Marissa Crames hired as Program Supervisor for Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership as programming gears up for busy 2024

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 fondest memories of my childhood all share the common theme of being outdoors and surrounded by nature.  As an adult, I can personally understand the profound impact the natural world has on children," said Crames. "Time outdoors and in nature has been repeatedly proven to help a child develop and grow in ways beyond a typical classroom."

Programming via the Vernal School starts with the new year, kicking off with a Songwriting Workshop on Saturday, Jan. 6, as part of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's Songs of the Susquehanna project. On Monday, Jan. 15, a special program on animal hibernation during the winter months is being planned with limited spaces remaining. The first major event of the Vernal School calendar will be Saturday, Feb. 10, with an Environmental Education Expo, as numerous partnering organizations offer hands-on experiments and other activities for people of all ages as well as information about events for 2024 and a showcase of updates around the preserve to date. Learn more about upcoming programs at www.vernalschool.org/the-programs.html

"The Vernal School will provide amazing hands-on educational experiences," said Crames. "I'm so happy to be a part of it."

You can learn more about Crames, Zaktansky and the numerous partners that make up the Vernal School experience at www.vernalschool.org/the-partnership.html

You can contact Crames at [email protected] or 570.850.1166 or Zaktansky at [email protected] or 570.768.6300.