Numerous concerns shared with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (MSRKA) concerning an unknown barge-like structure in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River near Williamsport (between Arch and Maynard streets) led to feelers to various agencies in the region. 

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) authorized a permit for geotechnical investigation on April 27, for a future utility line that will cross under the river, according to agency spokesperson Megan Lehman.

Among those suggested reasons for potential decline provided by survey takers are construction projects – as big as the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway effort to smaller, more isolated projects such as a pipeline being placed in one individual’s land.

Other potential reasons for decline included a noticeable increase in predators, an upwards trend in flood events that impact the habitats drastically, a noticeable reduction in cattails (a favorite food item for muskrats) and some drought conditions.

Overall, so far, Keller suggested the info collected in the online survey created by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association offers “phenomenal data.”

Most of those who have taken the survey so far are involved with trapping and collectively indicated spending considerable time outdoors in 17 of the state’s 22 designated wildlife management areas (73 percent). Of those who trap, an overwhelming majority (90.9 percent) suggested they primarily trap along streams. Other habitats with high engagement have included forests/wooded areas, marshes and rivers.

The consensus shared a definite concern for the species.

“The muskrat population is definitely on the decline,” shared one survey-taker. “Every year I see more and more blue herons on streams and ponds that typically had high muskrat levels. Often see old sign on opening day with no rats or fresh sign.”

Another suggested two main reasons for their decline: “1. Mink are common now and kill muskrats efficiently. 2. Small streams have been blown out by storms, leaving poor habitat for muskrats.”

“As someone raised on a fourth-generation family farm and who has heard from old trappers (about) the dramatic muskrat decline in the area, I believe the ‘disease’ angle is completely wrong,” said another survey-taker. “I believe the fertilizer and herbicides being used by farmers are entering the waterways and somehow affecting the plant life the muskrats need to survive, which then in turn causes them to be unable to survive in these waterways.”

“I do not have many as 15 years ago,” agreed another survey-taker. “I let them clean out the cattails and so they come and visit but then leave. I notice around that people are getting rid of their cattails on their properties. No cattails (means) no food for the muskrats.”

A different survey-taker mentioned communicating with former PA Game Commission wildlife biologist Tom Hardisky about the issue.

“Tom was doing a muskrat study in Pennsylvania. He was also in contact with other state Wildlife agencies (that were) conducting similar studies. Tom indicated to me before his study was complete that muskrats were found in water that was not cleaned up. A restored stream or river had zero to low population of muskrat,” he said. “Tom was leaning that 'clean water' may have something to do with the disappearance of muskrats. Unfortunately, Tom passed away before his sturdy was complete.”

The online survey is still available for more people to provide feedback, which is being shared with the game commission and other partnering groups in an effort to better understand the issue.

“Overall, in the past several decades, water quality has definitely improved as a whole and we have heard consistent reports of a noticeable increase in most aquatic mammal species – from mink to otters and everything in between,” said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. “So it is definitely odd to see such a large downward trend in the muskrat, and we really want to better pinpoint reasons behind that.

“Is it possible that an increase in emerging contaminants such as microplastics, PFAS and pharmaceuticals are somehow playing a role? Perhaps the muskrats are more sensitive to certain medications that pass through people and eventually into the water table. Things like birth control usage can increase estrogen levels in nearby waterways and maybe that is impacting muskrat reproduction more than it does other aquatic mammal species?” 

You can offer your own feedback through the online survey.

“We serve a large and diverse watershed facing a wide number of concerns, and more than ever, this work requires building strong connections, working collaboratively with other nonprofits, concerned community groups and other partners,” said Zaktansky. “As Deputy Director, Katie will play a key role in helping us recruit additional key resources we need to be effective, such as volunteers and funding opportunities, and strengthening bonds with important individuals and groups who share our passion for pure water resources and provide tools to help them be successful in their corners of the watershed.”

