THIS WEEK: Aug. 19 to 25, 2015

Cranberry Bog Walk. Traverse the floating platforms of the northern boreal bog to study its flora and fauna on this 2.5-hour guided tour. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 30. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Kayaking: Teen Paddle, an introductory course for teenagers. Lake Francis, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 2 p.m. Aug. 19. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Cherry Creek Exploration, a look at some of the species of macro-invertebrates in the creek which flows through the Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 19. $5. Registration: 570-992-0899.

Ladies of the Lake Paddle, instruction in basic kayak skills followed by a paddle on Lake Francis, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 6 p.m. Aug. 19. Women only. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Golden Day Out, a special event for retirees including a leisurely morning hike, lunch and a learn-to-kayak experience on Lake Francis. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21. $10 includes lunch. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Evening Kayak Paddle for experienced kayakers age 14 and older. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 6 p.m. Aug. 21. Registration: 570-696-9105.

Star Party, an indoor talk followed by an outdoor stargazing session with the Lackawanna Astronomical Society. Campground Amphitheater, Lackawanna State Park, 1839 Abington Road, Abington Township. 9 p.m. Aug. 21. Free. 570-945-7110.

Scavenger Hunt, a family-friendly adventure for all ages with various hunt-location options. Prizes awarded. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 22. Free. 570-403-2006.

Miles for Michael 5K and Fun Run, a 3.1-mile course through downtown Pittston and West Pittston held in conjunction with the annual Tomato Festival. Begins at Main and William streets and ends at the Festival Grounds. Aug. 22 with registration at 8:30 a.m. and run at 10 a.m. $30. Proceeds help local families battling cancer. 570-574-0463.

Summer Canoe Paddle. Beginners welcome. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 22. Call to reserve your watercraft: 570-828-2319.

Mushrooms and Mycelia, an illustrated talk followed by a trail walk in search of fungi. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. Aug. 22. $5. 570-967-7275.

The Frances Slocum Story, the tale of the “Lost Sister of the Wyoming Valley” who became the park’s namesake. Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 7 p.m. Aug. 22. 570-696-9105.

Life in a Rotten Log, exploring rotted wood to learn about the critters who live there. Campground Amphitheater, Lackawanna State Park, 1839 Abington Road, Abington Township. 6 p.m. Aug. 22. Free. 570-945-7110.

Hook O’Malley 5K Run and Walk Against Cancer, the 23rd annual event in memory of Paul Hook O’Malley who worked with community youth. McDade Park, 22 Bald Mountain Road, Scranton. Aug. 23 with registration 8:15 to 9:45 a.m. and race at 10 a.m. $20 until Aug. 20; $25 day of race. 570-346-1828.

Cherry Run Trail Hike, 10 moderate miles at Ricketts Glen State Park. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 8:45 a.m. Aug. 23. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Scenic Bike Train. Takea 25-mile train ride from Jim Thorpe to White Haven, then bicycle back at your own pace on the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail past remains of the historic canal, picnic spots, scenic overlooks and railroad trestles. Bring your own bike or rent one from Pocono Biking. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railways, 1 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe. 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Aug. 23, Sept. 19-20, 9:30 a.m. Nov. 7-8. $22; $40 with bike rental. 570-325-3654 or 610-562-2102.

Two-Wheeled Tour. Bike the roads and trails around Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. Aug. 23. Free. 570-967-7275.

Hike to the Center of the Bog, a rare opportunity to explore this unique area with a “quaking mat” and several unusual plants. Be prepared to get your feet wet. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 10 a.m. Aug. 25. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Conservation Volunteer Work Day. Help spruce up the trails at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Keystone Active Zone Passport, a free program that encourages people to get outside and active at more than 50 parks, trails and events in Luzerne County. Earn awards and win prizes by exploring the county and logging your discoveries. Join anytime by registering at KAZpassport.com or call 570-823-2191.

FUTURE

Kayaking: Level Three, a session for experienced paddlers on Brady’s Lake. Age 16 and older. Meet at the Brady’s Lake parking area, off Route 940. 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Hiking Series, a difficult 5.5-mile trek on the Manor House, Fireline and Sand Spring trails at Hickory Run State Park, White Haven. Meet at the park office. 9 a.m. Aug. 27. Free. 570-403-2006.

Amphibian and Reptile Ramble, searching for salamanders, frogs, turtles and snakes at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 29. $5. 570-629-3061.

