THIS WEEK: May 18 to 24, 2016

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. 7:30 p.m. May 18, 20, 25 and 27. 570-945-8402.

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 18 and 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.

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.

Night Hike and Campfire, learn about how animals and humans adapt to the night, followed by a marshmallow roast. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 7 to 9 p.m. May 20. Registration: 570-689-9494.

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.

Bird Walk, a leisurely stroll with birder and walk leader Evan Mann through the Florence Shelly Wetlands Preserve in Thompson. Meet at the parking lot, one mile north of Thompson on Route 171 opposite Stack Road. 7:30 a.m. May 21. Free. 570-396-0293.

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.

Thunder Swamp Hike, a naturalist-led, 1.5-mile outing to explore areas of the Delaware State Forest in Pike County. Meet at the Thunder Swamp trailhead, off Flat Ridge Road in Dingmans Township. 10 a.m. May 21. Free. 570-839-1120 or brodheadwatershed.org.

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.

5K Run and Fun Walk, to benefit Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Olive Street Trailhead, Scranton. May 22 with registration 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and event at 9 a.m. $20, $15 children. Register on line at runsignup.com/goodwill5K.

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.

Pocono Environmental Education Hike, 8.5 moderate miles. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 315 near Oak Street, Dupont. 11:45 a.m. May 22. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-457-0527.

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.

Keystone Active Zone Passport, the 10th year of the program which attempts to inspire people of all ages and abilities to get active outside while exploring nearby parks, trails and outdoor events. To participate, sign up at KAZpassport.org, visit as many of the passport stops through Oct. 1 and log them in to win prizes. More info at 570-714-1953.

FUTURE

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.

Guided Bird Walk with conservation volunteer Jonathan DeBalko. Meet at the wooden bridge by the main parking lot by the park office at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8 a.m. May 28. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Birding Walk, through state gamelands #35 in Hallstead. Meet in the rear parking lot of McDonald’s Restaurant, Route 11 in Hallstead. 8 a.m. May 28. 570-663-2621.

Veterans Hike, an easy one-mile guided nature hike for veterans and their families. Meet at the park office, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 p.m. May 28. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Family Nature Walk along the Lakeshore Trail to Turtle Pond. Meet at Pavilion #3, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 4 p.m. May 28. 570-696-3525.

Native American Stories, tales told by the park naturalist. Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 7 p.m. May 28. 570-696-3525.

Frances Slocum Trail Walk, the tale of the young girl kidnapped by Indians told while hiking to the rock shelter. Meet just before the boat-rental parking lot, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 1 p.m. May 29. 570-696-3525.

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.

Interesting Amphibians, learn about frogs, toads and salamanders while viewing live specimens. Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 7 p.m. May 29. 570-696-3525.

Meditation Hike, a guided sensory-awareness hike with Bernadette Kozlowski of Light Your Fire Meditation. Beginners welcome. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 1. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.

Sand Spring/Hickory Run Hike, a two-mile loop to celebrate National Trails Day. Meet at the park office, Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 4. Free. 570-443-0400.

Family Scavenger Hunt. Find a list of natural objects and win a prize. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. June 4. $5. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Volunteer Trail Maintenance. Help to clean up the Fireline Trail in honor of National Trails Day. Meet at the trailhead, approximately two miles west of Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Noon to 2 p.m. June 4. Registration: 570-443-0400.

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.

Prompton State Park Hike, nine moderate miles. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 315 near Oak Street, Dupont. 9:45 a.m. June 5. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-346-8010.

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.

Canoe/Kayak Trip at the Bog, a three-hour paddling trip into the Bog Preserve on Cranberry Creek. Provide your own watercraft and meet at the Bog parking lot, 552 Cherry Lane Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. June 9. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Birding at Frances Slocum, a leisurely walk through the park to seek out songbirds. Meet at the Environmental Education Center, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 8:30 a.m. June 11. Free. 570-675-9900.

Bridge the Gap: Day Paddle along the Delaware River on canoe or kayak. Bring lunch and water, and dress for the weather. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 11. Free. Registration: 570-828-2319.

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.

Lacawac Nature Fest, a day of outdoor fun with environmental presentations and displays, nature walks, obstacle course and children’s activities. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 11. 570-689-9494.

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. 2 p.m. June 11. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.

Bear Mountain Hike, a difficult trek with steep climbs and rock scrambles at Storm King State Park and Bear Mountain. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 315 near Oak Street, Dupont. 8:45 a.m. June 12. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk, a hike focusing on nature’s natural remedies and wild edibles. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. June 12. $5. 570-828-2319.

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.

Breeding Birds at the Farm, an early morning bird walk to seek out songbirds at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 7 to 9 a.m. June 16. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Susquehanna River Sojourn. Explore 46 miles of the North Branch while paddling from Shickshinny to Sunbury from June 17 to 19. Take the entire trip or select days. $65 per day includes meals, campsites, programs, entertainment and t-shirt. Registration (by June 1): 570-522-7229 or susquehannagreenway.org.

Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle, a free paddle with instruction for beginners. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon June 18 and 25. Call to reserve a boat. 570-828-2319.

Vosburg Hike, six moderate miles through the Tunkhannock preserve. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 11:45 a.m. June 19. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-406-3173.

Pond Explorers. Collect fish, macro-invertebrates, amphibians and more for up-close study. Wear boots and plan on getting a little wet and muddy. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. June 19. $5. Registration: 570-828-2319.

Holly Springs Loop Hike, eight moderate miles at the Delware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Meet at the Sears Auto Center, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 9:45 a.m. June 26. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Frog Frolic. Learn about frogs while gently catching and releasing them. Wear boots and plan on getting a little wet and muddy. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon June 26. $5. 570-828-2319.

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. June 26. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.

Celebration with a Bang, a Family Nature Getaway Weekend with nature hikes, animal presentations, swimming, canoeing, fireworks, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. July 1 to 4. $$225 includes three nights lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Monday lunch. 570-828-2319.

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

Close Encounters with Birds of Prey, a presentation by Bill Streeter of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center who brings along a golden eagle, a peregrine falcon and saw-whet owl. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 11 a.m. July 9. Free. 570-996-1500.

Summer Pond Paddle, with instructions for beginners on paddling a canoe or kayak. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon July 10. $5. Call to reserve a boat. 570-828-2319.

Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle, with instructions for beginners on paddling a canoe or kayak. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. July 16. Free. Call to reserve a boat. 570-828-2319.

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.

A free guided Bicycle Tour will be given May 20 on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_5.20-Guided-Bike-Tour-on-the-Trail-1.jpgA free guided Bicycle Tour will be given May 20 on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.