Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Podcast: Recent Episodes
John Zaktansky
In an effort to inspire and educate people about river-based issues throughout our watershed, we share the stories of those connected with the environmental, recreational and therapeutic aspects of the Susquehanna and her tributaries.
Jan. 6, 2026 -- Founder and longtime president of the Chillisquaque/Limestone Watershed Association, Tom Benfer talks about the significance of the tributary, the numerous projects tackled to improve water quality (from trash pickups that hauled hundreds of thousands of pounds of litter and thousands of tires away from Chillisquaque Creek to macroinvertebrate studies and streambank restoration efforts) and also discusses the dwindling number of volunteers available for projects as members passed away and the struggle to get new people involved.
Join Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky as he checks out a segment of each of the 30 songs that made it on our special 2-disc 2025 Greatest Hits Songs of the Susquehanna album this year. The CD is now available for purchase and we are accepting submissions for 2026.
Susquehanna River Basin Commission Executive Director Andrew Dehoff and the commission's Surface Water Supervisor Mike College talk about the spike in data center interest in the greater watershed and what that could mean for the greater watershed. The discussion includes what data centers are, why they use so much water and what alternatives can be for cooling.
Williamsport Municipal Water Authority Environmental Manager Cheryl Terpak, Lycoming College's Dr. Leslie Rieck and former student and current water authority worker Ben Fry discuss a unique collaborative effort to map 360 city stormwater outfalls and what we should learn from that work.
A geologist with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Graham Marcowicz is highly interested in hydrology and working on new tools such as GIS mapping to look at groundwater recharge. He shares about that and other important aspects of his work.
A rising senior at West Virginia University and resident of the Montoursville area of our watershed, Maggie Yonkin is a huge advocate of environmental education. She shares her back story, tips for making a difference and the therapy she appreciates from our natural resources.
Hoping to inspire curiosity and self-worth among young people she works with, Abbie Mack is serving as one of our interns this summer. She shares the inspiration behind her fascination with nature and especially bugs, how she chose Susquehanna University and the importance of pursuing your passion.
A resident of the Gaza Strip along the Mediterranean Sea, Ibrahim Alqassass is currently majoring in computer science at Susquehanna University and serving as an intern this summer. He shares details about his past, desires to combine environmental work and tech and suggests how young people can make a difference.
Rising Susquehanna University junior Caley Treat, from the Bloomsburg area, will be an intern with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association this summer. She shares details about how she first fell in love with nature, decided to attend Susquehanna University and tips for making a difference at home.
Program Coordinator for the Susquehanna County Conservation District, Don Hibbard has a longstanding experience in providing a wide variety of services to protect and improve our natural resources. He chats about his background, the importance of environmental education and how people can make a difference.
The Northcentral Region Education Coordinator for the PA Fish and Boat Commission, Amidea Daniel strives to connect people to our natural resources. She does this in creative ways, including overseeing the Trout in the Classroom initiative and leading a statewide women in the outdoors effort. Interview by Emily Shosh.
An avid outdoorsman since little, growing up in Schuylkill County and seeing environmental impacts of mining and other pollutants first-hand, Andrew Mickey serves the State Conservation Commission and works on roadway-waterway interactions via PA's dirt and gravel program.
March 13, 2025 -- New Forest Conservation Coordinator Aaron Lewis chats about his role, the importance of forests when it comes to filtering waterways and the habitat it provides our state bird, the ruffed grouse. An advocate of the grouse, Lewis also discusses restoration of the species thanks to improving habitat. Interview by Northern Tier Regional Director Emily Shosh.
Susquehanna River Basin Commission Project Review Manager Todd Eaby looks back at his 15 years so far with the commission and discusses how water withdrawal permits work for a wide variety of industrial needs across the watershed.
Founder and director of the Forest School Teacher Institute, Dr. Jean Lomino, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, talks about what forest schooling is, her journey as an educator to better understanding the importance of outdoor learning and what people can expect at a mid-April certification training she is offering in PA.
