Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Inc.

10/26/2026

On Oct. 19, our association again partnered with Susquehanna University to remove fish from pools in the passageway around the Adam T. Bower Memorial dam on the Susquehanna River near Sunbury.

A total of 580 fish representing 22 different species were collected. We weighed, measured, IDed and returned fish to the river below the dam. Levels of dissolved oxygen were getting dangerously low in each of the pools with higher concentrations of fish, so it was essential to move them efficiently.

Among those collected, more than half were smallmouth bass, but there were an assortment of other interesting species, including American eels.

Check out the full overview with data, links back to previous efforts in this location and more photos here:

https://www.middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org/blog/nearly-600-fish-representing-22-species-captured-in-passageway-pools-as-part-of-fish-rescue-and-data-collection-project-near-susquehanna-river-dam

10/24/2026

Come chat with our Deputy Director, Katie Cassidy, tomorrow (Sunday) at this special event and pick up one of our popular 2027 Naturalist calendars, a 3D hellbender and more, plus info about some cool upcoming opportunities!

Greenwood Friends School's Second Annual Fall Festival is tomorrow, Sunday October 25th, starting at noon!

Love handmade, one-of-a-kind finds? From unique gifts to artwork, our local artists will have plenty to explore. Local makers include Georgia Evermore , The Screaming Gnome, Ako Crafts, Radiant Dazzle, and more.

Looking to connect with your community? Stop by and meet some of the local organizations and neighbors doing meaningful work right here in our valley. Millville Friends Meeting, PFLAG National, and Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Inc. will be in attendance, Bloomsburg Children's Museum will be offering kid's activities, and we'll have information from Susquehanna Kids!

We're grateful to everyone who is sharing their time, talents, and creativity. 💚

10/22/2026

Mark your calendars!! We are hosting a special Nature Book Fair event on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9am to 2pm at the Montour Preserve!

Come check out a full assortment of nature, science and STEM-related books and kits from PaperPie publishing, as well as numerous local bookstores such as Lewisburg's Mondragon Books. We have several nature authors joining us with their books and some live presentations throughout the day.

It will be a great opportunity to check out some fun, nature-related book options to read during the upcoming cold winter months while also filling out your holiday gift lists!

Learn more about the program as well as watch for updates as we add more and pre-register for changes toward some cool additional door prizes:

10/20/2026

Boscov's Friends Helping Friends shopping event is THIS WEDNESDAY (Oct. 21). You can shop most of the store for up to 25 percent off the entire day if you have your shopping pass ... and we can help you with that.

Consider a donation of $5 to our association using the link below and we can meet you at the Susquehanna Valley Mall Boscovs store on Oct. 21 to give you your pass in person. Happy shopping, and thanks for your support!

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership again are partnering with Boscov's for the store's annual Friends Helping Friends event on...

10/20/2026

Final Floating Classroom of the 2026 season couldn't have a better backdrop, especially with fall foliage part of today's conversation.

10/19/2026

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission announced recently it has eliminated fishing seasons, size limits and daily catch restrictions at Beechwood Lake in Tioga County, Hunters Lake in Sullivan County and Stevens Lake in Wyoming County.

The changes took effect immediately and are designed to reduce fish populations before the lakes are drained starting in fall 2027.

The drawdowns are necessary to complete dam rehabilitation projects required under Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection safety standards.

Learn more here:

Three northern Pennsylvania lakes will be drained starting in fall 2027 for dam safety upgrades totaling $13.4 million, with construction expected to take about 18 months per site.

10/14/2026

Just two more weeks available for free kayak borrowing specifically for veterans through our Paddling Patriots program. Those who have served are welcome to register at the link below, requesting specific dates and times between now and the end of the Paddling Patriots boating season (Oct. 31).

Learn more about the program, the kayaks and other equipment available and sign up to enjoy a paddle in the Montour Preserve's Lake Chillisquaque while enjoying the amazing vibrant fall colors and cooler temperatures.

https://www.middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org/paddling-patriots.html

10/13/2026

Preliminary results from local data shared in a national study through the University of Michigan and our association looked at impacts of heat waves on the behavior (specifically the singing rates) of numerous bird species.

Using two of the units in our BirdNet network and overlaying info on bird detections and identifications with trends in temperature from June 1 through Aug. 30, there was an 11.5 percent overall decrease in bird song activity for every 10-degree (Fahrenheit) increase.

Specifically, species such as Blue Jays, Tufted Titmice and Northern Cardinals saw the steepest dropoff percentage-wise in response to heatwaves. Meanwhile, the Carolina Wren actually increased its singing as temperatures went up.

There is much more to be studied and so many cool datapoints to consider with BirdNet analysis. Learn more and check out a number of graphics that illustrate the trends at the link below:

Preliminary local data collected as part of a national study involving the University of Michigan indicated a noticeable impact of heat waves on several common bird species in central Pennsylvania. ...

10/07/2026

Check out this opportunity for students through 12th grade to provide some much-needed advocacy for the American eel through the Susquehanna River Basin Commission's Eel Art Contest.

Deadline is Oct. 31 for entries, that should be hand-drawn original drawings inspired by the life cycle of the American eel.

Learn more and submit your entry here: https://www.srbc.gov/our-work/american-eels/classroom.html