Appreciating Nature’s Beauty—And Protecting It—With Community Scientist Bryant Onkst
Bryant Onkst samples and fly fishes his local rivers in Pennsylvania
The power of community science lies in each individual’s unique access to nature—and their intimacy with the places they love. For Bryant Onkst, that means the rivers and streams of Pennsylvania. Based in Ebensburg, with his wife, Grace, and dog, Bruce, he’s a research coordinator with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. When he first heard of Science on the Fly, he immediately wanted to help.
Bryant Onkst fly fishing his local river in Pennsylvania
“Conservation of our waterways is extremely important, which is why I am so happy to be able to contribute to SOTF’s mission,” he says. He currently samples Chest Creek, and two locations on the West Branch Susquehanna River.
“In Pennsylvania, the effort to preserve our waterways is further complicated due to acid mine drainage. AMD is highly prevalent in my local area from old coal mines and it plagues many waterways, making them inhabitable for many, if not all organisms. My hope is for continued awareness of these issues, and continued response from local and state officials to implement remediation projects across the area to restore our waterways to the pristine condition they once were.”
Onkst got into fly fishing in his early 20s—and when we say “got into” we mean really into. Fishing every single day at the creek down the road from his parents’ house with his brother, he was determined to get outdoors as much as possible. He taught himself how to tie his own flies with sustainable, non-toxic materials and was constantly looking for any chance to get out on the water to improve his skills, frequently traveling to Pennsylvania state parks to try fishing in other areas.
Bryant Onkst taking a water sample for Science on the Fly.
Hearing about SOTF through social media, he knew he wanted to be involved—it connected his passions for conservation and the outdoors. Quickly he was adding new observation sites in Pennsylvania.
“After a few meetings, we determined two locations on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, and eventually I inherited Chest Creek from another member who could no longer collect the samples,” he says.
“My time on the water allows me to truly appreciate the beauty of nature,” Bryant says. And, in a full circle, his contributions to SOTF mean his time on the water now contributes to science that will help protect and restore that natural beauty, too.
Give Bryant a follow: @b_onkst14
After sampling, Bryant makes sure to go fishing. Here’s a brown trout in the net. Photo: Bryant Onkst
Thank you to all of our Community Scientists who have joined us to tell the story of your home rivers. Because at the end of the day, when you protect a river, you protect the whole system—including the people in it. Rivers don’t shut down. Fish don’t stop swimming. Climate Change doesn’t pause. Neither do we. Together, we can ensure our rivers remain vibrant for those who will come after us.
Here’s to 6 amazing years of Science on the Fly—support our continued efforts now!