Mount Wismer Hike, with a challenging option climbing to the top of Mount Wismer for a panaramic view or an easier walk through the Gravel Family Preserve on flat terrain. Meet at the trailhead off Route 447 on Gravel Road in Barrett Township. 10 a.m. Aug. 29. Free but registration required. 570-839-1120 or brodheadwatershed.org.

Damsels and Dragons — Flies, That Is! An indoor presentation followed by an outdoor walk to hunt for damselflies and dragonflies. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 10 a.m. Aug. 29. Free. 570-403-2006.

Nature Walk and Talk, a walk along Lakeshore Trail to learn about trees, birds and bugs. Meet at the footbridge near Pavilion #3, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 1 p.m. Aug. 29. 570-696-9105.

Star Party, an indoor presentation by members of the Greater Hazleton Area Astronomical Society followed by stargazing through telescopes. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8 p.m. Aug. 29. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Levee Walk, six easy miles on the Susquehanna River Levee System. Meet at the Church Street parking lot in Kingston. 12:45 p.m. Aug. 30. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-283-1312.

Migrate to the Poconos, a Family Nature Getaway Weekend with hikes, animal presentations, canoeing, crafts, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Sept. 4 to 7. $225 includes lodging and meals. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Live Birds of Prey, a closeup look at native raptors with naturalists from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. Sept. 5. Free. 570-675-9900.

Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, a leisurely walk to seek out songbirds. Meet in the parking lot of the Environmental Education Center, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 8:30 a.m. Sept. 12. Free. 570-675-9900.

Hike to the Top, a discovery trek to the top of an unnamed ridge with a huge glacial erratic boulder and a scenic vista. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Sept. 12. $5. 570-629-3061.

Cranberry Bog Walk. Traverse the floating platforms of the northern boreal bog to study its flora and fauna on this 2.5-hour guided tour. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 2 p.m. Sept. 12. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Wilderness Skills Hike, learn about shelter building, firemaking and other useful survival skills in fields and forests. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 12. $20. 570-828-2319.

D&H Half-Marathon and 5K, the eighth annual out-and-back event on the D&H Rail Trail from Forest City to Union Dale. Begins at the entrance to the Forest City Trailhead on Route 247. Sept. 13 with the half-marathon at 9 a.m. and the 5K at 9:10 a.m. $45; $55 after Aug. 21. Registration at dhdistancerun.com.

Bridge the Gap: Day Paddle, a free river trip on the Delaware with canoe or kayak. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13. Registration (by Sept. 6): 570-828-2319.

A Late Summer’s Eve, exploring the flora and fauna of the Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16. $5. Registration: 570-992-0899.

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 Sept. 19. $20. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Dragonflies and Their Allies, learning about these winged creatures who frequent ponds at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Sept. 19. $5. 570-629-3061.

Comets in Color Race, a 2.5-mile course in Wright Township Municipal Park, 321 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. Runners will be doused in biodegradable colored cornstarch at a number of stations. Smaller course available for ages 6 to 10. Sponsored by the Crestwood Lady Comets Basketball Booster Club. 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 19. $20 before Aug. 15; $30 thereafter. Register on line at leaguelineup.com.

Pinnacle Hike, nine difficult miles at the Hamburg Reservoir. Meet at the Park and Ride, near Blackman Street in Wilkes-Barre. 8:45 a.m. Sept. 20. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Park History Tour, an all-day exploration of the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area to visit scenic and historic sites. Bring a lunch and call to reserve a seat in the van; carpooling encouraged. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20. $25. 570-828-2319.

Fungus Among Us, learning about the amazing world of decomposition and nutrient cycling. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20. $5. 570-828-2319.

Y-Cycle Sunday, a four-mile bicycle ride on the Pittston Trail to the site of the Knox Mine Disaster. Meet at the trailhead behind Cooper’s Seafood, 304 Kennedy Blvd., Pittston. 1 p.m. Sept. 20. 570-714-1953.

Cranberry Bog Walk. Traverse the floating platforms of the northern boreal bog to study its flora and fauna on this 2.5-hour guided tour. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 1 p.m. Sept. 20. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Putting the Garden to Bed, a Master Gardeners program. McBride Memorial Library, 500 Market St., Berwick. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22. Free. 570-752-2241.

