THIS WEEK: April 20 to 26, 2016
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.
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.
Celebrate the Arts and Earth Day, art work focusing on the birds found along the Susquehanna River, created by Tunkhannock Area Middle School students, followed by an observation of the “swirling” mating dance of the American woodcock. Howland Preserve, 1309 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock. 5 to 7 p.m. April 22. Free. 570-696-5545.
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.
Protect & Defend 5K, the second annual event sponsored by cadets from the Lackawanna College Police Academy. Begins at Courthouse Square, 200 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. April 23 with registration at 8 a.m. and event at 9:30 a.m. $25 advance; $30 day of event. Register online at runsignup.com.
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.
Earth Day Community Cleanup. Meet at the 1972 Flood Memorial in the center of the Fort Fort Cemetery, 20 River St. Bing a rake and gloves. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23.
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.
Earth Day Cleanup. Help spruce up the park through litter pickup, debris clearing and more. Meet at the office of Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 10 a.m. to noon April 23. 570-696-9105.
Earth Day at Promised Land State Park. Paint a rain barrel, mulch the Wildlife Garden and listen to a live skunk program. Beverages and snacks provided. Masker Museum, Promised Land State Park, Greentown. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23. 570-676-056
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.
Get Outdoors Poconos Hike, a moderate, 90-minute walk of about 2.5 miles exploring the Swiftwater Forest Preserve. Meet at the cul-de-sac on Donaldson Road, off Lower Swiftwater Road in Paradise Township. 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 24. Free but registration required: 570-839-1120. Details at brodheadwatershed.org.
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.
FUTURE
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.
Spencer Martin Memorial Bike Ride for Habitat, a 35-mile ride through the scenic Back Mountain beginning and ending at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, 1269 Old Route 115, Lehman Township. May 1 with registration at 8 a.m. and ride at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity. $40. 570-820-8002 or bikeforhabitat.org.
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.
Bluebells Festival, with make-and-take crafts, a children’s scavenger hunt, amphibian-and-reptile search, a guided hike, wild edibles walk, meditation and yoga. Endless Mountains Nature Center, 1309 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock. 1 to 4 p.m. May 1. 570-836-3835.
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.
Art in Nature Walk, creating an illustrated journal by sketching or using words to record natural observations. No art or writing background necessary. Some materials available but feel free to bring your own sketchpad and colored pencils. Bear Creek Camp, 3601 Bear Creek Blvd. 1 to 3 p.m. May 1. $5. Reservations: 570-696-5545 or nblt.org.
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.
Birding the Bog, a morning of migration birding in the unique natural setting of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 552 Cherry Lane Road, Stroudsburg. 7 a.m. May 3, 10 and 17. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.
Wednesday Bog Walks, a 2.5-hour trek on floating platforms into the unique environment of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 552 Cherry Lane Road, Stroudsburg. 1 p.m. May 4, 11, 18 and 25; June 1 and 8. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.
Return from the Tropics: A Story of Migratory Birds, a presentation by Darryl and Jackie Speicher of the Pocono Avian Research Center, followed by a birding hike. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 4. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.
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. $25 advance; $30 day of event. 570-714-8800 or cancerwellnessnepa.org.
Salamander Search, explore the trails of the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg to seek out various species of salamanders. 10 a.m. May 7. $5, $3 children. 570-629-3061.
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.
Lackawanna Riverfest, a full day of river activities, music, food, environmental displays, a Canoe-a-thon, Regatta and Duck-a-thon. Sweeney’s Beach, along the Lackawanna River in Scranton. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 14. Details at lrca.org or call 570-347-6311.
Riverfest Canoe-a-thon, a timed run on the Lackawanna River from two Mid-Valley launch sites: David Maslyar Memorial Park in Archbald for a 12-mile run or the Blakely Borough Recreational Park for an eight-mile run. Finish line is at Sweeney’s Beach Recreation Area in Scranton. Compete for the fastest time or enjoy a leisurely downstream paddle. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 14. Rental crafts available at the Blakely site only. Registration info at lrca.org or call 570-347-6311.
Ponder a Pond, exploring Swink Pond to discover the aquatic critters living in it. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. May 14. Buckets and nets provided. 570-629-3061.
Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour trek into the unique environment of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 552 Cherry Lane Road, Stroudsburg. 2 p.m. May 14. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.
Safe Boating Class, a two-part certification course for age 12 and older, offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 053-1503. American Legion, 4907 Memorial Highway, Harveys Lake. 6 to 10 p.m. May 17 and 18. $25. Registration: 570-332-0146.
Reptiles and Amphibians, meandering through a farm to look for frogs, salamanders and toads. Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. May 18. $5. Registration: 570-629-3061.
Wilderness Survival 101, an evening of hands-on instruction in fire starting, shelter making, signals, wild foods, water procurement, first aid, navigation and proper clothing and equipment. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 18. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.
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.
Century Day, an all-day adventure to attempt to find 100 species of birds, stopping at various habitats within Monroe County. Meet at Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 7 a.m. May 21. $65 includes lunch, beverages and snacks. Registration: 570-629-3061.
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.
Amphibian and Reptile Ramble. Help environmental educator Brian Hardiman find and catalogue frogs, salamanders, snakes and turtles living in the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to noon May 21. $5. 570-629-3061.
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.
Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour trek on floating platforms into the unique boreal bog environment with unique plant and animal life. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 552 Cherry Lane Road, Stroudsburg. 1 p.m. May 22. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.
Full Moon Hike at the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 552 Cherry Lane Road, Stroudsburg. Bring a flashlight. 7 p.m. May 23. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.
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.
Summer Pond Paddle. Beginners welcome. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. June 4. $5. Call to reserve a boat. 570-828-2319.
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.
Safe Boating Class, a two-part certification course for age 12 and older, offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 053-1503. American Legion, 4907 Memorial Highway, Harveys Lake. 6 to 10 p.m. June 14 and 15. $25. Registration: 570-332-0146.
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.