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association is a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2015 serving an 11,000 square-mile watershed that includes all land that eventually drains into the Susquehanna River and its West Branch from just below Selinsgrove (where Penns Creek enters) up to the New York border. The association’s mission is to protect and promote the health and vibrancy of the river, its tributaries and the life it sustains across the 20-plus counties within that watershed in central, northcentral and northeast Pennsylvania.

"With the addition of a Deputy Director, we are building upon how we carry out our mission, placing a stronger emphasis on connection, collaboration and community presence across the watershed," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association Board President Michael Kinney. "By strengthening its ability to engage directly with the people and partners who care about these waters, the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association is better positioned than ever to serve as a clear and unified voice for the river and the communities it supports."

Cassidy admits she is ready to step into the new role and make a difference.

"I am excited to join the Riverkeeper’s Association and look forward to the new challenges and relationships that this job will present,” said Cassidy, who has a wide variety of interests, including reading, sewing and "outdoor pursuits of all kinds."
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Learn more about the association at www.MiddleSusquehannaRiverkeeper.org and the Vernal School initiative and associated programming at www.VernalSchool.org. You can contact Executive Director John Zaktansky at midsusriver@gmail.com or 570-768-6300. Deputy Director Katie Cassidy will be available to contact starting May 11 at kcassidy@midsusriver.org or 570-993-4423. 

​A small team from Susquehanna University and the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association captured and relocated more than 50 fish from the top resting pool of the fish passageway alongside the Adam T. Bower Memorial Fabridam near Shamokin Dam to the nearby river on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. 

The project is part of an ongoing effort between the two groups to help rescue fish species trapped in the pools when water levels drop within the passageway while also researching species that use the channel.

“This is the first time we have been able to access and remove fish in the spring and we were anxious to see what species were here now versus when we do this in the fall after a full summer’s worth of flow through the passageway,” said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. “We have relocated more than 1,000 fish now in this location and unfortunately the conditions weren’t great when we were there on Tuesday.”

Water was still flowing slowly into the top pool due to a higher water level and a few bags being inflated for inspection ahead of the upcoming boating season. Those bags were deflated and the water level slowly dropped while the group worked.

“The pool was much deeper and murkier than it has been in the fall, and we weren’t able to canvas it as thoroughly as we would like, but we did still come across fish representing 12 different species within four families,” said Zaktansky.

Most prevalent among those were Mimic Shiners (17), Bluntnose Minnows (10), Banded Darters (9) and Smallmouth Bass (6). Other species found during the electrofishing experience that were subsequently measured and weighed before being released included Shorthead Redhorse, Greenside Darter, Tessellated Darter, Rock Bass, Green Sunfish, Redbreast Sunfish, Pumpkinseed and Bluegill. 

“It was great to be able to get out to see what we could capture for the spring. We weren’t able to effectively capture all individuals due to the size and depth of the pool, but it was interesting to see a lot of similar species to our fall rescues,” said Sara Ashcraft, ecologist with Susquehanna University’s Freshwater Research Institute. “The most notable thing for me – and I was not there last fall – was the smaller amounts of Rock Bass and larger amounts of sunfish. Also, the Banded Darters and Greenside Darters had a lot of color to them due to their spawning season.”

Check out info about previous fish relocation efforts in these pools, by date:
Oct. 20, 2025
Dec. 19, 2024
Nov. 27, 2024

A necessary upgrade
A high-rainfall event in 2018, where 4-6 inches of precipitation fell within 24 hours, led to erosion of the spillway for Lake Chillisquaque at the Montour Preserve.

Immediate repairs and improvements were made, but it was apparent the structure needed a long-term upgrade, and the event triggered an effort with the PA Department of Environmental Protection and Army Corps of Engineers that has led to a new Spillway Update Project that is preliminarily kicking off at the preserve and expected to last upwards of 18 months.

“This project represents an opportunity to upgrade and modernize the spillway to improve its functionality and extend its longevity,” said Williams. “The project will expand the spillway and install a drop structure that will help slow the flow of water from the lake during significant rainfall events. After an extensive three-year permit review and approval process, we look forward to completing it.” 

