THIS WEEK: March 30 to April 5, 2016
Stalking the Wild Woodcock, learning about the history of the American woodcock and its amazing courtship displays. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 6:30 p.m. March 30. $5, $3 children. 570-629-3061.
Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens, a program on how to contain water to avoid flooding in your backyard by diverting storm water into rain gardens. With Penn State Master Gardener Roberta Troy. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 6 to 7 p.m. March 31. Free. 570-675-9900.
Stargazing at Keystone, astronomical programs including an illustrated lecture followed by telescope observations of the moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Thomas G. Cupillari ‘60 Astronomical Observatory, Keystone College, La Plume. Through May 27 at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. 570-945-8402.
Don’t Tell Me to Slow Down, the third annual 5K run and walk to benefit the local chapter of the National Stuttering Association and the student-run stuttering support group. Anderson Outdoor Athletic Complex, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. April 2 with registration 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. and event at 10 a.m. $20 by March 17; $25 thereafter. 570-675-6400.
Amazing Amphibians, a talk by John Burns of the American Museum of Natural History. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. April 2. $5. 570-629-3061.
Signs of Spring on the Farm, exploring several areas of the farm to look for early spring flowers, wildlife happenings and more. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 2 to 4 p.m. April 2. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.
Spring Waterfalls, a tour of Pocono waterfalls near the Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to noon April 3. $10. Call to reserve a seat in the van. 570-828-2319.
Tobyhanna State Park Hike, seven moderate miles. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 315 and Oak Street, Dupont. 10:45 a.m. April 3. Bring water and lunch. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-842-2230.
Eagle Day, a presentation of live bald and golden eagles by the Carbon County Environmental Education Center along with stories and crafts about the birds and their role in history. Also: eagle-themed crafts for children, educational displays and viewing of the Vosburg eagle nest. Endless Mountains Nature Center, 1309 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock. 3 p.m. April 3. Space limited. $5. Registration: 570-836-3835.
FUTURE
Early Spring Bird Walk, a two-hour stroll along the Kettle Creek trails to seek out early spring arrivals as well as lingering wintering species. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 9:30 a.m. April 9. $5. 570-629-3061.
Tumblin’ Timberdoodles, an indoor and outdoor program on the elusive American woodcock and its amazing courtship ritual called the “sky dance.” Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 7:30 p.m. April 9. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.
Bridge the Gap: Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon April 10. Free. 570-828-2319.
Geology Hike to learn about rocks, fossils, glacial deposits and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. April 10. $5. 570-828-2319.
“Take a Break” Hike, through Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. April 10. Bring an item for the local food bank. 570-967-7275.
Mocanaqua Loop Trail Hike, seven difficult miles. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 11:45 a.m. April 10. Bring water and snacks. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.
The Geology Behind the Fascinating Features that Define Yellowstone National Park, a talk by Sid Halsor, professor of geology at Wilkes University. Back Mountain Memorial Library, 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. April 12. 570-675-1182.
Understanding Brook Trout, a program on the state fish offering tips of catching them as well as their biology, physiology and habitat. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 7 p.m. April 14. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.
Chainsaw Day. Bring a chainsaw and truck, if possible, to clean up dead and downed trees for firewood. Free food and t-shirts for all volunteers. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 9 a.m. April 16. 570-967-7275.
Jog for Jude 5K, a run/walk to “Stomp Out SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome),” held in memory of Jude Zayac who passed away from SIDS in 2014. Dunmore Community Center, 1414 Monroe Ave., Scranton. April 17 with check-in at 7:30 a.m. and race at 9 a.m. Rain or shine. Followed by a post-race celebration with children’s activities, awards, a balloon release and more. Register at judezayacfoundation.com.
Guided Bird Walk. Meet at the wooden bridge by the main visitor parking lot at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8 a.m. April 17. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.
Penobscot Mountain Hike, with sustained uphill hiking and three excellent views. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 11:45 a.m. April 17. Bring water and snacks. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-855-9896.
Pond Explorers. Use nets to collect fish, macro-invertebrates, amphibians and more for up-close study. Wear boots and plan on getting wet and muddy. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. April 17. $5. 570-828-2319.
Edible Landscaping, how to grow a beautiful edible garden with tips from Penn State Master Gardener Donna Zagrapan. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 20. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.
Whooo Gives a Hoot? A full-moon hike following a short presentation on native owls. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 7 p.m. April 22. $10. 570-967-7275.
Spring into Action Volunteer Work Day. Work on landscaping, litter cleanup or trail work. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. to noon April 23. Registration: 570-403-2006.
