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THIS WEEK: June 24 to 30, 2016

Inspired by the River: An Artist River Tour, a leisurely six-mile paddle on a scenic stretch of the Susquehanna River from Harding to West Pittston with stops along the way to sketch, draw or photograph nature. Meet on the West Pittston River Common 9 a.m. June 24 for a shuttle to the Apple Tree Boat Launch in Harding. Held in conjunction with the annual Riverfest Celebration in Nesbitt Park. Registration: 570-388-6107 or [email protected].

Explore Archery! Try out a new sport with all equipment provided. Not for experienced archers.; age 12 and older. Pavilion #1, Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 Route 487, Benton. 1 to 3 p.m. June 24. Registration: 570-477-7780.

Riverfest, river trips, live music, environmental displays, children’s activities and more at Nesbitt Park, Wilkes-Barre. Begins June 24 with food-truck rally, community mural painting, a reptile and amphibian program (6:30 p.m.) and more. Continues June 25 with an afternoon festival of pony rides, guided nature hikes, kayaking demos, fly casting, music, food, birds of prey (1:30 p.m.) and live mammals (3 p.m.). River trips include West Pittston to Wilkes-Barre 4 to 7:30 p.m. June 24; Harding to Wilkes-Barre 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 25; and Wilkes-Barre to Hunlock Creek (8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 26). Registration: 570-388-6107 or 570-746-9140. More info at riverfrontparks.org.

Amazing GeoRace. Go on a geocaching adventure solving puzzles and finding containers while discovering natural and historical features. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 8:45 a.m. to noon June 25. $40 for team of 4 to 6. Registration: 570-689-9494.

Family Fly Fishing, an introduction to the sport with no cost, fishing license or equipment needed. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission at Lackawanna State Park, 1839 N. Abington Road, North Abington Township. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25. Register on line at gonefishingpa.com or call 570-477-2206.

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.

Get Outdoors Hike, a guided 2.5-mile hike through the Blakeslee Natural Area, a 130-acre preserve. Meet at the lower trailhead off Route 115. 10 a.m. June 25. Free. Registration: 570-839-1120.

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 25. Call to reserve a boat. 570-828-2319.

Pocono Otters, a program about the playful river otters and threats to their population. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. June 25. $6; $4 children. 570-629-3061.

Skull Stand at the Beach House. Stop by to see if you can correctly identify the different animal skulls. Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 Route 487, Benton. 1 to 3 p.m. June 25. 570-477-7780.

Wonders of Waterfalls, learning about the park’s many waterfalls. Meet at Ganoga Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 Route 487, Benton. 4 to 6 p.m. June 25. 570-477-7780.

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.

Wellness in Nature, a practical workshop on the science of self-healing with yoga, meditation, edible plants and medicinal herbs. Lunch provided. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 26. $30. Registration (by June 22): 570-689-9494.

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.

Fly Fishing on the Brodhead, a hands-on workshop with experts to learn about equipment selection, casting techniques, trout-stream entomology and basic fly tying. ForEvergreen Nature Preserve, Cherry Lane, off Route 191, Analomink. 1 to 4 p.m. June 26. $15. Reservations: 570-424-1514.

Bog Walks, 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 and 29. $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

Discover Ricketts Hike, two easy miles on the Highland and Bear Walk trails. Meet at Beach Lot #2, Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 Route 487, Benton. 1 to 3 p.m. July 1. 570-477-7780.

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.

Skull Stand at the Beach House. Stop by to see if you can correctly identify the different animal skulls. Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 Route 487, Benton. 1 to 3 p.m. July 2 to 4. 570-477-7780.

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.

Nature Walk and Talk, a hike along the Lakeshore Trail to check out plants and animals. Meet in the boat rental parking lot, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 4 p.m. July 2. 570-696-3525.

Wonders of Waterfalls, learning about the park’s many waterfalls. Meet at Ganoga Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 Route 487, Benton. 4 to 6 p.m. July 2 to 4. 570-477-7780.