A dam spillway is a safety structure that allows excess water to flow out of a reservoir in a controlled way, preventing the dam from overtopping and failing. It is, basically, an extra safety measure, for those living downstream, according to Bob Stoudt, director of the Montour Area Recreation Commission.

“The spillway is an engineered component of the dam — essentially a reinforced, man-made channel — which allows water to safely flow in a controlled manner around the dam into Chillisquaque Creek during times of extremely high flows,” he said during an interview with The Daily Item. “The structure protects the dam from damage, thereby protecting downstream homes and properties.”

That theme of safety will be a priority that permeates the project from start to finish, according to Williams. As a precautionary measure, lake levels will be lowered throughout the project to minimize the impact of any significant precipitation events.

“An emergency plan for the lake already exists, and that plan will be used in the event of an significant rainfall event,” she said. “Talen has met with the local EMAs regarding the project, and they are aligned. Additionally, a tabletop exercise that includes Talen and EMA partners is also scheduled.”

Impacts to wildlife have also been scrutinized beforehand, according to Williams, who said that a bald eagle study was done using the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s online mapping tool to determine that eagle nests are outside of the “defined mitigation area” and the excavation and construction phases of the project “will be completed before the migratory birds return to the Montour Preserve. No impacts to fish or other inhabitants of the lake are expected.”

Preliminary work has started
This early preparation for the project has already begun and will include laying stone for a construction entrance, staging equipment, erecting fencing, installing silt socks and performing some minor excavation work.

Excavation phase
According to Williams, during the excavation phase, the existing spillway channel will be expanded to accommodate a roller compacted concrete (RCC) drop structure and stilling basin. This phase is expected to start next month and last through late summer. 

“While the majority of the excavation will be done using heavy equipment, it will be necessary to use controlled, low-level blasts to loosen and remove select sections of rock below the surface of the existing spillway channel,” said Williams. “In order to keep the lake, preserve and its visitors and inhabitants safe, the blasting will consist of small, controlled blasts that engineers characterize as being of a magnitude similar to a tractor trailer driving by on a 2-lane road.”

Williams added that it is estimated that this will occur approximately once a week for a handful of weeks, last for only a few minutes each, and be limited to daytime hours.

“The project specifications require that the contractor adhere to rigorous standards regarding the blasting operations. Each event must be approved by PADEP and notifications will be made to neighbors well in advance. Updates also will be posted on the project website,” she said. “Access to nearby areas at the Preserve will be limited and traffic controlled immediately before and during these short blasts.”

According to Willliams, excavated material will be hauled to a disposal area on the Montour plant property. 
“Increased truck traffic is expected during business hours on weekdays in summer and early fall,” she said. “The project team will coordinate with the applicable agencies on necessary permitting and work to minimize disruption.”   

Construction and restoration
Following excavation, the roller-compacted concrete (RCC) drop structure and stilling basin will be constructed on site and stalled within the existing auxiliary spillway channel “to safely convey spillway discharges to the valley floor,” according to Williams.

“This phase is expected to take place from late summer to late fall, with finish work potentially occurring in spring 2027 following the project’s winter pause,” she said.

Final grading will be completed during the restoration phase.

“Disturbed areas will be restored with grass, which is the preferred cover to support inspections and observe deficiencies,” Williams said. “Grass cover will support permanent stabilization of the site.”

For more info
Talen Energy plans to provide updates on the project via its own dedicated website – www.spillwayupgrade.com – where the public can sign up to receive updates directly and check out graphics, timelines and more. Updates can also be found via social media sites for the Montour Area Recreation Commission and Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is still investigating issues related to a petroleum-based spill in the Clearfield area of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River that was initially reported on March 9. 

"A member of DEP’s Emergency Response Team was dispatched to the site and spoke with the Incident Commander for Clearfield County EMA," reported agency Press Secretary Neil Shader in an email to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association. "Upon DEP’s arrival, the Clearfield Fire Department had already placed absorbent booms and pads on the river and at a storm drain outfall that appeared to be the point of origin."

