Scout River Ecology Day helps clean up aquatic ecosystems
Scout River Ecology Day helps clean up aquatic ecosystems Williamsport Sun-Gazette
sdgtalks
Scout River Ecology Day at Shikellamy State Park
Introduction
PHOTO PROVIDED: People show up to help clean up aquatic ecosystems as part of Scout River Ecology Day recently at Shikellamy State Park near Sunbury.
Event Overview
Ninety-eight registered Scouts and additional young people curious about Scouting attended the Scout River Ecology Day recently at the Shikellamy State Park near Sunbury. The program, a collaboration between the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Susquehanna Council BSA and the Shikellamy State Park, ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and included a morning trash pickup service project followed by a rotation through eight stations about various elements of the aquatic ecosystem and how they interact with each other.
Trash Pick-up Service Project
“The trash pick-up was a good service project,” said Keith Fourspring, of Mount Carmel, whose sons, Beau and Landon (ages 10 and 9) participated. “It allowed the Scouts to realize how much garbage people actually leave behind.”
Environmental Impact
Scouts, their leaders, parents and other volunteers canvassed along the Susquehanna River in the park, by the marina, along the Sunbury river wall, around the Sunbury boat launch and numerous other places around the region. 13-year-old Brayden Olshefski, of Coal Township, shared, “The day was educational and interesting because we learned how pollution affects our environment along with the animals. Our group did trash pickup along the river wall and you’d be surprised what we found there. The remainder of the day were stations that brought the day full-circle by learning how each affects our environment.”
Stations and Presentations
- Watersheds via an Enviroscape presentation by Stacey Hanrahan of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission
- Aquatic mammals by Tammy and Fallon Emert of Mama T’s Homestead
- Bird species of our waterways by Michael McGuire of the Lycoming Audubon Society and Travis Shellenberger
- Fishing by Jerry Johnson
- Macroinvertebrates by Peyton Johnson
- Leave No Trace by Joe Judy and Don Rouse
- Hellbenders by Francesca Neville and Ramona Kroll
- Riverwalk/pollution overview by Riverkeeper John Zaktansky
Artistic Expression
Tammy Emert, of Winfield, shared her experience, “I personally liked being able to weave art into animal science. It was a great way for the kids that were getting a little burned out to just sit and chill and be artistic. It really got the kids talking and encouraging one another on their papers. I really liked interacting and presenting to the kids, it was nice having all age groups. The kids were well-mannered and fun.”
Importance of Environmental Education
Francesca Neville, of Montgomery, emphasized the importance of learning about the ecosystem and respecting nature, saying, “I think that it is important for everyone to learn about the ecosystem that we live in and share with other animals and plants. We need to understand how we affect our surroundings and how to respect nature and all living things. This event gives everyone a chance to learn more about how our actions matter, no matter how small they may seem.”
Community Engagement
Tim Raymond, of Selinsgrove, who acted as a merit badge counselor for the day, expressed his delight in seeing scouts of all ages engaged in ecological and environmental topics related to the local Susquehanna River watershed area.
Future Events
Early stages of planning for a similar event in August 2024 has begun. Continue to check MiddleSusquehannaRiverkeeper.org for more details.
About Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association
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.
Subscribe to Newsletter
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the Scout River Ecology Day, which focuses on cleaning up aquatic ecosystems and educating participants about the environment. This aligns with SDG 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. Additionally, the event’s focus on aquatic ecosystems connects to SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The event’s broader goal of understanding and respecting nature and all living things relates to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- SDG 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds.
- SDG 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
The article highlights the importance of cleaning up trash and pollution in aquatic ecosystems. This aligns with SDG 6.3, which aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution. The event’s focus on picking up trash along the river wall and other areas contributes to SDG 14.1, which targets the prevention and reduction of marine pollution. Additionally, the event’s educational stations about various elements of the aquatic ecosystem align with SDG 15.1, which aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Amount of trash collected during the cleanup
- Reduction in pollution levels in the aquatic ecosystem
- Number of participants educated about the impact of pollution on the environment
The article mentions the trash pickup service project, indicating that the amount of trash collected can be used as an indicator of progress towards reducing pollution (SDG 6.3 and SDG 14.1). The event’s educational stations and the participants’ awareness of pollution’s impact suggest that the number of participants educated can be used as an indicator of progress towards raising awareness about environmental issues (SDG 15.1).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | – Amount of trash collected during the cleanup – Reduction in pollution levels in the aquatic ecosystem |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds. | – Amount of trash collected during the cleanup – Reduction in pollution levels in the aquatic ecosystem |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. | – Number of participants educated about the impact of pollution on the environment |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: sungazette.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