Live Animal Show, reptiles, mammals and more presented by the Pocono Snake and Animal Farm. Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 7 p.m. July 2. 570-696-3525.

Lackawanna State Park Hike, nine moderate miles through the park trails. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 315 and Oak Street, Dupont. 9:45 a.m. July 3. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-806-1754

Summertime Greenery on the Farm, a tour of interesting plant species found in the summer forests at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to noon July 8. $6. 570-992-6161.

Discover Ricketts Hike, three difficult miles on the upper portion of Old Beaver Dam Road Trail to Ganoga Falls. Park and meet at the Shale Pit, off Route 487, Benton. 1 to 3 p.m. July 8. 570-477-7780.

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.

Unearth Your Inner Artist, drawing basics using graphite and colored pencils including an outdoor session to capture nature’s beauty with assisted landscape drawing. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 9. $25. Reservations: 570-689-9494.

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.

Critters in the Creek, searching for crayfish, stoneflies, minnows and other creatures in the stream. Meet in the parking lot near Pavilion #1, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 2 p.m. July 9. 570-696-3525.

Mammals of Pennsylvania, a talk by the park naturalist using taxidermy mounts, furs and skulls. Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 7 p.m. July 9. 570-696-3525.

Whip-poor-wills, a brief indoor introduction to this elusive member of the Nightjar family followed by a hike to seek out the birds. Flashlights recommended. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8:30 p.m. July 9. Free but registration required. 570-403-2006.

Historical Kayak Trip, the third annual 12-mile paddle from the Falls boat launch to West Pittston. Meet 9 a.m. July 10 along the West Pittston river bank near the Water Street Bridge for a shuttle to the launch site. Includes a stop at one of the islands for a brief historical presentation by Jan Lokuta, then on to the Frances Dorrance Archaeological dig site at Coxton Yard in Duryea for a tour and picnic lunch. $80 tandem kayak rental; $65 single; $30 bring your own; picnic included. Register at 570-388-6107 or kayaktheriver.com.

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.

Francis Slocum State Park Hike, six easy miles followed by blueberry picking at Smith’s Farm and a cookout. Meet at the park office, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 12:45 p.m. July 10. Bring a dish to share. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-855-9896.

Explore Archery! A basic introductory session for age 12 and older. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 1 to 3 p.m. July 10.; 2 p.m. July 30. All equipment provided. Registration: 570-696-3525.

Cathy’s Trail Hike, a two-mile hike through the preserve at the Hauser Nature Center, joined by members of the Nature Conservancy. Meet at Tunkhannock Township Park in Long Pond. 9 a.m. July 13. Free. Followed by a picnic (bring a dish to share). 570-403-2006.

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.

Life Under a Log, an investigation of the communities of living creatures supported by the microhabitats in a rotting log and how the affect the entire forest ecosystem. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. July 16. $6. 570-629-3061.

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.

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. July 16. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.

Turtle Walk and Talk, a session on turtle natural history followed by a walk to the pond to seek them out. Meet at the gravel parking lot at the bottom of Campground Road, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 3 p.m. July 16. 570-696-3525.

Awesome Astronomy, a Power Point presentation followed by stargazing through telescopes with the Lackawanna Astronomical Society. Pavilion #3, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 9 p.m. July 16. Not suitable for young children. 570-696-3525.

Pinchot Trail Hike, nine moderate miles in the Lackawanna State Forest near Thornhurst. Meet at the Sears Auto Center, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 9:45 a.m. July 17. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. Bring lunch and water. 570-388-4060.

Kayaking: Level One, an introductory session for people who have never kayaked before. Meet at Lake Francis, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 p.m. July 20. For age 9 and up. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Kayaking: Level Two, a program expanding on basic kayak skills including what to do in the event of a capsize. Meet at Lake Francis, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 3 p.m. July 20. For age 13 and up. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Insects, a sweep netting to see what summer bug life is present at the Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. July 20. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Kayaking: Level Three, a paddle around the lake for experienced kayakers. Meet at Lake Francis, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 5:30 p.m. July 20. For age 9 and up. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Butterfly Count. Join the annual North American Butterfly Association’s effort to count butterfly populations. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 9:30 a.m. July 23. $5. 570-629-3061.

Sssnakes Alive! Learn about identification and biological roles of area snakes during this illustrated talk which includes live specimens. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. July 23. $6. 570-629-3061.

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.

Woods Walk on the Paved Path, a walk to the swamp (with no traipsing through the underbrush) to investigate nature along the way. Meet at the intersection of Green and Mount Olivet roads, Frances Slocum State Park, Wyoming. 2 p.m. July 23. 570-696-3525.

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.

Bear Creek Preserve, seven difficult miles. Meet at the Sears Auto Center, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 10:45 a.m. July 24. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

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.

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. July 24. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.

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.

Loyalsock Trail Hike, eight difficult miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 9:45 a.m. July 31. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

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.

Adult Nature Weekend, with interpretive hikes, canoeing, waterfall tours, animal presenters, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Aug. 5 to 7. Age 21 and older. $195 includes two nights lodging and six meals. Reservations: 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

Kayak Day on the Susquehanna River, a three-hour paddle from Lime Ridge to Bloomsburg with a pit stop on a private island for a cookout. Meet 8:30 a.m. Aug. 6 at Town Park, off Market Street, Bloomsburg, for a shuttle to Lime Ridge. $50 includes kayak, t-shirt (for early sign-ups) and lunch. Proceeds benefit the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. 570-784-5530 or bte.org.

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.

Ricketts Glen Hike, seven difficult miles on the Falls Trail. Meet in the lower parking lot of Ricketts Glen State Park, Route 118, Sweet Valley. 11:45 a.m. Aug. 7. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-457-0527.

Perseid Meteor Shower. Join us for one or both evenings to watch the annual light show with a bonfire if it’s chilly. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 8:30 p.m. Aug. 12 and 13. Free. 570-967-7275.

Bridge the Gap: Tumbling Waters Hike, a three-mile loop with a waterfall and scenic overlook of the Delaware River Valley. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 13. Free. 570-828-2319.

Butterfly Walk, a search through the fields and around the ponds for butterflies and dragonflies. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 13. $5. 570-828-2319.

Frog Frenzy, learning about amphibians while gently catching and releasing them. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 13. $5. 570-828-2319.

Ricketts Glen Hike, seven difficult miles on the Bulldozer Trail including steep inclines. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway (Route 309). 10:45 a.m. Aug. 14. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-388-4060.

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.

Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle, a free boat paddle with instructions for beginners. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 20. 570-828-2319.

Ricketts Glen Hike, 10 moderate miles on the Cherry Run Trail. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway (Route 309). 8:45 a.m. Aug. 21. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

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.

Pinnacle Hike, nine difficult miles at the Hamburg Reservoir. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street in Wilkes-Barre. 8:45 a.m. Aug. 28. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

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.

Left Side Loop Hike, 5.5 difficult miles on the Joe Gmiter Trail. Meet at the abandoned bank, Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. 11:45 a.m. Sept. 18. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

Monument Trail Hike, eight moderate-to-difficult miles at High Point State Park. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 315 and Oak Street, Dupont. 9:45 a.m. Sept. 25. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

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.

Head to Lackawanna State Park June 25 for a free introduction to fly fishing. No fishing license or equipment needed. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission at Lackawanna State Park, 1839 N. Abington Road, North Abington Township. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25. Register on line at gonefishingpa.com or call 570-477-2206.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_6.24-outdoors-flyfishing.jpg.optimal.jpgHead to Lackawanna State Park June 25 for a free introduction to fly fishing. No fishing license or equipment needed. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission at Lackawanna State Park, 1839 N. Abington Road, North Abington Township. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25. Register on line at gonefishingpa.com or call 570-477-2206.