As the celebration of the Pennsylvania 2018 River of the Year – the Loyalsock Creek – winds down, residents of and visitors to the watershed are invited to gather one last time to show their Loyalsock Love. Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Inc., the lead nominating organization for this statewide designation, invites you to A Year in the Life of the Loyalsock as presented by Keith Williams of Freshwater Journeys on Saturday, November 17 at 2 p.m. in the Plunketts Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall.

“The Loyalsock gave us a few challenges this year, with multiple high-water events and even a period of low flow,” explains Williams, author of Snorkelhead: Adventures in Creek Snorkeling and a regular underwater visitor to the watershed. “I explored the Loyalsock Creek and some of her tributaries throughout 2018, starting in January when there was ice on her edges and hanging from canyon walls.”

Wetsuits and snorkeling gear won’t be required for this family-friendly adventure, however, as guests will take an underwater tour from the warm comfort of their seats.

“At times,” adds Williams, “she flowed muddy and visibility was low, but throughout the year, I was able to capture numerous memorable moments of natural creek history.”

Williams is a natural educator. In addition to authoring his first book on creek and river snorkeling, Keith Williams has developed river snorkeling-based science curriculum and has established river snorkeling programs for non-profit organizations and the U.S. Forest Service. He has led thousands of people on river snorkeling adventures, including armchair adventurers like those who attend “A Year in the Life of the Loyalsock” program.

“We had many partners this year as we celebrated our River of the Year,” offers Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Carol Parenzan. “This fabulous fanfare could not have occurred without the numerous organizations and individuals who came together to plan and implement almost 20 programs that focused not only on river science but also history, arts, music, education, recreation, and even economics. Back in March, we started our celebratory season with a presentation by Keith Williams on the Susquehanna River watershed, of which the Loyalsock is a part, so it is only fitting that we close the year with a special showing of his work specifically highlighting our lovely Loyalsock Creek.”

The program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Plunketts Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall is located at 327 Dunwoody Road, off of Route 87 north of Montoursville.

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, using Environmental Stewardship Funds, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation and administered by the Pennsylvania Organization of Watersheds and Rivers.

Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper is the licensed voice of the Susquehanna River watershed defined by the drainage area for the North and West Branches, an approximate 11,000-square mile area. As part of the Waterkeeper Alliance global family, they work to bring swimmable, drinkable, fishable water to all communities.

For more information, please contact Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Carol Parenzan at 570-768-6300 or midsusriver@gmail.com.