was a fun and exciting way to engage fifty-five participants in collaboration with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (MSRK). Full-time staff, Julie Vastine and Stephanie Letourneau, were joined by summer Watershed Coordinator, Kyra Lerner ‘23. Kyra piloted a new macroinvertebrate functions and habitat activity designed by her and Grace Messimer ’23. Thanks to Danielle Tryon, intern for the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, and John Zaktansky, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, for having us!