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THIS WEEK: Aug. 19 to 25, 2016

Golden Day Out, a day geared for retirees and senior citizens beginning with a leisurely morning two-mile hike, followed by lunch (provided) and an introductory kayak paddle on Lake Frances. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19. $10. Reservations: 570-403-2006.

Wonders of Waterfalls, a short talk on the park’s many waterfalls by the park naturalist. Lake Rose Trailhead, Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton. Stop by anytime from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 19. Free. 570-477-7780.

Discover Ricketts Hike, three difficult miles on the Old Beaver Dam Road Trail to Ganoga Falls. Meet at the Shale Pit, off Route 487, Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton. 4 p.m. Aug. 19. 570-477-7780.

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.

Mushrooms and Mycelia, an illustrated talk followed by a walk on the park trails in search of fungi. Bring a bag lunch. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 10 a.m. Aug. 20. $5. 570-967-7275.

Get Outdoors Pocono Hike, 2.6 easy miles on the Cherry Creek Loop near the Delaware Water Gap. Meet at Minisink Park, River Road, Smithfield Township. 10 a.m. Aug. 20. Free but registration required: 570-839-1120.

Live Birds of Prey, presented by representatives from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center who talk about the importance of habitat conservation. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. Aug. 20. Free. 570-675-9900.

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

Early Evening Nature Walk, along the short Hilltop Loop to look for interesting plants and creatures along the way. Meet in the small parking area at the top of Green Road, outside Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 6 p.m. Aug. 20. 570-696-9105.

Nature at Night, a walk in the woods to listen for owls, look at stars and enjoy the “music of the night.” Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 20. $5. 570-828-2319.

Hook O’Malley 5K Run and Walk Against Cancer, the 24th annual event at McDade Park, Keyser Avenue and Bald Mountain Road, Scranton. Aug. 21 with registration 8:15 to 9:45 a.m. and race at 10 a.m. $25. 570-341-7787.

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 Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Edible and Medicinal Walk, to seek out natural plant remedies. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 21. $5. 570-828-2319.

Geological Hike, to talk about rocks, fossils, glacial deposits and what makes the park unique. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 21. $5. 570-828-2319.

Public Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour exploration of the northern boreal bog with unique plant and animal life. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 1 p.m. Aug. 21; 10 a.m. Aug. 24. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3060.

Discovering Butterflies: A Nature Walk, hiking the fields, woods and wetlands of the Florence Shelly Wetlands Preserve to seek out and identify butterflies. Meet at the parking lot, Route 171 and Stack Road, Thompson. 2 p.m. Aug. 21. Free. 570-727-3362.

Volunteer Workday. Help out with landscaping, litter cleanup or trail work at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Explore the Weiss Property, a walk through the meadow habitat at this recently acquired property by the Nature Conservancy. Meet at the parking lot of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 6 p.m. Aug. 23. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.

FUTURE

Discover Ricketts Hike, one easy mile on the Evergreen Tail to Adams Falls. Park at the Evergreen parking lot, Ricketts Glen State Park, off Route 118, Sweet Valley. 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 26. 570-477-7780.

Explorer Yoga on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Stretch, breathe and hike with yoga instructor Hilary Steinberg. Yoga mats provided. Blakely Borough Recreation Complex, Keystone Avenue and River Street, Peckville. 9 a.m. Aug. 27. Reservations: 570-963-6730, ext. 8203.

Pond Explorers, collecting fish, macro-invertebrates, amphibians and more for up-close study. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 27. $5. 570-828-2319.

Wild Mushroom Walk with representatives from the Delaware Highlands Mushroom Society. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 10 a.m. to noon. Aug. 27. $10. Registration: 570-689-9494.

PARS at Kettle Creek. Help to count the salamanders, frogs, toads, turtles and snakes at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg, and report the results to the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey (PARS). 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 27. $6. 570-629-3061.

Sssnakes!! Jeannie Carl of the Carbon County Environmental Education Center bring live snakes to the Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 7 p.m. Aug. 27. 570-696-9105.

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.

Bridge the Gap: 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 Aug. 28. Free. Call to reserve a boat. 570-828-2319.

Sunday for Singles. Explore nature while meeting new people. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 28. Free. 570-828-2319.

