Outdoors

THIS WEEK: MARCH 8 to 14, 2013

Sugar Shack Scramble, an orienteering expedition to the Two Saps Sugar Shack followed by cocoa and pancakes with fresh maple syrup. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. $15, $10 children. Reservations: 828-2319.

Basic Boating Course, sponsored by the state Fish and Boat Commission. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Registration: 406-4041.

Gardening for Birds and Butterflies, with Penn State Master Gardener Roberta Troy. The Lands at Hillside, 65 Hillside Road, Shavertown. 10 a.m. Saturday. $5. Registration: 825-1701.

Fly Fishing Program, covering equipment, casting, strategy, fly tying, basic entomology and local fishing areas. Included: a film, slide program and raffles. Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. $8. Registration: 629-3061.

Honey, Have You Seen the Bees? Beekeepers Ginny and James Wood bring a hive display, talk about honeybees and provide honey samples. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. $10; free for kids. 967-7275.

Birds of Prey, the natural history of various species with live raptors on hand. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. Saturday. Free. 675-9900.

Mocanaqua Loop Hike, seven difficult miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 11:45 a.m. Sunday. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 825-7200.

Amphibian Search, seeking out frogs and salamanders. Wear boots and clothes that can get muddy. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. $5. 828-2319.

Container Gardening, growing herbs and vegetables for those with limited gardening space. Luzerne County West Side Annex, 2009 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. 1 p.m. Wednesday. $5. Registration: 825-1701.

Mystery Birding Field Trip, to an area announced the day of the trip determined by pre-trip scouting and reports on the best avian site. Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 15. $20 includes van transportation. Bring a lunch and binoculars. Reservations: 629-3061.

The Renal Race, a 5K and Fun Walk to raise money for kidney cancer throughout downtown Wilkes-Barre before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. March 16 with registration at Rodano’s on Public Square at 7:30 a.m. followed by the race at 9 a.m. $15 advance, $20 day of event. Information at therenalrace.org.

Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, a leisurely walk through the park to seek out songbirds. Meet at the Environmental Education Center and boat rental area, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 8:30 a.m. March 16. Free. 675-9900.

Apple-Tree Grafting Workshop. Bring two landscape pots at least 10 inches deep to pot your new trees. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 9 to 11:30 a.m. March 16. $30 includes root stock, scions and soil. Registration: 992-6161.

Master Gardener Tips and Tricks, including container gardening, maintenance and design, discouraging unwanted animals and gardening shortcuts. The Lands at Hillside, 65 Hillside Road, Shavertown. 10 a.m. to noon March 16. $5. Registration: 825-1701.

Fossil Trail Hike, a 1.25-mile trek past a vernal pool and a mature hardwood ravine with fossils along the way. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1:30 to 3 p.m. March 16. $10. 828-2319.

Woodcock Walk, an evening walk to observe the spectacular mating ritual of the American woodcock. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 6 p.m. March 16. $5. Age 10 and older. 828-2319.

Tobyhanna State Park Hike, eight moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. 10:45 a.m. March 17. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 346-8101.

A Lifetime of Birds, a presentation by photographer Dave Fisher. Anthracite Heritage Museum, 22 Bald Mountain Road, McDade Park, Scranton. 2:30 p.m. March 17. 586-5156.

Oceans of North America, a talk by oceanographer John Dickinson covering marine life and information about climate seen on ice cores. Presented by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. March 18. Free. 542-5948.

Tree Pruning Class, the how, why, where, what and when to prune with forester Jim Kessler. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 9 a.m. March 23. $15. 967-7275.

The Woods in Your Backyard, a sustainable landscape workshop on planning and implementing simple stewardship practices to make a positive difference in the environment. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 23. $25. Registration: 825-1701.

Reptiles and Amphibians of Northeastern Pennsylvania, with naturalist and WNEP-TV’s “Outdoor Life” personality Rick Koval. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 11 a.m. March 23. Free. 996-1500.

Equinox Extravaganza, a family-oriented event to celebrate the end of winter with educational and fun stations on a guided trail. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. March 23. $5 per child. 828-2319.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area, with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at Market Street and Dawes Avenue, Kingston. 8 a.m. March 24. Free. 542-5948.

1000 Steps Trail Hike, 8.5 difficult miles. Meet at the Sears Automotive Center parking lot, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. Bring lunch and water. 9:45 a.m. March 24. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 283-1312.

Sunday for Singles, a hike to meet new people and explore nature together. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. March 24. Free. 828-2319.

Sustainability Series, a session on “Understanding and Managing Environmental Opportunities and Challenges Related to Marcellus Shale: Groundwater, Energy, Ecosystem” with DEP representatives, Marcellus Shale industry officials, geologists, wildlife biologists and elected officials. Environmental Education Institute, Keystone College, La Plume. 6 p.m. March 26. Free. 945-8555.

Sounds of a Spring Night, an indoor session followed by an outdoor walk. Bring a flashlight. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 7 to 8 p.m. March 30. Free. Registration: 403-2006.

Live Native Animals. Get up close and personal with native birds, reptiles and mammals of the Pocono Wildlife Rehab Center. Lackawanna Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Covington Township. 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 3. $5. Registration: 842-1506.

Raised Bed Gardening, a session with Master Gardener Mary Ann Miller. The Lands at Hillside, 65 Hillside Road, Shavertown. 10 a.m. to noon April 6. $5. Registration: 825-1701.

Susquehanna Warrior Trail 5K Race and Fun Walk on the old railroad bed of the Delaware and Lackawanna Railroad along the Suquehanna River. Registration Pavilion, Oak and North Canal streets, Shickshinny. April 6 with registration 9 to 10 a.m. and event at 10:15 a.m. $17 until March 23; $20 thereafter. Tee-shirts to the first 200 entrants. 542-7946.

