The following people have presented at various points recently via the Vernal School at the Montour Preserve and can be brought back for future programming depending on interest. If you'd like to see any of these people again, please let us know by sending an email.
|
Michael KinneyMichael Kinney is a local videographer and visual storyteller who serves as president of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association. His award-winning documentary "Old River" follows a journey he and his wife, Melissa, took as they paddled the entire West Branch of the Susquehanna River, filming along the way to share the river’s story from the water.
|
|
Brook LenkerBrook Lenker is a conservationist and author known for his deep commitment to the natural world and environmental stewardship. He lives in South Central Pennsylvania, where his work spans writing, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy for outdoor spaces and nature preservation
|
|
Dr. Mary Kate O'DonnellDr. Mary Kate O'Donnell earned a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida, where she studied the biomechanics of clinging and climbing in salamanders. She recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Brown University focused on muscle physiology in mice and frogs. Her research centers on the biomechanics of feeding and locomotion, particularly in amphibians and reptiles. She leads a variety of reptile and amphibian educational programming.
|
|
Dr. Jennifer Peteya Jennifer Peteya is a paleontologist and educator with Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, where she teaches and conducts research focused on fossils and Earth’s deep history. Her work emphasizes how fossils form, what they reveal about ancient environments and how scientists interpret evidence from the geologic record. Peteya is known for engaging students and the public through clear, hands-on approaches that make paleontology accessible and relevant.
|
|
Kelly PollockKelly Pollock is an environmental educator with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) — the state agency responsible for wildlife conservation, education and outdoor recreation policy in Pennsylvania.
In her role, Pollock is involved with educational outreach and programming that supports wildlife conservation and environmental literacy. |
|
Andrew RockhoundAndrew Rockhound is president of the Geology Club and the creator of the Dirtman Report, a widely followed resource for rockhounds and fossil enthusiasts. He has been recognized with the Rockhound of the Year and Each One Teach One awards for his commitment to sharing knowledge, mentoring others and promoting hands-on learning in geology and earth sciences.
|
|
Deb SteranskyMember of the PA Master Naturalists and a former educator, Deb offers a wealth of knowledge on local habitats, wildflowers, birds and countless other areas of our natural world. She is an avid trout angler and advocate for outdoor resources.
|
|
Sara StreetThe manager of Rider Park near Williamsport, Sara is an arborist who can provide a wide variety of content on trees and plants, programs on natives vs. invasives and numerous other topics related to our natural resources.
|
|
Matt Wilson Matt Wilson is the Director of the Freshwater Research Institute and CEER Field Station at Susquehanna University and is an adjunct faculty member in Earth and Environmental Sciences. He is a stream and restoration ecologist whose research focuses on understanding and mimicking natural processes in freshwater systems and river restoration outcomes.
|