Salamanders, Frogs and More! Explore breeding pools for egg masses, frogs and salamanders. Nets and collection jars provided. Wear boots and clothes that can get a little wet and muddy. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon April 23. $5. 570-828-2319.
Trail Day, a park cleanup with free food and t-shirts for all volunteers. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 11 a.m. April 23. 570-967-7275.
Ironmaster’s Challenge, the seventh annual 50K Ultra and 15K Challenge for both runners and hikers who traverse rustic trails through a state forest, state park and private game preserve with numerous scenic vistas throughout. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 1212 Pine Grove Road, Gardners. April 24. $65 for 50K; $40 for 15K by April 1; $75, $50 afterwards. Includes tech t-shirt, breakfast, snacks and drinks, goodie bags and a finish-line picnic. Registration on line only at pretzelcitysports.com.
Introduction to Fly Fishing, learning the basics including knot tying and casting with Will Daskal from the Brodhead Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to noon April 24. $15. 570-828-2319.
Hawkeye Ski Trail Hike, seven moderate miles at Loyalsock State Park with stream crossings. Meet at the abandoned bank at the corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. 9:45 a.m. April 24. Bring water and lunch. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-655-4979.
Egg Hunt, a hike to collect amphibian eggs and set up a system for hatching. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. April 24. $5. 570-967-7275.
Backyard Beekeeping, a session for honeybee enthusiasts on internal and environmental challenges faced by the bees. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 28. $25. Registration: 570-842-1506.
Spring into Gardening Workshop, with sessions on growing and using herbs, gardening for birds and butterflies, organic gardening, insects, GMOs, an introduction to pruning, straw-bale gardening and tips for easier and safer gardening. With keynote speaker Vincent Cotrone, regional urban forester. Technology Center, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, 1269 Old Route 115, Lehman Township. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 30. $35 includes lunch. Register by April 22 at http://extension.psu.edu.
Tweets and Treats, a hike focusing on bird identification and their unique natural history. Breakfast snacks and beverages served before the hike. Binoculars and field guides provided. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 to 11 a.m. May 1 and 14. $5. 570-828-2319.
Bridge the Gap: Wildflower Walk, with flower expert Josie D’Alessandro who offers tips on wildflower identification and the natural history of local flowers. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. May 1. Free. 570-828-2319.
Wild for Wildflowers! A 1.5-mile, easy-to-moderate hike to seek out spring wildflowers. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. May 1. $5. 570-967-7275.
Candy’s Place Rainbow Walk, the 19th annual two-mile Fun Walk sponsored by Candy’s Place: A Cancer Wellness Center. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. May 7 with registration at 9 a.m. and event at 10 a.m. 570-714-8800 or cancerwellnessnepa.org.
North American Migration Count, the annual walk in the woods to identify and count birds, guided by local birder Evan Mann. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 7 a.m. May 14. Free. 570-967-7275.
Warbler Weekend, with guided hikes to learn bird identification by sight, sound and habitat. For both experts and beginners. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. May 20 to 22. $205 includes lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. Reservations: 570-828-2319 or peec.org.
Wild Edibles Walk, with medicinal plant expert Nathaniel Whitmore. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon May 21. $5. 570-828-2319.
Full Moon Hike, a walk in the night woods followed by a campfire with snacks and stories. Bring an item for the local food bank. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 8 p.m. May 21. 570-967-7275.
River Run, the second annual 5K walk/run to support the American Lung Association. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. May 22 with registration at 10 a.m. and event at 11 a.m. Children’s Fun Run at 11 a.m. Also: food, prizes and a health fair. 570-288-5496.
Spring Fling Family Nature Getaway Weekend, with interpretive hikes, animal presentations, canoeing, crafts, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. May 27 to 30. $225 includes three nights lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Monday lunch. Reservations: 570-828-2319.
Bike the Border of Friends Land and Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1:30 p.m. May 29. Bring an item for the local food bank. 570-967-7275.
Star Party, telescope instruction followed by stargazing in a nearby field. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 8 p.m. June 4. $5. 570-967-7275.
Let’s Grow! A presentation on pollinators and native plantings followed by hands-on planting in the park garden. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. June 5. $10. 570-967-7275.
Twitter, Tweets and (Bird) Talk, how to identify the whimsical sounds of native songbirds on a stroll around the park with birder Evan Mann. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 10 a.m. June 11. $5. 570-967-7275.
D&H Distance Run, the ninth annual 13.1-mile “out and back” race on the D&H Rail Trail in Susquehanna County. 9 a.m. Sept. 11. $40. Register at dhdistancerun.com.