The agency coordinated with the Clearfield Fire Department at the scene and conducted an onsite investigation, "including confirming the visible oily sheen, taking readings with handheld equipment at multiple locations, visually checking the booms and discussing with the fire department personnel onsite any potential sources of the oily sheen and when it would be appropriate to remove the booms," according to Shader's email.

DEP's photoionization detector (PID) meter, which is used to measure low concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and some inorganic gases in the air, "did not detect anything at the water’s edge or in the storm drain outlet," according to Shader. "DEP and the fire department personnel attempted to follow the storm drain line up, but were unable to find any manholes to allow access for further testing." 

DEP’s investigation continues, according to Shader. Those with additional info about this incident is encouraged to reach out to our association via email or call/text to 570-768-6300.

Reporting anything that looks, smells or sounds suspicious around our waterways, many times, is the first indication that people are aware of a problem. Learn more about the reporting process and what may or may not be a pollution event at www.middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org/report-a-concern.html

​The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues to investigate a fish kill situation on Pine Creek, a tributary of Penns Creek, in Centre County near Woodward, PA, as well as a second complaint out of Coburn, which is where Pine Creek intersects Penns Creek.
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“Two complaints of fish kills in the Penns Creek watershed in Centre County were recently received by DEP and investigated. One was a localized minor aquatic kill observed on Pine Creek, a tributary to Penns Creek, near the village of Woodward. Investigations were conducted by DEP and PFBC, with no cause or source located to date,” said DEP Press Secretary Neil Shader in an email to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association after a request for info. “The other complaint on Pine Creek near the Coburn area revealed no observable aquatic kill and no readily identified source of contamination. Both investigations continue.”

Sarah DePasquale was the individual who reported the Woodward-area fish kill situation on March 4, 2026. The site is “just 30 feet from my front door,” she said.

“The fish kill here was on Pine Creek between the bridge on Hwy 45 in Woodward and the bridge on Fiedler Road,” she said, adding that she reported the incident, which included dead fish, frogs and crayfish, directly to the PA Fish and Boat Commission.

“Initially they expected it to be normal icing/deoxygenation but when the officers came out they changed their assessment and called DEP and a water quality specialist came out,” she said. “(Fish and Boat) took specimen samples to test and the DEP water quality specialist took water samples.”

However, DePasquale said that in following up with the agencies since the initial report, she was told that none of the samples were tested.   

“What everyone at DEP keeps telling me is that without a source they can't really test or follow up,” she said.

Since the incident, she has noticed an odd bubbling/foam-like build-up on the waterway “which are unlike anything I've seen on the creek in the 10 years I've lived here,” she said.

DePasquale was not aware of the Coburn-area report that DEP referenced in their statement to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association. She has done a general water sampling of her home’s well water to make sure that it is safe for her family, but “we really weren't able to test for chemical contaminants in that, as we were trying to quickly determine if there was anything obvious amiss in our well.”

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association continues to look into the situation, requesting more info from the DEP such as the timelines between the two reports on Pine Creek and other details that may help outline potential trends that could illustrate a more definite source.

“We encourage anyone who has information to share it with us so collaboratively we can figure out what may have happened,” said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. “We are looking into some additional testing and watching for any additional signs and indicators. Fish kill situations can be caused by natural phenomenon that impacts temperature, oxygen levels and other parameters in a stream. However, having so many different species – fish, amphibians and macroinvertebrates – all impacted at the same time is concerning and definitely can point toward something pollution-related. We will share more as we have more info to share.”

Time and conditions play a huge factor in fish kill investigations, as is shared in this article we did on how investigations are done. Learn more about reporting an incident via DEP, PA Fish and Boat Commission or by having our association help you with the process by going to www.middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org/report-a-concern.html

​Imagine a moment a white ceramic bowl filled with your favorite fruity or chocolate cereal. Fruit Loops, Fruity Pebbles, Count Chocula, Cocoa Pebbles. You pour in some pure white milk, let it sit a moment and then start snagging the semi-soggy cereal with your spoon.

By the time you work your way down to the milk in the bottom of the bowl, what do you find?