Kayaking: Level One, an introductory session on Lake Frances for those who’ve never kayaked. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 and 3 p.m. Sept. 2. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Kayaking: Level Three, a session for experienced paddlers on Lake Frances in Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 5 p.m. Sept. 2. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Migrate to the Poconos, a Family Nature Getaway Weekend with interpretive hikes, animal presentations, canoeing, crafts, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Sept. 2 to 5. $225 includes three nights lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Monday lunch. Reservations: 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

Salt Springs Celebration, with music, activities for all ages, hikes, demonstrations, quilt show, silent auction and exhibits. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 11 a.m. Sept. 3. 570-967-7275.

Birding at Frances Slocum, a leisurely walk to seek out songbirds with Bruce Troy of Wild Birds Unlimited. Meet at the parking lot of the Environmental Education Center, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 8:30 a.m. Sept. 10. Free. 570-675-9900.

Turtles of the Poconos, an outdoor program with environmental educator Darryl Speicher. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Sept. 10. $6. 570-629-3061.

Varden Conservation Day, the seventh annual event with guided hikes, children’s fishing tournament, silent auction, a presentation by the Delaware Raptor Center, food, music, homemade ice cream and prizes. Tannery Access, Varden Conservation Area, 1479 Mid Valley Road, Lake Ariel. 10 a.m. Sept. 10. Free. 570-676-3428.

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.

Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle, a free paddle on the pond. Call to reserve a boat. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 10. 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.

Fungus Among Us, a search for fungus and lichen to learn about the world of decomposition and nutrient cycling. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 11. $5. 570-828-2319.

Public Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour exploration of the northern boreal bog with unique plant and animal life. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 1 p.m. Sept. 11. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3060.

Full Moon Bog Walk, a nighttime exploration of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16. Bring a flashlight. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3060.

Bird Watching on the Water, an early morning paddle on Lake Lacawac with the Northeast Pennsylvania Audubon Society members. Followed by a bagel breakfast in the historic Watres Lodge. Boats and lifejackets provided. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 8 to 11 a.m. Sept. 17. $15. Registration: 570-689-9494.

Fall Warblers, an in-depth look at the migrating fall warbler species with biology professor Terry Master. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 17. $5. 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

SAFE Autism Walk and Resource Fair, the annual fundraiser with a bounce house, music, tricky trays, food, zumba, face painting and more. Hazleton Area High School Track, 1515 W. 23rd St. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 17. 570-822-7259.

Wildlife Detectives, techniques for discovering what mysteries live around your house or along a favorite hiking trail. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 17. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Live Eagles, presented by representatives from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center who talk about the importance of habitat conservation. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. Sept. 17. Free. 570-675-9900.

Park History Tour, exploring the park’s many historic sites and recreation areas. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18. Bring a lunch and call to reserve a seat in the van. $30. 570-828-2319.

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.

Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails Hike, four easy miles. Wear sturdy shoes and bring snacks and water. Meet at the parking lot on Route 93 in Hazleton. 9 a.m. Sept. 21. Free. 570-403-2006.

Late Summer Wildflowers, a botanical walk through the Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 21. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Historic Watres Paddle, a guided paddle on Lake Lacawac to learn about Lacawac’s 50-year history. Boats and lifejackets provided. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 24. $15. Registration: 570-689-9494.

National Public Lands Day Cleanup, a volunteer work day to help with park projects. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. Sept. 21. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Introduction to Orienteering, using a map and compass to find certain points in the park. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 24. $5. 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

Nature at Night, a walk in the woods to listen for owls, look at stars and enjoy the music of the night. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 24. $5. 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

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.

Fire Building, learning primitive firemaking skills including a flint and steel fire. For age 10 and older. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 25. $5. 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

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.

Birding at Frances Slocum, a leisurely walk to seek out songbirds with Bruce Troy of Wild Birds Unlimited. Meet at the parking lot of the Environmental Education Center, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 8:30 a.m. Oct. 8. Free. 570-675-9900.

Live Bats: Fact or Fiction, understanding the benefits provided by bats with naturalist Susan Gallagher. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. Oct. 22. Free Halloween candy for the children. 570-675-9900.