PHOTO PROVIDED Pennsylvania Master Naturalist volunteer Roberta Coulter helps a participant with a spotting scope at the bird observation window during the Third Annual Environmental Education Expo on in February at the Montour Preserve in this photo by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.

More than 300 people braved minus-20-degree windchills and numerous roadways impacted by snowdrifts and limited visibility due to blowing snow to attend the Third Annual Environmental Education Expo at the Montour Preserve this past month.

“It was great to see so many families brave the cold temperatures and wind. I thought the cold weather might keep people home,” said Renee Carey, director of the Northcentral PA Conservancy, one of 25 different groups that manned hands-on, interactive activities for families who attended the show.

“I had kids as young as 3 and as old as 19 play the game we brought. I think they all got something out of it, and enjoyed being a bird and trying to find food they could eat with their beak,” she said. “I really like the family focus of the event and the hands-on activities. I think the kids and their adults both enjoy learning and exploring.”

The event, hosted by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and its educational offshoot, the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership, had 28 groups registered for tabling, but weather conditions and illness impacted those numbers somewhat.

“We lost a few right before the event, which is to be expected considering the circumstances, however, we still had people coming in early in the morning from as far away as the Poconos, the New Jersey border, Wilkes-Barre and Lancaster to set up tables and engage with families, and their dedication is incredibly appreciated,” said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. “With any sort of event like this, it takes many different people and groups coming together with a common cause to make it a success, and we definitely had that today.”

The groups that were able to attend included, in no particular order, the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership, Montour Area Recreation Commission, Columbia-Montour Visitor Bureau, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, United Way/DegenSTEAM Foundation, Susquehanna University’s Center for Environmental Education and Research, Pennsylvania Master Naturalists, Central PA Rock and Mineral Club and Geology Club, Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, PA Fish and Boat Commission, Bloomsburg University paleontologist Dr. Jen Peteya, Bloomsburg University TriBeta Chapter, Pheasants and Quail Forever, Friends of RB Winter State Park, Good Morning Susquehanna and Walk with Me author Alyssa Maddalena, Sea Scout Ship 2323, Northcentral PA Conservancy, PA Association of Environmental Educators, Citizen’s Climate Lobby, Seven Mountains Audubon, Shamokin High School Environmental club, Wild Trout Man, Rider Park and the River Valley Nature School.

“The event was really well organized and was meaningful for younger children, teens and adults. I took two of my grandkids, ages 12 and 14. They were skeptical before we got there. We ended up participating in all of the activities,” said Sherry Miller, of Hughesville. “They were able to use their creativity, think about the environment, and be awed by nature. Thank you so much! They now look forward to their next adventure at Montour Preserve!”

That is a big reason for the show, admitted Zaktansky.

“We want to intentionally get people to check out the Montour Preserve and all this incredible resource has to offer,” he said. “We want people to support the efforts that keep places like the Montour Preserve open, like the hard work done by the staff of the Montour Area Recreation Commission. We need more help and assistance both financially and in volunteers and coming out to this show illustrates the reasons why people should get involved and helps spark action, as well as gives them a rundown of upcoming additional events to enjoy, such as the upcoming Maple Sugaring event on Feb. 28.”

For Rachel Shingler, of Millville, the event was perfect for her three young children.

“They especially loved making the bird calls at the Audubon bird table. They wore and played with them the rest of the day,” she said. “My oldest (age 8, Calvin) told me that he loved all of the fossils that he was able to bring home. My second (age 6, William) said he liked fishing in the mini pool for the winner fish. Thank you for a fun and educational experience!”

However, the expo was geared for all ages.

“We are both in our 70s and it was nice to get out during this prolonged cold weather. I enjoyed the various exhibits and informative displays and both my husband and I like watching the birds at the feeders the best,” said Patricia Swanson, of Danville. “The blowing and drifting snow was something we don’t see here much but it does remind me of my childhood in the Poconos. I’ve been coming to the Montour Preserve a long time since I have lived in this area for almost 54 years. Looking forward to the next events.”

The expo added an ice fishing demonstration at 1 p.m., with Chris Feese and Kenny Young having an ice fishing hut set up about 75 yards offshore of Lake Chillisquaque for people to come out and check, learn about vital tips for safety when on the ice and to check out gear they use.

Several families ventured out onto the ice despite the windchills and checked out their display, learned the ice was about 9.5 inches at that location and experienced the various safety gear and safeguards that Feese and Young use when out on a frozen lake, whether it is in Pennsylvania, Michigan or beyond.

“One thing is we don’t ever use alcohol. It thins your blood, makes you colder and you have to drive home afterward,” Feese said. “Our cooler has bottled water and crackers. You have to think smart out here if you want to be successful and have fun.”

The expo also featured a ticket auction, where people purchased sheets of tickets for $5 each and then placed tickets in bags corresponding with more than 50 prizes ranging from an inflatable kayak and “smart” bird feeder with camera to fishing lures, educational materials, games, books, survival gear and other items donated by numerous local individuals, groups and businesses. All proceeds go directly back into educational programs and resources at the Montour Preserve.

“Despite the harsh weather conditions people showed up, which shows how much it means to people having this event. It was a great turnout,” said Doug Fessler, representing both the United Way and DegenSTEAM Academy. “There were lots of great vendors there showing a lot of great things, for me showing how computer science and environmental science come together and how we can use technology for not only outreach but show people behind the scenes of nature, pulling back to curtain of the natural world.”

Among the many opportunities shared during the event, one of the main ones involved volunteers.

“With much of our programming, we want to bring it full-circle to a place of what people can do with the nudge they feel after an event like this. We have more events to come, including the super popular Maple Sugaring program that the Montour Area Recreation Commission is running Feb. 28,” said Zaktansky. “However, we definitely can use volunteers, not only to help with programs and educational opportunities, but also with conservation projects, helping monitor the local Chillisquaque watershed and more.”

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association serves an 11,000-square-mile watershed of the Susquehanna River, including Sullivan, Lycoming, Clinton, Union and Northumberland counties. Read more at www.middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org.