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THIS WEEK: May 27 to June 2, 2016

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.

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 27. 570-945-8402.

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

Celiac Stride, the inaugural fundraiser walk for celiac disease research. Begins at Fellows Park in Scranton and proceeds to Allen Park and Jackson Park for a total of 1.5 miles. Followed by a gluten-free picnic with entertainment by the Lackawanna County Arts Project. Noon on May 29. $10; $5 children. 570-342-0901.

Frances Slocum Trail Walk, the tale of the young girl kidnapped by Indians told while hiking to the historic rock shelter where she spent a night. 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.

Discover Spring Wildflowers, a guided walk through the 400-acre nature preserve to discover both rare and common wildflowers. Meet at the Forence Shelly Wetlands parking lot, Route 171 and Stack Road in Thompson. 2 p.m. May 29. Free. 570-396-0293.

Seven Tubs Hike, three miles through the Seven Tubs Natural Area on the Audubon Trail. Meet in the lower parking lot, off Route 115, Wilkes-Barre. 1 p.m. May 30. 570-714-1953.

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. Wednesdays through Sept. 7. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.

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.

Bear Creek Preserve Walk, a birding trek sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. June 2. Free. Call 570-586-3702 for meeting place and time.

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

Banding, Bagels and Birds, a guided bird walk to check mist nets and observe bird banding. Preceded by a bagel breakfast. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 7 to 11 a.m. June 4. $15. Registration: 570-689-9494.

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.

Seven Tubs Hike, a guided trek on the planned extension to the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor from the Seven Tubs Natural Area to Oliver Mills and back, about four miles. 10 a.m. June 4. 570-714-1953.

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.

Sugar Notch Hike, three easy miles on the Sugar Notch Trail up to the Ridgetop Trail with views of the Wyoming Valley. Meet at the trailhead at the Sugar Notch Playground on Broadhead Avenue. 2 p.m. June 4. 570-714-1953.

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.

Explorer Yoga on the Trail, a yoga session along the Lackawanna River followed by a hike at the Blakely Borough Recreational Complex, Keystone Avenue and River Street, Peckville. Concludes with refreshments and light fare. 9 a.m. June 5. Yoga mats provided. Age 12 and older. Reservations: 570-963-6730 or lhva.org.

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.

Basic Kayaking Course, with kayaks, paddles and personal flotation devices provided. Tuscarora State Park, 687 Tuscarora Road, Barnesville. 4 p.m. June 10. $10; $3 if you bring your own watercraft and equipment. Registration: 570-467-2506.

Birds of the Vredefort Dome, a talk by Joe Viljoen who manages the 40,000-acre ChaZen Nature Reserve in South Africa. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. June 10. Free. 570-639-5785.

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.

Family Fishing Festival, for families with children ages 8 and older with little or no fishing experience. All equipment provided. Meet in the day use boat launch area near the ADA fishing pier at Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 11. 570-696-3525.

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.

Kayak Demos, brief excursions on Lake Frances in park kayaks for persons who are thinking of buying one but would like to investigate the pros and cons of specific models. Kayak experience required. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. to noon June 11. Age 9 and older. Free. 570-403-2006.

Swamp Stomp. Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day with a stomp to the swamp to watch for wood ducks, frogs, turtles and snakes. Wear shoes that can get wet. Meet outside Frances Slocum State Park at the intersection of Green and Mount Olivet roads, Wyoming. 10 a.m. June 11. 570-696-3525.

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.

Hike and Bike. Celebrate National Trails Day and Get Outdoors Day by walking or biking the Greater Hazleton Rail Trail where fun activities, displays and a free picnic will be available. The trailhead is off Route 93 near the intersection of Route 424 in Hazleton. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 11. 570-970-5040.

Kayaking: Level I, an introductory course for those who’ve never kayaked. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 to 2 p.m. June 11. Age 9 and older. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Salamander Meander, searching for these slippery amphibians. All equipment provided. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 1 to 2 p.m. June 11. 570-696-3525.

Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour trek on floating platforms into the 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. American Legion, 4907 Memorial Highway, Harveys Lake. 6 to 10 p.m. June 14 and 15. $25. Registration: 570-332-0146.

Bear Creek Hike, a six-mile trek at the Bear Creek Preserve, 47 Rabbit Run Lane, off Route 115, Bear Creek Village. 9 a.m. June 15. Free. 570-403-2006.

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.

