First Posted: 9/6/2014

THIS WEEK: Sept. 10 to 16, 2014

Cranberry Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour exploration of the northern boreal bog with novel plant and animal life. Meet at the Bog parking lot, 166 Cherry Lane Road, Tannersville. 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 24; 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Fall Astronomy Sessions, an illustrated lecture followed by weather-permitted telescope observation of the moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Thomas G. Cupillari Astronomical Observatory, Keystone College, La Plume. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays from Sept. 10 through Nov. 14. Free. 570-945-8402.

Trail Ride, a 25-mile ride by operators of ATVs, UTVs, RTVs and dirt bikes to raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. With food, door prizes, raffles and more. Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, 4100 Route 125, Coal Township. Saturday, Sept. 13 with registration 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by the ride leaving in organized groups. $20; $10 children. 570-648-2626.

Walk for Life, the fourth annual event with live music, and games for kids including face painting, balloon animals, sidewalk chalk and a bounce house. Lackawanna County Courthouse Square, North Washington Avenue and Linden Street, Scranton. Saturday, Sept. 13 with registration at 9 a.m., walk at 10 a.m. and activities until noon. $25. Register at carenetofscranton.com or 570-207-1907.

Not Your 60s Tie Dye Program, using natural and man-made materials to create a tie-dye piece. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13. Age 12 and older. Bring an item of 100% cotton. $8 covers materials. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Chestnut Trees in Pennsylvania, a talk on the dwindling chestnut-tree population and how to bring them back to the area. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. $5. 570-967-7275.

Milford Walking Tour, a guided walk around downtown Milford to illustrate the contributions to the community made by the prominent Pinchot family since the 1800s. Meet on the lawn of the Milford Community House, 201 Broad St. 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Free. Reservations: 570-296-9625.

Live Eagles, a close-up look at different types of eagles with naturalists from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Free. 570-675-9900.

Cranberry Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour exploration of the northern boreal bog with novel plant and animal life. Meet at the Bog parking lot, 166 Cherry Lane Road, Tannersville. 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Comets in Color, a 5K walk/run hosted by the Crestwood Lady Comets Basketball Booster Club, looping around Wright Township Municipal Park, 321 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. Runners will follow a marked course and be doused in biodegradable colored cornstarch at a number of color stations. A smaller course will be available for ages 6 to 10. Saturday, Sept. 13 with check-in at 3 p.m. and race 4 to 6 p.m. $30 adults; $12 children. Applications available at leaguelineup.com/cometsincolorrace.

Fungus Among Us. Search for fungus and lichen while learning about the world of decomposition and nutrient cycling. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 14. $5. 570-828-2319.

Bike the Border, an end-of-summer bike ride on a mountain-bike trail. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. Donation. 570-967-7275.

Tree Walk, a trek through the woods, fields and wetlands of the 400-acre preserve to identify trees. Meet at the parking lot of the Florence Shelly Wetlands Preserve, Route 171 and Stack Road, one mile north of Thompson. 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. 570-727-3362.

Compost and Carbon Footprint, a talk by Amos Valenti, Audubon Coordinator for the Huntsville Golf Club, who describes the types of composting used at the club and how it has reduced its carbon footprint. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15. Free. Followed by a field trip to the Huntsville Golf Club for demonstrations of the composting techniques 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Free. Registration: 570-639-5785.

Keystone’s Woodlands Campus, a guided hike to explore interpretive trails with stops at the bee farm and Sugar Shack maple-syrup operation. Keystone College Environmental Education Institute, One College Green, La Plume. 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16. Free. Registration: 570-945-8555 or kceei.keystone.edu.

FUTURE

Adult Nature Weekend, with interpretive hikes, canoeing, bird walks, art classes, waterfall tours, animal presenters, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Friday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Sept. 21. $195 includes lodging and six meals. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Pro Series: Fall Warblers, an in-depth look at the migrating fall warbler species with biology professor Terry Master. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 20. $20. 570-828-2319.

Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, with Bruce Troy of Wild Birds Unlimited. 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Free. 570-675-9900.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the annual 5K run and fitness walk to raise awareness of breast cancer. Lackawanna Courthouse Square, downtown Scranton. 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. 570-714-8800.

Tree Identification, with environmental education coordinator Roger Spotts. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. $5. 570-629-3061.

Lakeshore Trail Walk, an easy hike with the park naturalist to observe wildlife, plants and migrating birds. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. 570-696-3525.

Light the Night Walk, a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic. Saturday, Sept. 20 with registration at 4:30 p.m. and walk at 6:30 p.m. 610-266-8512 or lightthenight.org/epa.

The Pinnacle Hike, nine difficult miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 8:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. Bring lunch and water. 570-645-9617.

Park History Tour, an exploration of the Delaware Valley Recreation Area to seek out scenic and historic sites. Bring lunch and a camera. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. $15. Call to reserve a seat in the van. 570-828-2319.

Sunday Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour journey into the bog environment. Meet at the parking lot of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Ecozone Discovery Room. Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave and dig in a fossil pit in this room of hands-on exhibits. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. $2. 570-828-2319.