Owl Prowl, a session on the natural history of local owls followed by a walk to practice your own owl call. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 23. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.

Yoga and Biking Retreat, a weekend of rejuvenation and relaxation with meditation sessions, yoga classes, bike riding in Lehigh Gorge State Park, Ayurvedic vegetarian meals, one gourmet restaurant dinner and one organic bagged lunch by the 14-Acre Farm. The Inn at Jim Thorpe, 24 Broadway. Sept. 25 to 27. Reservations: 570-527-5453.

Live Eagles, a closeup look at these raptors with naturalists from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. Sept. 26. Free. 570-675-9900.

Monument Trail Hike, eight moderate-to-difficult miles at High Point State Park in New Jersey. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315 and Oak Street, Pittston. 9:45 a.m. Sept. 27. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Sunday for Singles. Explore nature and meet new people. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 27. 570-828-2319.

Math in Nature: Fractal Hike, a trek to discover the mathematical patterns in nature. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 27. 570-828-2319.

Full Moon Bog Hike. Explore the northern boreal bog under the light of a full moon. Bring a flashlight. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Fall Foliage Photography Weekend. Explore the Pocono Mountains and learn skills necessary for creating visually stunning images. Tripods recommended but not required. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 2 to 4. $270 includes lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Bridge the Gap: Hike and Bike, a bike ride on the McDade Trail followed by a hike back to the Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. All equipment and transportation provided. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3. Bring a lunch. Free. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Golden Eagle Trail Hike, nine difficult miles with stream crossings at the Tiadaghton State Forest. Meet at the former First National Bank parking lot, Routes 118 and 29, Pikes Creek. 8:45 a.m. Oct. 4. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Falling Leaves Family Nature Getaway, a weekend of hiking, animal presentations, square dancing, canoeing, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 9 to 12. $225 includes lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Monday lunch. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Worlds End State Park Hike, eight difficult miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 9:45 a.m. Oct. 11. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-388-4060.

Nature at Night, an evening walk to listen for owls, star gaze and test your night vision. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17. $5. 570-828-2319.

Angel Falls and Kettle Creek Hike, eight difficult miles at Loyalsock. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 9:45 a.m. Oct. 18. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Lake to Lake 8K Trail Run and Woods Walk, through the nature trails of the 400-acre Lacawac Santuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 11 a.m. Oct. 18. 570-689-9494 or lacawac.org.

Fall Splendor, observing seasonal changes and nature’s bounty at the Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 21. $5. Registration: 570-992-0899.

Sunfish Pond Hike, eight moderate miles at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Meet at the Sears Auto Center, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 8:45 a.m. Oct. 25. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-283-1312.

Fire Building. Try your hand at a flint-and-steel fire, a bow-drill fire and other primitive firemaking methods. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 25. $5. 570-828-2319.

Wilderness Skills, outdoor survival skills from fire building and camping preparedness to tracking and stalking animals. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 25. $5. 570-828-2319.

Elk Viewing in the Pennsylvania Wilds, a three-day journey to view majestic elk during the prime bugling season with stops at Bald Eagle State Park, Sinnemahoning State Park, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Quehanna Natural Area and the Elk Country Visitor Center. Sept. 28 to 30. $290 includes two nights cabin lodging, transportation, five meals and a covered-wagon ride through elk country. Registration: 570-629-3061.

D&L Half Marathon, a run/walk along the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in a downhill course starting at Northern Lehigh High School in Slatington and finishing at Canal Street Park in Northampton. With a post-race buffet, finisher medals, top time and age-group awards and random prizes. 8 a.m. Nov. 1. Register at race.delawareandlehigh.org. or 610-923-3548.

Easy Does It Hike, a leisurely walk through the woods to interpret natural history. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 8. Free. 570-828-2319.

Lenape of the Eastern Woodlands, a session on the day-to-day activities, food, clothing and shelter of the Lenape culture. Age 10 and older. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 15. $20. 570-828-2319.

Introduction to Astronomy. Step out for an evening of star gazing and learn about some of the many constellations in the sky. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21. $10. 570-828-2319.

Holiday Bows and Boughs. Create your own holiday decorations using natural materials. Evergreen boughs and wreathmaking materials provided but feel free to bring your own supplies. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 29. $10. Registration: 570-828-2319.

Winter Ecology Hike to learn how plants and animals survive the elements. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 6. $5. 570-828-2319.