A lifelong angler, Jamie SanFilippo has turned her passion into a fly-fishing guide career in Centre County. She talks with West Branch Regional Director Andrew Bechdel about her work and how development is impacting trout habitat and what groups like Trout Unlimited are doing about it.
Physicians assistant Alyssa Maddalena shares the story of how she started writing a children's book about her daughter and their adventures along the Susquehanna River called "Good Morning, Susquehanna" which released in late November.
December 3, 2024 -- DCNR Botanist chats with Northern Tier Regional Director Emily Shosh about her love of plants, the importance of protecting wetlands as a way to saving rare plant species and how we all can be more aware of our impacts to the environment around us.
November 25, 2024 -- We celebrate our 100th episode of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper podcast by looking back at some of the most popular moments from more than 29 hours of interviews from people who all share a passion for our river, its tributaries and the creatures that depend on those aquatic resources.
Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife diversity biologist Richard Fritsky chats about his work and specifically about bats and their important relationship with our aquatic ecosystem, the insects they help control and the impacts of white nose syndrome on their populations.
Penn State Forest Extension Educator Cat Pugh talks about the importance of riparian buffers, agroforestry and creative plantings of things such as willow that can lead to opportunities such as artistic programs and needs such as basket weaving. Interview by Regional Director Andrew Bechdel.
Stream Restoration Specialist Phil Thomas, of Trout Unlimited, chats about the use of Large Wood Addition (LWA) projects which include felling large trees intentionally into streams to intentionally mimic natural conditions and increase habitat. Interview by Regional Director Emily Shosh.
The newest Director of Lycoming College's Clean Water Institute, Matt Kaunert has a long history of Eastern hellbender research in western PA. He shares some of that and his nest box work, what he's seen in studying hellbender reproduction and trends across the state.
We check back in with Dr. Peter Petokas and his work on the Eastern hellbender in the Susquehanna River watershed to see what the species' status current status is, what work is being done and how we can act now to preserve the hellbender before it is too late.
Mike Toolan, the Musser Gap Conservation Director, talks about the 355-acre Musser Gap Greenway. The venue, created via a partnership with Penn State University and the Clearwater Conservancy, is dedicated to connecting people to nature while water quality and habitat in Centre County. Interview by West Branch Regional Director Andrew Bechdel
Susquehanna University graduate Danielle Tryon shares details about her study on sculpin done at the Freshwater Research Institute's stream channels that look at how the species reacts to thermal changes in a waterway, some interesting discoveries and what we should learn from this work.
Susquehanna University student Jay Schofield discusses the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and how we can have a positive impact, enjoyment of restoration projects like an analog beaver dam effort at the university and the importance of volunteering.
Susquehanna University student Sarah Joy talks about what brought her from Florida to central Pennsylvania, what sparked her love of nature and why environmental education and advocacy is so important for her and others.
Dickinson College student and Bloomsburg native Theadora Duane shares about her journey to study environmental work starting as early as the third grade, lessons she has learned from beekeeping at college and why it is so important for people to get outdoors and into nature.
Tom Clark, the Abandoned Mine Program Project Development Manager for Kleinfelder Engineering, has a long history of working with Abandoned Mine Drainage issues in the state. He talks about those experiences as well as recent opportunities for treatment via funding, including $68 million for a project on the Tioga River. Interview by Northern Tier Regional Director Emily Shosh.
Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association President Michael Kinney discusses the preparation before his 200-plus-mile adventure paddling the West Branch of the Susquehanna River which begins May 1. He talks about what inspired the trip, what has gone into planning and what he hopes to achieve while on the river.
Joshua Caldwell, director of the film "Mending the Line" which has been trending on Netflix and other online platforms, talks about the therapy of fly fishing, the importance of protecting our clean water resources, details behind the success of the film and what he hopes people take away from it.