In most cases, the milk isn’t as white as it once was. The dyes, sugars and more have “contaminated” it, not just in color, but in taste, too.

​Last weekend, reports came out from the PA Fish and Boat Commission and Department of Environmental Protection about fish consumption advisories related to PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), one of several compounds known collectively as "forever chemicals" that have been tied back to a variety of health issues. 

One specifically in our watershed is reportedly on Briar Creek in Columbia County. We reached out to both agencies and the following Q&A was sent back to us by the DEP's Northcentral Region Communications Manager, Megan Lehman:

DEP 1.  How was the PFOS situation discovered in the creek? How high were levels found in fish in the creek and have you noticed any PFOS or PFAS levels in surrounding waterways? 

​DEP response: Surface water samples and fish tissue samples were collected by DEP subsequent to the PFAS contamination found in water supply wells and soils. PFOS was found in sampled fish tissue above the 0.04 parts per million, which meets the “do not eat” advisory level. The “Do Not Eat” advisory extends to all species of fish for Briar Creek, West Branch Briar Creek, and portions of East Branch Briar Creek downstream of Briar Creek Reservoir due to high PFOS levels. The Briar Creek advisory does not include Briar Creek Reservoir and those portions of East Branch Briar Creek upstream of the reservoir.

2.  What potential sources have been investigated for the PFOS levels in the Briar Creek fish and what process is being used to identify the source? 

DEP response: The source of contamination in the Briar Creek watershed is believed to be associated with the PFAS contamination under investigation as part of DEP’s North Centre Township HSCA investigation. This DEP investigation continues, and it is too early to definitively identify all potential sources. DEP’s initial focus was on identifying the extent of impacts to residential water supply wells and mitigating human exposure by providing bottled water and treatment systems for impacted water supply wells.  In addition to the groundwater sampling, the HSCA investigation also included soil sampling of potential areas of concern.

3.  What should people be looking out for concerning PFOS in the area and is this related to the PFAS concerns at the Brookside Mobile Home Park near Bloomsburg that was reported on last year around this time? 

DEP response: The public is recommended to follow the advisory and avoid consuming fish from the affected waterways.  Catch and release fishing is allowed.  As stated above, the source of contamination in the Briar Creek watershed is believed to be associated with the PFAS contamination under investigation as part of DEP’s North Centre Township HSCA investigation.

​Riverkeeper: See this story for more background on the PFAS concerns in North Centre Township. At that time, DEP suggested the source was related to biosolids from sewage used as fertilizer on local farm fields in the 1980s. 

4.  Do you have any investigative reports or other documents I can share publicly? 

DEP response: The fish consumption advisory is part of the larger North Centre Township HSCA investigation. Please refer to the investigation web page: www.dep.pa.gov/northcentre for more information about the ongoing PFAS investigation, including groundwater and soil test results and locations.  The page is updated regularly as new information is available to share.

Riverkeeper: This is an ongoing situation in which we are still gathering information and following up on the PFAS concerns. We are also working on a broader story element on biosolids and PFAS contamination concerns with various individuals that have reached out. If you have specific questions or updates about this situation, please feel free to contact us at midsusriver@gmail.com or 570-768-6300.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
                                                                                                                 
Title: Deputy Director
Reports to: Executive Director 
Works in coordination with the Board of Directors
Status: Full time
Salary: $55,000-$60,000 depending on experience

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership is searching for an engaging, detail-oriented leader with a talent for growing nonprofit capacity, securing new resources, and managing administrative needs while working with our Executive Director to maximize impact across a wide coverage area.

​The ideal candidate will show a consistency in integrity, creativity, and compassion for others, with a special interest in helping protect and promote our river and its resources.

Our Deputy Director will fill an essential core role with our Executive Director to build upon the association’s strong foundation and better serve the association’s mission across an expanded watershed.

About us
The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (MSRKA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. We strive to protect and promote the health and vibrancy of the Susquehanna River across an 11,000-square-mile watershed that starts in the main branch at Selinsgrove and moves north to the New York border, west to the headwaters of the West Branch and east to regions in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. We serve more than 20 counties in central, northcentral, and northeast Pennsylvania.

