A graduate at the local Warrior Run High School and Lycoming College, John Zaktonsky began his career in journalism. After deciding upper level biology was not for him, Zaktonsky decided to review movies for the Lycoming College newspaper. It was not long until the local towns’ papers wanted to publish his work.
When Zaktonsky heard about the new position of Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, he immediately applied. He was offered the job multiple times, but never took the leap in fear of the uncertainty with working for a nonprofit.
One day, Zaktonsky’s daughter spotted an eagle’s nest about a mile away from their house. Zaktonsky admired how intricate the nest was, and just how beautifully it sat on the side of the Susquehanna River. He said, “I took that as an omen and I have not looked back since.”
After finally taking the job as riverkeeper, Zaktonsky actually saved that eagle’s nest a year later. He stopped construction from getting within 200 yards of the nest (a federal law), and helped reroute a high way through the area.
COVID-19 hit in 2020, shortly after Zaktonsky took over. He hit a panic, as he could no longer perform the original job requirements. This could have been the end for the Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.
In a time of crisis, Zaktonsky turned to his original passion… journaling. He began a website during the pandemic to educate people about his mission. He published articles that were reviewed and republished by 12 local newspapers.
Zaktonsky feels it is important for people to get involved with their surroundings. He realizes this is not an easy task, claiming, “Information never crosses the magical divide of the science world versus the public world.” That is Zaktonsky’s mission: educate those about their environment in an informal way. Through public events, journalism, and working with companies, Zaktonsky is keeping benefitting Susquehanna River in unbounded ways.
Leave a Reply