A furbearer biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Tom Keller is at the forefront of the agency's American Marten reintroduction project. He speaks about that head of the agency's April plan decision as well as trends in other mammals, including the muskrat.
Professor of Biology at Penn State Altoona, Dr. Edward Levri has studied the invasive New Zealand mud snail extensively both abroad and locally. He shares details on why it is so dangerous to our aquatic ecosystem and some ways we can all help slow its spread.
New part-time West Branch Regional Director for the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Bechdel has a long history of environmental education and talks about the value of connecting with our natural resources and how he wants to best represent the needs of the western portion of the watershed.
Recently hired as the part-time Northern Tier Regional Director for the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Shosh also serves as Communications and Outreach Advisor for the Potter County Conservation District. She talks about her background, the region and ways people can make a difference.
Associate professor of earth and environmental sciences at Susquehanna University Dr. Jennifer Elick and student researcher Olivia Weaver, of Sunbury, talk about their study of a legacy island, formed of coal waste, in our river and what we should learn from it in terms of our legacy of impacting the environment.
Advocational archeologist Kim Mattern, curator for the Snyder County Historical Museum, talks about Native American artifacts found along rivers and creeks and the lessons they can teach us about ancestors who lived in these areas.
Check out our special episode where we share with you the 20 songs that will be on our Songs of the Susquehanna Volume 3 playlist. We chat with some of the musicians and get the story behind their work.
Andrew Eppig, better known as Rockhound, talks about the geology of the Susquehanna River, its historical connection, some unique (AMD) impacts today and how people can best explore the rocks of our river region.
Dr. Brian Mangan, Professor of Environmental and Ecological Sciences and Biology at Kings College, talks about mercury research in macro species such as crayfish and hellgrammites, as well as overall river health and trends he's noticed.
Travis Wingard, the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Coordinator for the PA Wilds region, talks about the program's evolution in the PA Wilds region, recent expansion into new counties and why people should get involved.
Research student Sydney Stark, Assistant Professor of Biology at Penn State-Hazleton Megan Schall and PA Fish and Boat Commission biologist Geoffrey Smith wrap up their discussion on invasive flathead catfish with findings from recent dietary studies and the importance of community involvement.
Vicki Blazer, a research fishery biologist of the US Geological Survey, shares details about PFAS, what they are, where they come from and trends in the emerging contaminant in fish species in our watershed.
Vicki Blazer, a research fishery biologist of the US Geological Survey, shares details about PFAS, what they are, where they come from and trends in the emerging contaminant in fish species in our watershed.
Independent filmmaker Scott Morris talks about his new documentary, "American River," ahead of a special screening of the film scheduled as part of a Clean Water Celebration in Lewisburg on Oct. 15, 2022.
Leslie Rieck, of Lycoming College, talks about the Clean Water Institute, current research efforts, storm water concerns in the Williamsport area and ways people can make a difference at home and via citizen science work.
PA Fish and Boat Commission biologist Geoffrey Smith, research student Sydney Stark and Assistant Professor of Biology at Penn State-Hazleton Megan Schall continue the discussion about flatheads by looking at other waterways where flatheads have invaded and what red flags are being seen in the Susquehanna.
Columbia County Conservation District watershed specialist and environmental educator Abby Sieg talks about the upcoming Susquehanna Valley Watershed Festival, the importance of watershed groups and environmental education.
Assistant Professor of Biology at Penn State-Hazelton Megan Schall, PA Fish and Boat Commission biologist Geoffrey Smith and research student Sydney Stark talk about aquatic invasive species with a focus on the flathead catfish. ** This is the first of what will be a three-part series on the flathead and its impacts regionally.
In this special episode of our podcast, Bucknell University's Andrew Stuhl discusses the numerous long-ranging ripple effects that the historic Agnes flooding had on our watershed 50 years ago this month. He talks about impacts including ecological, economic, emotional, social, agricultural and numerous others, and the important lessons learned from this flood as we try to protect ourselves from similar future events.
