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First Posted: 5/5/2013
THIS WEEK: May 10 to 16, 2013
Warbler Weekend, guided hikes to learn bird identification by sight, sound and habitat. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Begins tonight and continues through Sunday afternoon. $195 includes lodging and six meals. Reservations: 828-2319.
Spring Bird Walk, a morning of bird watching covering a wide area of the 400-acre preserve, home to an extensive variety of species. Florence Shelly Nature Preserve, Route 171 and Stack Road, Thompson. 6 a.m. Saturday. 727-3362.
Rockin’ Red Run, the first annual 5K race and Family Fun Run to benefit the American Red Cross of Wyoming and Susquehanna counties. Meet at the Lake Carey Fire Department. Saturday with check-in 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and event at 9 a.m. $15 advance, $20 day of race. 575-3116.
Waverly Waddle, a 5K run and walk through the historic village of Waverly with a Junior Waddle for age 8 and under. Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road. Saturday with registration 8 to 8:45 a.m. and event at 9 a.m. $15, $8 children. 586-8191 or waverlycomm.org.
A Bird in the Hand: Songbird Mist Netting. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with ornithologist Jeffrey Stratford who demonstrates how to capture, identify, measure, band and release songbirds. Meet at Lake Frances, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday. Free. 403-2006.
Candy’s Place Rainbow Walk, the 16th annual 2.5-mile walk with food, music and prizes. Kirby Park Pavilion, Wilkes-Barre. Saturday with registration at 9 a.m. and walk at 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Center for Cancer Wellness. Registration: 714-8800.
A-Raising Race, a three-mile run through downtown Scranton with stops at several United Neighborhood Centers (UNC). Meet at the Iron Furnaces, 159 Cedar Ave., Scranton. Saturday with registration at 9 a.m. and race 10 a.m. to noon. Followed by a Birthday Bash to celebrate UNC’s 90th anniversary 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Side Senior Center, 1004 Jackson St., Scranton. $15, $10 students and seniors. 604-4438.
Introduction to Fishing. Learn the basics, then try your luck on the ponds. Equipment provided; no license necessary. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday. $5 adults; $10 children. Registration: 828-2319.
Walk for Kids’ Sake, a 5K event sponsored by Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Bridge. Martz Pavilion, Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Saturday. $20, $10 children. 824-8756 or walkforkidssake.com.
Astronomy Day. Observe the planets Jupiter and Saturn along with star clusters and galaxies with the Lackawanna Astronomical Society. Thomas G. Cupillari Observatory of Keystone College, Fleetville. 7 p.m. Saturday. Free. Weather permitting. 586-0789.
Prompton State Park Hike, nine moderate miles. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 346-8010.
Tannersville Cranberry Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour exploration of the northern boreal bog with novel plant and insect life. Meet at the Bog parking lot, Cherry Lane Road, off Route 611, Tannersville. 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday and Wednesdays through June 5. $6. Registration: 629-3061.
Wetlands Islands. Help plant and launch two floating islands made of recycled plastic onto the lake at Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. Meet at the Environmental Education Building at 10:30 a.m. Monday. Registration: 696-9101.
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. Wednesday. $35. Reservations: 479-0400.
Fungus, Moss and Lichen Walk, to learn about the natural history, ecology and evolution of mushrooms, lichens and mosses. Lackawanna College Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Moscow. 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. $5. Registration: 842-1506.
Keystone Active Zone Passport, a free program that encourages people to get outside and active at more than 30 local parks, trails and outdoor events in Luzerne County. Earn awards and win prizes by exploring the county and logging your discoveries through Sept. 30. Join anytime by registering at KAZpassport.com or call 823-2191.
FUTURE
Spring Bird Walk, a leisurely walk with naturalist Evan Mann. Florence Shelly Preserve, Route 171 and Stack Road, Thompson. 7:30 a.m. May 18. 727-3362.
Bird Walk, a morning walk to learn bird identification and natural history. Binoculars and field guides provided. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 to 10 a.m. May 18. $5. Registration: 828-2319.
Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, a leisurely walk to seek out songbirds. Meet at the Environmental Education Center and Boat Rental, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 8:30 a.m. May 18. Free. 675-9900.
Jorge’s Walk to Defeat ALS, the third annual event to raise money to defeat ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Town Park, off Market Street, Bloomsburg. May 18 with registration at 9 a.m. and two-mile walk at 10:30 a.m. 394-8516.
Penn State Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions at Keiner’s Nursery, 1713 Slocum Road, Wapwallopen. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 18. 417-3262.