Wildflower Identification, with botanist Bill Olson. Keystone College Environmental Education Institute, One College Green, La Plume. 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. $15; $5 students. Registration: 570-945-8555 or kceei.keystone.edu.

Trees: A Nature Walk, a hike guided by forester Hank Hartman to learn tree identification and some of the environmental challenges that threaten them. Forence Shelly Wetlands Preserve, Route 171 and Stack Road, Thompson. 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. Free. 570-727-3362.

Salamander Safari, a walk with naturalist Rick Koval to seek out some of the 22 species of salamanders in Pennsylvania. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.

Bear Creek Preserve Hike, a difficult five-mile walk to learn about the area’s history and natural life. Meet at the parking lot, five miles north of Blakeslee on Route 115. 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. Free. 570-403-2006.

National Public Lands Day Park Cleanup, including trail trimming, litter pickup, landscaping and more. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Nature Photography, a two-day workshop with professional photographer Timothy Butler. Keystone College Environmental Education Institute, One College Green, La Plume. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 27 and Oct. 11. $50; $25 students. Registration: 570-945-8555 or kceei.keystone.edu.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. 570-542-5948.

Mushroom Fair, with the Wyoming Valley Mushroom Club. View mushroom specimens, bring your own in for identification and take a short mushroom foray. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. 570-696-3525.

Levee Walk, six easy miles. Meet at the Church Street parking lot, Kingston. 12:45 p.m. Sept. 28. Bring water and a snack. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-388-6553.

Sunday for Singles. Explore nature while meeting new people. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. Free. 570-828-2319.

All About Birds for Beginners, a fun, hands-on introduction to the characteristics of birds for age 8 to adult. Bear Creek Camp Nature Center, 3601 Bear Creek Blvd. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. $10. Registration: 570-696-5545.

Y Cycle Sunday, a four-mile bike ride on the Pittston Trail to the site of the Knox Mine Disaster. Meet at the Pittston trailhead behind Cooper’s Seafood, 304 Kennedy Blvd. 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. 570-714-1953.

Wilderness Skills Hike, with Mike Dennis of Traditional Earth Skills who teaches useful survival skills including firemaking and building a shelter. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. $20. All ages. 570-828-2319.

Wild Edible Plant Walk, with herbalist and forager Nathaniel Whitmore. Lackawanna Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.

Fishes of NEPA. Splash around with biologist Jerry Skinner and use seines, dip nets and electrofishing to view identify and learn about common, overlooked and endangered fish and their habitats. Keystone College Environmental Education Institute, One College Green, La Plume. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. $40; $20 students includes lunch. Registration: 570-945-8555 or kceei.keystone.edu.

Golden Eagle Trail Hike, nine difficult miles with a stream crossing. Meet at the parking lot of the former bank building, Routes 118 and 29, Pikes Creek. 8:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. Bring lunch and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Worlds End State Park Hike, eight difficult miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. Bring lunch and water. 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-388-6553.

Saw-Whet Owl Banding, a field trip to the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art to observe researchers catching and banding migrating owls. Meet at the Weis Market parking lot, Route 415, Dallas at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 or at 5 p.m. at the Park & Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. Free but a donation is requested. Registration: 570-639-5785.

Lake to Lake Trail Run and Woods Walk, an 8K event with participants covering trails winding through 500 acres of rich biodiversity and natural resources. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. Sunday, Oct. 19 with registration at 9 a.m. and event at 11 a.m. $25 for the 8K; $15 for the woods walk. 570-689-9494 or lacawac.org.

Fall Foliage and Nature Photography Bus Tour of the most scenic places in Northeastern Pennsylvania for photo opportunities and photo composition tips. Keystone College Environmental Education Institute, One College Green, La Plume. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. $50; $35 students includes lunch. Registration: 570-945-8555 or kceei.keystone.edu.

Woodbourne Forest Hike, five moderate miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-655-4979.

Golden-Winged Warbler Initiative, a talk by wildlife biologist Jason Diaferio on the Working Lands for Wildlife Program which benefits the golden-winged warblers and other bird and wildlife species. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20. 570-479-0400.

Chipmunks, Nature and Writing, a multimedia presentation by author Kathy Miller involving bird sounds, video clips of chipmunks and nature photography. Includes a visit from Chippy the Chipmunk and a free gift for all attendees. Lackawanna Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park Boat Launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. 570-542-5948.

Salt Springs State Park Hike, seven moderate miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Bring lunch and water. 570-346-8010.

Pennsylvania Boreal Conifer Forest Bird Challenges and Opportunities, a talk by wildlife biologist Doug Gross on this specialized habitat, the birds that depend on it and management techniques used to protect them. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17. Free. 570-479-0400.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. 570-542-5948.

Local Waterfowl, an exploration of local areas in search of waterfowl for both beginner and experienced birders. Meet at Weis Market, Route 29, Tunkhannock. 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. Free. 570-586-3702.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 28. 570-542-5948.

First Day Hike, a three-mile walk through various habitats in Hickory Run State Park. Meet at the Gould Trail parking area, Route 534, White Haven. 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1. Free. 570-474-5884.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. 570-542-5948.