Andrew Bechdel is involved with numerous local outdoors programs, pulling from his degree in recreation management from LHU to provide environmental education and striving to connect people with our natural resources.
Peyton Curley, a rising junior at Susquehanna University studying environmental science, will serve as the MSRKA's summer intern for 2022. Get to know her and what drives her passion for our environmental resources.
Jeremy Hoffman, of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, answers questions about a reported water draw concern in the watershed, talking about thresholds for when water draws are an issue and when you should report one.
Susquehanna University Associate Professor of Chemistry Lou Ann Tom talks about pharmaceuticals, our waterways and efforts to better detect issues and reduce impacts via photodegradation research.
David Staebler, chairman for the Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance, talks about the 20th anniversary event for the group, major issues they've addressed along the Buffalo Creek and how to get involved with upcoming stewardship needs.
Live stake coordinator for the Chesapeake Conservancy, Shannon Thomas talks about what a live stake is, the many ways live stakes can improve water quality and how to get involved in the live stake program.
Marking the 50th anniversary year of the Montour Preserve, we check in with the original land specialist on the flooding from Agnes, other historical and memorable moments and the significance of the preserve today and in the future.
Alana Jajko, the director of communications and outreach for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, talks about the group's big outdoor expo coming June 4, how people can get involved and other upcoming events.
A watershed specialist with the Columbia County Conservation District, Aaron Eldred talks about the vital importance of watershed associations, stream structure projects, drone footage and an incident that inspired his career.
Ben Lorson, the PA Fish and Boat Commission's Watershed Analysis Section Chief, talks about studies that show an increase in salinity in the state's waterways and the role rock salt spreading on roadways in the winter plays in that.
Kelly Caudle, the newest board member of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, talks about what sparked her passion for our river-based resources, some of the threats she sees facing those resources and how you can help.
Doug Fessler talks about his experiences of cleaning up litter along the Susquehanna River near Sunbury, protecting resources like vernal pools and offers tips on how to make a difference in your own local community.
Wildlife Leadership Academy Executive Director Michele Kittell Connolly shares details about the program, how to nominate a teen for the extensive experience and why it is critical to connect young people to the outdoors.
Wildlife artist Mickayla Poland talks about the Upstream Art Project in Elk County, painting murals on storm drains to help raise awareness about how pollution can enter our waterways.
Katie Caputo, founder of Roambler.com, talks about the site's ability to connect people with suitable mentors for a wide variety of outdoor activities, hoping to spark a vested interest in our natural resources.
Catawissa Creek Restoration Association President Ed Wytovich discusses the unique aspects of his creek, the successes it has seen via two treatment facilities and the threats it still faces from abandoned mine drainage concerns.
Retired Pennsylvania Game Commission Supervisor of Wildlife Diversity Dan Brauning talks about the incredible recovery story of bald eagles, ospreys and peregrine falcons in our region and the value of our river's habitat.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn talks about her role with the agency, the importance of forest-based buffers along waterways, issues facing our watershed and important programs the DCNR is working on.
Randy Farmerie and Tom Mears, of the Department of Environmental Protection, discuss petroleum spills, when to report them &
Author of the newly published book "Up to Heaven and Down to Hell," Colin Jerolmack talks about his time in Williamsport researching the fracking industry and telling the stories of those who leased land and were directly impacted.
Pete Allison, an associate professor in Penn State University's Recreation, Park & Tourism Management Department, talks about the value of taking people onto the river and connecting them with natural resources.
Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association Board Vice President Dr. Joseph Simons III talks about his efforts as Wild Trout Man to educate others about the importance of conservation and fly fishing for wild trout.
Moshannon Creek Watershed Association President Eric Skrivseth and Vice President Eric Rosengrant on their association's efforts in the past year trying to offset the massive amounts of abandoned mine drainage that flows from the Moshannon Creek into the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
Executive director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR), Bobby Hughes talks about the many issues involving mine drainage, how EPCAMR is addressing them and how to help.