Volunteer Workday. Join in an evening of landscaping, litter cleanup and trail work at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 6 p.m. June 16. Registration: 403-2006.

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.

Bringing the Park into the Pool. Swimmers can stop by to visit the park naturalist who will be displaying interesting items at the Nature Table. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 1 to 3 p.m. June 17. 570-696-3525.

Basic Kayaking Course, with kayaks, paddles and personal flotation devices provided. Tuscarora State Park, 687 Tuscarora Road, Barnesville. 5 p.m. June 17 and 24. $10; $3 if you bring your own watercraft and equipment. Registration: 570-467-2506.

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.

Back Mountain Trail Bike Ride, 10 mostly downhill miles beginning at the Dallas High School, 2030 Conyngham Ave. and ending at Riverfest in Nesbitt Park, Wilkes-Barre. 9:30 a.m. June 25. 570-970-5040.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area, sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch in Wilkes-Barre, accessed via First Avenue. 8 a.m. June 26. Free. 570-371-3951.

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 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.

Basic Kayaking Course, with kayaks, paddles and personal flotation devices provided. Tuscarora State Park, 687 Tuscarora Road, Barnesville. 3 p.m. July 2. $10; $3 if you bring your own watercraft and equipment. Registration: 570-467-2506.

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.

Walk for Kids’ Sake, a 5K run or Fun Walk to benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters of The Bridge. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. 9 a.m. July 16. $20; $10 children. 570-824-8756.

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.

Dragonfly Walk, a search through the fields and around the ponds with naturalist David Trently. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. July 23. $5. 570-828-2319.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area, sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch in Wilkes-Barre, accessed via First Avenue. 8 a.m. July 24. Free. 570-371-3951.

Sunday for Singles. Explore nature while meeting new people. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. July 24. Free. 570-828-2319.

Edible and Medicinal Walk, a hike focused on food and natural remedies provided by nature. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon July 30. $5. 570-828-2319.

Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle. Beginners welcome. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon July 31. Free. 570-828-2319.

Bike Ride, 8 to 10 miles along the Susquehanna Warrior Trail in Shickshinny. Meet at the Shickshinny Boat Launch trailhead. Followed by food, activities and an antique car show at the Shickshinny Forward Festival. 9:30 a.m. Aug. 6. 570-970-5040.

Miles for Michael 5K, the 18th annual run and Fun Walk held during the Pittston Tomato Festival on Main Street. Aug. 20 with registration 8:30 a.m. at the Pittston YMCA, 10 N. Main St. and event at 10 a.m. Online registration at runsignup.com.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area, sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch in Wilkes-Barre, accessed via First Avenue. 8 a.m. Aug. 28. Free. 570-371-3951.

Bike Ride, four miles on the Black Diamond/Lehigh Gorge trails, preceded by a bike safety presentation. Meet at the White Haven South Trailhead parking lot at the end of South Main Street. 1 p.m. Sept. 10. A limited number of bicycles are available. Call 570-714-1953 to reserve.

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.

Bike Ride, a ten-mile round-trip ride on the Greater Hazleton Rail Trail. Meet at the trailhead on Route 93. 1 p.m. Sept. 25. 570-970-5040.

What: Veterans Hike — an easy one-mile guided nature hike for veterans and their families Where: Meet at the park office, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 p.m. May 28. Cost: Free Register: 570-403-2006
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_hike.jpg.optimal.jpgWhat: Veterans Hike — an easy one-mile guided nature hike for veterans and their families Where: Meet at the park office, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 p.m. May 28. Cost: Free Register: 570-403-2006

What: Birding Walk — Through state gamelands #35 Where: Meet in the rear parking lot of McDonald’s Restaurant, Route 11 in Hallstead When: 8 a.m. May 28 More info: 570-663-2621
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_blue-jay-626854_960_720.jpg.optimal.jpgWhat: Birding Walk — Through state gamelands #35 Where: Meet in the rear parking lot of McDonald’s Restaurant, Route 11 in Hallstead When: 8 a.m. May 28 More info: 570-663-2621

What: Interesting Amphibians — Learn about frogs, toads and salamanders while viewing live specimens. Where: Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Rd., Wyoming When: 7 p.m. May 29 More info: 570-696-3525
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_frog-942969_960_720.jpg.optimal.jpgWhat: Interesting Amphibians — Learn about frogs, toads and salamanders while viewing live specimens. Where: Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Rd., Wyoming When: 7 p.m. May 29 More info: 570-696-3525