June 24, 2026, HERYN program has record number of participants (21) as students reflect on tips to protect waterways

​Among the many lessons taught during a HERYN program day, students receive an Enviroscape presentation on watersheds and how pollution can get into a waterway.

"We have all this fun during the day kayaking and fishing, and we want to send each participant and his/her family home with the mental picture of what it takes to keep these waterways clean," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "The Enviroscape, which we empower our interns to teach from, is a great way to spark that conversation."

From the Wednesday, June 24, 2026, HERYN program, which set a single-day record of 21 participants due to a rainout earlier in the week, students were quick to relay suggestions on how they could improve their streams and the bigger river from home.

"Leave only footsteps and take what you brought," suggested 13-year-old Emory Palmer, of Danville, in his exit survey.

Many of the participants said they would use less water and help pick up litter when possible.

"If you get your string in a tree, make sure to get it all and don't leave it behind," added eight-year-old Beau Allen, of Allenwood. Each fishing instruction session reviews the potential damage of anglers leaving tangles of line in the environment. 

One way to avoid that, suggested 11-year-old Owen Lutze, of Lewisurg, is to "reel up any slack in the line before setting the hook," which was something he learned from the program that he hopes to tell others.

On the kayaking side, 11-year-old Matt McGinty, of Northumberland, said he got a lot out of the games played in kayaks on the water and "how to react if your kayak tips." 

One of those tips, according to Allen, is to "go for your paddle first before flipping your kayak back over so it doesn't float away." 

Photos from the final day of HERYN 2026: