Susquehanna Scout

WITF
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

The Susquehanna Scout is a podcast that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond. The river is often seen as a dividing line, but we see the Susquehanna as a topic of common ground and conversation. From its fascinating history as one of the oldest waterways in the world, to stories about today’s river towns and residents, nature, recreation, science and the environment, the Susquehanna Scout is your link to meaningful, thoughtful and fun conversations about the Susquehanna River. Hosted by Karen Hendricks. A production of WITF, providing public media to Central Pennsylvania, based in Harrisburg.

  1. 2d ago

    Coming to Harrisburg: Chesapeake Gateways

    Chesapeake Gateways is a fairly new National Park Service initiative – and if you’re a Central Pa. resident, you might not even know you technically live within its region!  Today we talk about tourism, the importance of the Chesapeake Bay watershed including the Susquehanna River, and the power of collectively marketing places within the watershed under the NPS umbrella.  Joining us today are Brent Everitt, assistant superintendent for the NPS’s Chesapeake Gateways, and Jason Meckes, experience development director for Visit Hershey & Harrisburg.  Our guests explain why Chesapeake Gateways is bringing their annual meeting to Harrisburg in 2027 – and throughout our conversation, listeners may glean some staycation inspiration right in their backyard.  On today’s Final Four: We have an update to a previous podcast about Three Mile Island’s reopening.  The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast by WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.

    Coming to Harrisburg: Chesapeake Gateways

  2. Oct 1

    Susquehanna Stories: Meet Rob Evans, Curator of River Art

    Hear the story of Rob Evans, a lifelong artist based in York County with a passion for the Susquehanna River. He began collecting works of art depicting the Susquehanna River several years ago, and it’s grown to the point that he helped found the nonprofit Friends of the Susquehanna River Art Collection.  He explains how this collection of river-inspired art serves as a microcosm of American history. Additionally, it establishes the Susquehanna River as a key influence in the founding of the first authentic school of American art, the Hudson River School.  The Friends organization continues to grow: They’re acquiring a gallery space in Columbia, Lancaster County, that will serve as a permanent home for part of the collection. And the Friends are appointing Rob Evans’ daughter and artist Quinn Evans as the organization’s first executive director.  Meantime, part of the collection is also housed in the renovated farmhouse galleries at the Historic Hellam Nature Preserve owned by the Lancaster Conservancy.  And in today's Final Four: Cassie Farrelly of Hershey shares her memories of the Lock Haven Labor Day Regatta which takes place on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. She also discusses her favorite spot on the Susquehanna, the lookout at Hyner Mountain, and some of the recreational activities that are common there.   The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast by WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.

    Susquehanna Stories: Meet Rob Evans, Curator of River Art

  3. Sep 24

    The History – and Future – of TMI

    One of the most well-known landmarks associated with the Susquehanna River is the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Middletown, Pa.  It’s the site of what’s considered the worst commercial nuclear accident in U.S. history, when a partial nuclear meltdown of the Unit 2 reactor happened in March of 1979.  David Allard not only explains where he was in March of 1979, but he helps us make sense of the lessons learned in the wake of TMI, including response and recovery efforts, heightened nuclear safety concerns, the psychological impact on the general public, nuclear industry regulations, and improved communication. He also talks about continued challenges facing the nuclear industry today, including radioactive waste management.  Allard is a medical health physicist with more than 45 years of experience in radiation protection. A nationally and internationally-recognized expert, Allard retired after 24 years as director of the Bureau of Radiation Protection with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.   TMI’s Unit 1 went offline in 2019. But in 2024, Constellation Energy announced a plan to bring Three Mile Island’s Unit 1 back online, rebranded as the Crane Clean Energy Center, to ramp up for increasing electricity needs.   Allard explains why he has no concerns over the restart of Unit 1, and he invites the public to the next meeting (Sept. 30, 2026) of the TMI Unit 2 Community Advisory Panel which he currently serves as chairperson.  In the Final Four: Tom Comrey of Susquehanna Township explains how fishing along the Susquehanna brings him peace, especially when his teenaged son joins him.  The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast by WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.

    The History – and Future – of TMI

  4. Sep 17

    How River Towns and Industries Built a Community Leader Named Barr Spangler

    Lancaster-based genealogist, historian and researcher Eric Schubert guides us through a fascinating story weaving together Pennsylvania history, early industries such as lumber, and Susquehanna River towns that sprung up as a result. Against this backdrop, many community leaders’ careers were made – and that included a fascinating figure named Barr Spangler.  Spangler, 1822 – 1922, was a prominent resident of a river town, Marietta, Lancaster County, who ran a dry goods store and became the oldest-serving bank president of his time – and quite possibly in American history.  Schubert, of ES Genealogy, explains how listeners can begin similar research and genealogy projects of their own. And he explains why he believes there are many additional stories such as Barr Spangler’s waiting to be discovered along the Susquehanna.  Schubert’s Master’s thesis from Millersville University of Pennsylvania, “Barr Spangler (1822–1922) and the Prohibition Party of Pennsylvania,” was recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical Association.  And in today's Final Four: Cassie Farrelly of Hershey shares her memories of growing up along the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven and how the Susquehanna compares to other rivers she's seen in her world travels. The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast by WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.

    How River Towns and Industries Built a Community Leader Named Barr Spangler

  5. Sep 10

    Susquehanna Stories: Meet Eel Whisperer Aaron Henning

    If Pennsylvania had an “eel whisperer” or “eel ambassador” it might be Aaron Henning, an aquatic biologist with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.   In this podcast, he demystifies this snake-like fish to explain why this native species is so unique, and why it was historically vital to Pennsylvania’s Native American populations.  Henning also explains why American Eels virtually disappeared from Susquehanna River waterways over the years – and how they’re now making a comeback.  We also learn how, ten years ago, Henning created the program “Eels in the Classroom,” now flourishing in 81 school districts across the Susquehanna River watershed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. And on a personal note, he explains why “Eels in the Classroom” honors the memory of his mother.  The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast by WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.

    Susquehanna Stories: Meet Eel Whisperer Aaron Henning

  6. Sep 3

    Ten Million Trees, Achieved

    An excited crowd of 100 people filled a small Hummelstown park in May to plant the ceremonial 10 millionth tree as part of the Keystone 10 Million Trees initiative. This endeavor was spearheaded by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in partnership with more than 300 organizations across Pennsylvania and accomplished over eight years.  Susquehanna Scout went on the road to capture the ceremonial highlights and explore the connection between those 10 million trees and the Susquehanna River. Not only do trees absorb and filter polluted runoff from stormwater before it enters waterways, but tree roots stabilize stream and riverbanks.  Today’s podcast features:   Hilary Harp Falk, President and CEO, Chesapeake Bay Foundation  Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources  Jessica Shirley, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection  Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin)  Rep. Nikki Rivera (D-Lancaster)  Hummelstown Mayor David Roeting  Julia Krall, Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Pennsylvania  B.J. Small, former Communications Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Pennsylvania.  Listen to Susquehanna Scout’s previous episodes for more background on today’s guests:  How the Susquehanna Shapes PA with Cindy Adams Dunn  How does the Susquehanna impact the Chesapeake Bay? with Julia Krall  The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast by WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.

    Ten Million Trees, Achieved

  7. Aug 27

    Data Centers and the Susquehanna: What You Need to Know

    How could data centers affect the Susquehanna River and its water supply?   Andrew Dehoff, executive director of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), addresses that question and explains how the SRBC is charged with regulating water usage from the river.  He explains how many data center projects are approved for water use and how many applications are in review through the SRBC. He also talks about alternative methods data centers could use, rather than those that use water.  Additionally, we dive into Dehoff’s background, history with the SRBC, and additional projects the SRBC is currently tackling across Pennsylvania as well as Maryland and New York.  The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast by WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.

    Data Centers and the Susquehanna: What You Need to Know

  8. Aug 20

    How the Susquehanna Is a Greenway

    It’s where the waterway meets the greenway: Think of the Susquehanna River as a continuous connector of parks, trails, and towns across Pennsylvania. That’s the focus of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) and its executive director, Alana Jajko.  Jajko explains the mission behind the SGP and how people can explore the Susquehanna River using the organization’s many resources, including trail maps for both land and water.  Recent SGP projects include helping Williamsport connect and brand several trails, including the Susquehanna River Walk and Timber Trail, into one continuous river trail. The SGP is also working to improve ADA accessibility at river access points along the river.  Jajko also explains how the SGP’s River Towns Program has helped 16 communities along the Susquehanna River tell their stories and achieve River Town designation.  The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast from WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.

    How the Susquehanna Is a Greenway
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About

The Susquehanna Scout is a podcast that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond. The river is often seen as a dividing line, but we see the Susquehanna as a topic of common ground and conversation. From its fascinating history as one of the oldest waterways in the world, to stories about today’s river towns and residents, nature, recreation, science and the environment, the Susquehanna Scout is your link to meaningful, thoughtful and fun conversations about the Susquehanna River. Hosted by Karen Hendricks. A production of WITF, providing public media to Central Pennsylvania, based in Harrisburg.

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