A growing number of local partnering organizations, agencies and groups are planning to participate in an Environmental Education Expo on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Montour Preserve's Educational Center located at 700 Preserve Road, Danville, PA 17821.

​"On Super Bowl weekend, this will be the Super Bowl of local events to take your whole family to. We have more than 20 groups planned with so many cool hands-on activities and things to explore, from fossils to STEM-related MWEE (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience) kits and drones, reptiles and a community weaving experience, among other things," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "This is the first major event for the Vernal School partnership at the Montour Preserve and a chance to show people what we've been up to so far and  preview of programs to come in 2024 and beyond."

Among those joining the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Montour Area Recreation Commission with a hands-on booth experience for families and others of all ages will be the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), featuring the MWEE kits.

Marissa Crames has been hired by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association as the Program Supervisor for the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership.

"We had numerous applicants for the position, but Marissa offered a unique blend of work and volunteer experiences that will help us get this Vernal School off the ground and sustainable long-term," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "She has a long history of success in the business realm, a proven track record of networking, leadership and dedication to conservation in her extracurricular activities through organizations like Scouting and a real passion for the outdoors and connecting young people to our natural resources in a meaningful way."

In the role, Crames will work with Zaktansky and more than two dozen local partners that have agreed to help provide programs, equipment and other assistance to develop a wide assortment of experiences for people of all ages and skill levels at the Montour Preserve, a 640-acre nature preserve in Montour County situated around Lake Chillisquaque. The property features a wide variety of habitats, species and key features ideal for environmental education, including a network of hiking trails, fossil pit and different types of water features. 

The Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership will host a book discussion of "Appalachian Winter" with local author and renowned naturalist Marcia Bonta on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, starting at 7 p.m. at the Montour Preserve with both an in-person option and a Zoom component. 

​​Bonta is a 1962 Bucknell University graduate who has gone on to write nine books and more than 300 magazine articles, including the popular "Naturalist's Eye" column in the Pennsylvania Game News, a publication by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.  

​On Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, starting at 11 a.m., students and their families are encouraged to participate in a special program of the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership at the Montour Preserve titled "Stayin' Alive: A look at animal hibernation."

In the program, join Mama T of Mama Ts Homestead as we explore how animals stay alive during the blustery, frigid weather of Central PA. What is their secret? Who stays and sticks it out, who seeks warmer climates?