The 20-mile-long Chillisquaque Creek may not be the largest Pennsylvania River of the Year finalist, but the tributary of the Susquehanna’s West Branch is definitely symbolic of the greater river basin’s history, issues and potential to overcome those challenges with creative collaborative solutions, according to Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky.

“Many times, you look at the bigger Susquehanna River and can quickly get overwhelmed with the scale and scope of everything that needs to be done. However, when you focus on a snapshot like the Chillisquaque Creek and the key partners and resources available in this area, then recognition of something like River of the Year truly can make a difference,” he said. “We can showcase some incredible work that already has been done, shine a light on some of the bigger issues and how to maybe look at them a little differently and breathe life and key awareness into the groups and individuals that deserve a jolt of fresh air.”

The creek joins the Conestoga River and Lower Schuylkill River as the three finalists for the 2026 Pennsylvania River of the Year award. Voting is open through Jan. 16, 2026, with the winning waterway receiving specialized awareness and funding for a sojourn and other key projects and events.

​Sean Reese, Program Scientist of the Watershed Sciences and Engineering Program at Bucknell University’s Center for Sustainability and the Environment has lived in the greater Chillisquaque Creek watershed community for many years.

“I have an affinity for the Chilli and have been visiting/working/recreating on it for a long time now. I’ve taken many students to Chillisquaque Creek and its local watershed for numerous class projects and research opportunities,” he said. “It supports a diverse network of wetlands and aquatic habitats that sustain numerous plant and wildlife species. Its watershed plays a key role in filtering runoff, recharging groundwater, and maintaining ecological balance within the larger Susquehanna River system.”

Chief among the communities along the creek is Washingtonville, a borough in Montour County named after George Washington and birthplace of eventual millionaire Frank DeLong, a famous inventor of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

“Chillisquaque Creek is a living historical document, blending its unique cultural heritage with a modern focus on environmental stewardship. Its history — from an 18th century Shawnee village at its confluence with the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, to five Revolutionary War forts adjacent to the creek, to three national register recognized 19th century covered bridges, to modern day natural landmarks like Mill Park, Blue Springs and the Montour Preserve — makes the creek a profoundly valuable asset,” said Washingtonville Mayor Tyler Dombroski. “A River of the Year designation is critical because it would unite the communities of the entire Chillisquaque watershed. It’s a chance to honor our common history and build partnerships that will protect this incredible resource for generations to come.”

​One of the big projects the River of the Year award would help impact is connectivity between the town of Washingtonville and the Susquehanna River. Currently, there are numerous log jams that make paddling from the borough’s kayak launch at Mill Park to the river extremely difficult.

“We are committed to working with local partners at the county conservation district offices, the Montour Area Recreation Commission, Bucknell and others to safely clear those obstructions and open up a new recreational passage to the river that would help connect people to our natural resources in exciting new ways,” said Zaktansky.”It also allows us to intentionally study the impacts of such obstructions and aquatic passageway opportunities along an extended area.”