Susquehanna University rising sophomore Danielle Tryon is working through the month of July as an intern for our association. Learn more about her, what sparked her passion for the environment and what she has in store.
William Ryan, a Marine Corps veteran and Penn State grad student in Environmental Resource Management, was one of 36 musicians to get involved in our Songs of the Susquehanna project. Listen to his song, his inspiration and his efforts to protect our waterway resources.
The first of two interns from Susquehanna to work with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association this summer, Morgan Thomas talks about why she is so passionate about our resources and what she hopes to accomplish.
Taking over as a watershed management extension specialist for the Penn State Extension a year ago, Tyler Groh chats about agricultural and urban stormwater issues, sedimentation and ways that people get make a difference locally.
Kathryn Hayden, a graduate research assistant at Penn State University, chats about her current study of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in our waterways, their impact on the ecosystem and how to gauge your EDC footprint.
DEP aquatic biologist Douglas Orr, who oversees the agency's Black Fly Suppression Program, talks about how the initiative got started, defines the black fly and discusses the compound sprayed into our waterways and its aquatic impact.
Lou Ann Gasperine is a retired educator who still offers programs via the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's mobile ag unit and is active with conservation efforts along the Pine Creek watershed. She discusses the importance of outdoor education.
Jon Beam, the vice president of the Montour Area Recreation Commission and naturalist/educator at the Montour Preserve, talks about vernal pools, why they are important, which species frequent them and how we can protect them.
Peter Petokas, a renowned expert on the hellbender with 15 years experience, talks about the dwindling populations in our watershed, the importance of the amphibian, what can be done to improve the situation and other water quality issues.
Water specialist for the Columbia County Conservation District, Brittney Hartzell grew up in the region. She talks about the county's response to a Chesapeake Bay initiative and ways people can make a difference for our water resources.
A conservation associate for PennEnvironment, Faran Savitz was one of two people behind a recent study that indicated the massive proliferation of microplastics in waterways across the state. He talks about the study and what we should learn from it.
Corey Ellison, the executive director for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership talks about the group's efforts to connect the land and water resources throughout the Susquehanna River basin.
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Program President and Director Michele Richards talks about what it means to be a master naturalist, how the program was formed and some of the many ways the naturalist family is making a difference.
Bass Pro and Mifflinburg school educator Casey Magargle talks about coaching numerous students to big fishing tournament victories, his bait shop and important trends he has noticed in countless hours on the Susquehanna.
Brenda Sieglitz talks about the 10 Million Trees Partnership with a goal of cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay, how trees can drastically improve water quality and the major need of new land to plant trees on in the coming years.
Tim Schaeffer, the executive director of the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, chats about the historic start to the 2020 trout season and what people can expect for this coming year in terms of the trout opener, stocking and opportunities.
Franklin Kury served three terms in the PA House of Representatives between 1966 and 1972, playing an instrumental part in the PA Clean Streams Act and Environmental Rights Amendment. He talks about all that and his new book arriving soon.
Kathleen Mullen, a veterinarian at Littleton Equine in Colorado, talks about a study she was a part of in our watershed that potentially links fracking chemicals to sick foals at a northern PA farm.
Andrew Dehoff, the executive director of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, chats about the SRBC's 50th anniversary, accomplishments from the first five decades, what is next and how people can keep on top of permits and other actions.
Don Shappelle, a musician from Luzerne County, shares a song he wrote with children aboard the Hiawatha during a Floating Classroom a few years ago and the therapeutic crossover between music, the river and the Songs of the Susquehanna project.
John Levitsky, watershed specialist for the Luzerne County Conservation District, talks about Abandoned Mine Drainage issues, including the Plainsville Borehole Discharge and what his plans are (and hurdles he's faced in tackling the issues at this site.
Cain Chamberlin, of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, talks about nominating the Tunkhannock Creek for 2021 River of the Year, why people should vote for the waterway (by Jan. 22) and shares info about his group's efforts to protect resources.
R. John Dawes, executive director and co-founder of The Commons, helped develop the Water Reporter app, an "Instagram for anglers," as a tool to help catalog catches and watch for important water quality trends throughout the watershed.
Kathleen Lavelle, the field coordinator for Pennsylvania's Trout Unlimited cold water habitat program, talks about our native trout populations, various threats they face and a unique fish relocation situation she assisted with along a wet road.
John Dawes, of the Foundation for Pa. Watersheds, shares how the agency helps smaller groups via grants and other services, talks about the dangers of acid mine drainage, fracking and other waterway concerns and suggests how to make a difference.
Diana Dakey, founding member of ProtectNorthernPA.org, speaks ahead of a Dec. 9 permit review about her concerns involving liquified natural gas (LNG) being produced and transported from Bradford County to a New Jersey port.
Lila Oast, of Bloomsburg, has been kayaking with her father along the Susquehanna River for as long as she can remember, and has since picked up sponsors as she competes in a variety of tournaments throughout the country.
John Zangari-Ryan has kayaked across the United States, but feels we have the most diverse paddling experience right here on the Susquehanna. He chats about kayak routes he developed, kayak camps he provides for kids and the health of our watershed.
Jon Beam, of the Montour Preserve, and longtime Lycoming Audubon member Gary Metzger discuss different categories of ducks you can find in our watershed, unique behaviors, various threats they face and review a few of the common calls they make.
Renee Carey, the executive director of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, talks about the important work the conservancy does, efforts to preserve access points to our waterways and her take on the health of our river and its tributaries.
Benjamin Hayes, the program director for Bucknell's Watershed Sciences & Engineering Program, talks about the current health of the Susquehanna River along with details about the upcoming 15th Annual River Symposium.
Steve Kurian and his family operate the business Wild for Salmon out of Bloomsburg, making regular trips to the Alaskan wilds for fresh salmon to sell in our watershed. He talks about the importance of clean water and eating fresh fish.
Renowned watershed educator, historian and musician Van Wagner talks about lessons learned with students via a unique "Eels in the Classroom" program, why eels used to play such a vital role in the region's waterways and what happened along the way.
Marc Yaggi, the executive director for the Waterkeeper Alliance, was raised on the banks of the Loyalsock Creek. He shares his story from playing in local waterways to overseeing a global movement to confront pollution and take back our water-based resources.
A member of the governor's advisory council for hunting, fishing and conservation, Jolene Connelly also engages people via kayaking, hunter/trapper education and other ventures. She talks on trends in the aquatic ecosystem and value of the outdoors.
Rich Best, owner of the renowned Sunken Treasure SCUBA Center near Jersey Shore, talks about trends and threats he has noticed within the Susquehanna River, efforts to pull more than 12,000 tires from our waterways and a sunken canal barge he found.
Tali MacArthur, the program manager for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and Pa. Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), talks about the essential work of watershed groups across the state and why people should get involved.
Mike Dupuy, a longtime falconer out of Snyder County, shares some feedback about various species of raptors (such as ospreys, bald eagles, etc.) we can find along the river and its tributaries in our region. He also talks about current-day threats they face.
Mike Parker, the communications director for the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, talks about the unexpected trout season opener, how COVID has impacted a fishing and boating resurgence, the importance of waterway safety and fishing license fees.
Emily Sliski, center director for the Wesley Forest Camp along the Penns Creek near Weikert, discusses the value of getting young people outdoors and waterway monitoring.
John Oast began developing kayaking rigging videos in 2006, creating a YouTube presence via fishyaker.com that has since drawn more than 5,000,000 views. He talks about the river, his background and the importance of getting out in nature.
Dr. David Lieb, who has studied crayfish in Pennsylvania's waterways for nearly two decades, talks about the dangers of invasive exotic species wiping out the natives.