Core duties
30% Organization administration and HR. Work directly with the Executive Director to:

• Streamline office procedures to improve efficiency
• Manage calendars, meetings, and schedules related to programs and other events
• Oversee supply inventory and procurement
• Manage employee and volunteer clearances and reminders when updates are needed
• Hire, train, and evaluate additional team members in coordination with the Executive Director 
• Support resolution of staff concerns in coordination with the Executive Director
• Help Executive Director identify improved HR policy and procedures and implement them with board approvals
• Prepare operational reports and summaries for monthly board meetings and other situations as needed
• Work with interns and connect with groups that offer volunteer assistance (such as Americorps) to improve opportunities for efficient growth
• Coordinate daily administrative tasks between Riverkeeper and Vernal School initiatives as well as engaging with partnering groups.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation systems

30% Fundraising. Pursue grants and other lines of funding to support the overall association, program needs and other initiatives. 

• Engage with local businesses, individual donors, and other groups to secure sponsorships and other financial support for programs and initiatives, especially at the Montour Preserve
• Work closely with the Executive Director to expand fundraising efforts with additional grants and other streams of sustainable long-term income
• Work with the association’s accountant and board treasurer to help manage financial records
• Support budgeting and financial tracking

20% Scheduling and communications. Help with coordinating events and programs on a master schedule and communicate with partners to expand opportunities in coordination with the Executive Director. This will include:

• Help manage Vernal School partner contacts and communications to diversify programs and expand calendar of events at the preserve using partnering presenters/volunteers
• Help invite and coordinate with presenters for standing programs such as our Floating Classrooms, as well as with volunteers
• Assist with blog post creation, social media posts, and other communication areas in conjunction with the Executive Director

10% Program assistance. Assist the Executive Director in managing core program offerings and assist with environmental education opportunities, tabling efforts and other details, including:

• Help cover the association at shows and festival via a booth and educational opportunities as available and needed. This may include expanding resources with local public schools, state parks, and other venues
• Help with environmental education programs as available, needed, and time allows. This includes our HERYN kayaking and fishing day camps, Floating Classrooms, Vernal School offerings, etc.
• Assist with field trips and other education opportunities as they become available.

10% Additional responsibilities. Help cover other needs under the greater Riverkeeper umbrella, including, but not limited to:

• Engage with watershed associations across the region to improve communication and identify trends and needs that our association can help tackle
• Compile and analyze data for special projects, including research on specific topics
• Handle confidential information with discretion
• Assist with water sampling and responding to pollution reports as needed
• Help with legal cases, connecting with lawmakers and other aspects of our work in raising awareness and changing policy

Benefits/perks
• Full-time salary of $55,000-$60,000 with room to grow as resources increase
• Stipend toward healthcare insurance
• Starting with two weeks paid vacation on top of paid national holidays
• Flexible schedule and opportunities based on strengths and interests (as possible)
• Additional professional development through conferences and trainings (as approved)
• Satisfaction of making a real difference for our river and other natural resources
• Mileage reimbursed forwork-related travel

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with experience and demonstrated success in administrative and supervisory roles required
• Ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in crisis situations
• Confident with public speaking at events, conferences, and on social media platforms
• Personal integrity and the ability to use sound judgement with confidential situations and high-pressure moments 
• Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form
• Work will require at least one day a week at our main office in Sunbury, PA, and/or our Vernal School base at the Montour Preserve. 
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of checks of criminal background, child abuse registry and references
• Candidate must live within greater watershed or be willing to move into it upon hiring. 

Timeline and how to apply
Position will remain open until filled, with initial review of applications to begin on March 23, 2026.Applying process
If interested in applying for this opening, please submit a cover letter,  resume, and contact information for three professional references as a single document to John Zaktansky at midsusriver@gmail.com. Questions can be sent to the same address, or addressed via a call or text to 570-768-6300.

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors and clients.
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