Spring Waterfalls, a trip to some of the scenic waterfalls in the region. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. April 6. $20 includes van transportation. Reservations: 828-2319.

Frank Gantz Trail Hike, 8.5 moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. Bring lunch and water. 9:45 a.m. April 7. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 825-7200.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Trip, to one of Delaware’s premier waterfowl and shorebird sites. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. April 10 and 11. Call 586-3702 for details.

Chainsaw Day. Volunteer to cut and clear winter debris. Free food and T-shirts. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 9 a.m. April 13. Registration: 967-7275.

Salamanders, Frogs and More! Explore nearby breeding pools for egg masses. Nets and collection jars provided for gentle, up-close study. Wear boots and old clothes. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. April 13 and 28. $5. 828-2319.

Peeper Search. Listen to the impressive choir of these tiny tree frogs while carefully catching, studying and releasing them. Bring a flashlight. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 to 9 p.m. April 13. $5. 828-2319.

Bruce Lake Natural Area Hike, eight moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. Bring lunch and water. 10:45 a.m. April 14. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 814-2803.

Trees: Celebrating Their Importance for Wildlife and People, a talk by Service Forester Ben Hardy who gives tips on improving habitat for birds and wildlife. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. April 15. Free. 542-5948.

Amphibian Walk, a short introduction followed by a walk in search of eggs, tadpoles, salamanders, newts, frogs and toads. Hosted by Rick Koval at the Lackawanna Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Covington Township. 6 to 8 p.m. April 17. $5. Registration: 842-1506.

Earth Day Celebration, a cleanup session around the greenhouses and barns at The Lands at Hillside, 65 Hillside Road, Shavertown. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20. Wear gloves and bring rakes and shovels. 888-887-7811.

Earth Day Celebration, with hands-on learning stations, interpretive hikes, conservation exhibits, animals, crafts, food, music and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20. $5 per car. 828-2319.

Art in Nature, a workshop on using clay pots and moss to create living wreaths. Lackawanna Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Covington Township. 9 a.m. to noon April 20. $25. Registration: 842-1506.

Herbs from the Ground Up, growing herbs, their uses and preservation with Master Gardener Jo Robbins. The Lands at Hillside, 65 Hillside Road, Shavertown. 10 a.m. to noon April 20. $5. Registration: 825-1701.

Trail Cleanup Day. Clear park trails of branches, trash and debris. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 11 a.m. April 20. Free food and T-shirts. Registration: 967-7275.

Egypt Lake Area Hike, 8.5 moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. Bring lunch and water. 9:45 a.m. April 21. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 457-0527.

Cycle and Recycle, an afternoon of activities focused on recycling, composting and bike riding for all ages. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 12:30 to 5 p.m. April 21. 967-7275.

Sustainability Series, a session on “Preserving Green Space Through Land Trusts” with representatives from Countryside Conservancy, the North Branch Land Trust and the Edward L. Rose Conservancy of Susquehanna County. Environmental Education Institute, Keystone College, La Plume. 6 p.m. April 23. Free. 945-8555.

Gardening Workshop, an all-day session on turf management, trees, flowers, soil, water features, shade gardens and vegetables with keynote speaker Vincent Cotrone on “Trees and Shrubs in a Changing Landscape.” Also: a plant sale and flea market. Sponsored by the Penn State Master Gardeners at the Technology Center, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, off Old Route 118, Lehman Township. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27. $30. Registration: 825-1701.

Egg Hunt, collecting salamander eggs and learning about their hatching. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 to 4 p.m. April 27. Free. 967-7275.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area, with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at Market Street and Dawes Avenue, Kingston. 8 a.m. April 28. Free. 542-5948.

Pennsylvania Environmental Center Hike, 8.5 moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. Bring lunch and water. 9:45 a.m. April 28. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 457-0527.

Rain Barrel Workshop, how to reuse raindrops to protect the watershed and manage stormwater to reduce source pollution and flooding. Environmental Education Institute, Keystone College, La Plume. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4. $25 includes a rain barrel. 945-8555.

Backyard Composting, a workshop with Master Gardener Mary Ann Miller. The Lands at Hillside, 65 Hillside Road, Shavertown. 10 a.m. to noon May 11. $5. Registration: 825-1701.

Creatures of the Night, a program by the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center with live nocturnal animals. Presented at the Annual Banquet of the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Apple Tree Terrace, Newberry Estate, Pioneer Avenue, Dallas. 6 p.m. May 14. $35. Reservations by May 3. 542-5948.

Sustainability Series, a session on “How to Work with Conservation Districts to Conserve Natural Resources on Your Private Land” including tips on free services and information. Environmental Education Institute, Keystone College, La Plume. 6 p.m. May 21. Free. 945-8555.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area, with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at Market Street and Dawes Avenue, Kingston. 8 a.m. May 26. Free. 542-5948.

Heritage Explorer Bike Tour & Festival, a family-friendly, non-competitive event to benefit the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Choose from out-and-back routes of 5, 11, 22 or 44 miles beginning at Mellow Park in Peckville and proceeding on local rail trails and streets. June 15 with the 44-mile departing at 8 a.m. with the other rides leaving throughout the morning. Also: A community festival with music, food, exhibits, raffles and children’s activities 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mellow Park. 963-6730.

CCC Reunion and Festival, the annual celebration of the Civilian Conservation Corps with music, geocaching, crafting, art, dancing, food, interpretive talks, the Blacksmith Shop, Masker Museum, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl. Promised Land State Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17. 676-3428.