Spring Bloomers Walk, three moderate miles through Lackawanna State Park. Meet at the Rowlands Road entrance. 10 a.m. May 18. Free. 343-5144 or hikingjane.com.
Pocono Wetlands, indoor and outdoor sessions on these unique ecosystems with resource conservationist Victor Motts. Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 18. $5. Registration: 629-3061.
Live Eagles, an up-close look at these magnificent birds with naturalists from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Route 309. 1 p.m. May 18. Free. 675-9900.
Herpetology Series, an in-depth look at the amphibians and reptiles of the area. Part one of a four-part series. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 3 to 8 p.m. May 18. $30. Reservations: 828-2319.
Bear Mountain Hike, eight difficult miles with rock scrambles but beautiful views including treks through Storm King State Park in New York state. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. 8:45 a.m. May 19. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 825-7200.
March for Babies, the annual March of Dimes fundraising walk. King’s College Betzler Field, Highland Park Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre Township. May 19 with registration at 9 a.m. and walk at 10 a.m. Followed by entertainment, lunch, children’s activities, goodie bags and more. Register at 829-1019 or marchforbabies.org.
YMCA Hike to Staback Park, three moderate miles. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. 9:15 a.m. May 19. $8. 343-5144 or hikingjane.com.
Spring Triathlon, a fundraiser for Branden’s Heart, an organization combating substance abuse. With running, biking and whitewater rafting (which can be split between team members) at Lehigh Gorge State Park. Meet at Whitewater Challengers Rafting Center, 288 N. Stagecoach Road, Weatherly. May 19 with a pre-event orientation at 11 a.m., shuttle to starting point at noon and event at 12:30 p.m. $45; $60 after May 1. Registration deadline: May 12. Details at 443-9532 or whitewaterchallengers.com/triathlon.
Walk for Recovery and Mental Health Fair, the 12th annual event sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Meet in the parking lot of Guard Insurance Group, South River and West Market streets, Wilkes-Barre. May 19 at noon with walk to Kirby Park at 12:30 p.m., followed by the fair including a cookout, Chinese auction and information on mental health. Free. 371-3844.
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.
Senior Citizen Outing, three easy miles on the Lackawanna River Trail. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. 9 a.m. May 23. $8. 343-5144 or hikingjane.com.
Spring Fling Family Nature Weekend, with hikes, animal presentations, fishing, canoeing, crafts, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. May 24 to 27. $210 includes lodging and nine meals. Reservations: 828-2319.
Caring for C.O.P.S. 5K Race and Walk, to benefit Fallen Officers Remembered, an organization that raises funds to purchase body armor for police. Begins at 100 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. May 25 with registration 8 to 9:45 a.m. and event at 10 a.m. $20 before May 15; $25 thereafter. Sponsored by the Lackawanna College Police Academy. 346-9679.
Bird Walk, to seek out spring songbirds. Meet at the park office, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8 a.m. May 25. Free. Registration: 403-2006.
Discover Lehigh Gorge Walk, an easy one-hour walk to search for spring wildflowers and remnants of the area’s history. Meet at the White Haven Community Library, 243 Main St. 11 a.m. May 25. Free. 403-2005 or 443-8776.
Family Nature Hike, along the Lakeshore Trail to Turtle Pond. Meet at Pavilion #3, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 2 p.m. May 25. Free. 696-9105.
Live Birds of Prey, with live hawks and owls. Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 7:30 p.m. May 25. Free. 696-9105.
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.
Tree Walk and Talk, to learn local tree identification. Meet near the entrance to the boat rental parking lot, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 4 p.m. May 26. Free. 696-9105.
Pennsylvania Natural Symbols, a refresher on the state’s various symbols. Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 7 p.m. May 26. Free. 696-3525.
Sustainable Landscape Bus Tour, to view seven sites in Luzerne County that showcase land-management techniques, native plants, riparian buffers, rain gardens, grass parking pads, green roofs, pollinator gardens and more. Meet at the Kirby Park Natural Area, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 31. $20 includes tour, lunch, raffle prizes and a tour booklet. Registration: 825-1701.
Lackawanna Riverfest, sponsored by the Lackawanna River Corridor Association. Begins with timed canoe runs on the Lackawanna River from launch sites in Archbald and Blakely to Scranton. Festivities continue at the Olive Street Bridge river bank in Scranton with a Duck-a-thon, a Regatta, music, food, educational and environmental displays and river activities. June 1 with the canoe race at 8 a.m. and festivities 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 347-6311 or lrca.org.
Finishing the Fight 5K Run and Walk, a benefit for troops deployed to foreign countries. Mellow Park, Peckville. June 1 with registration at 9 a.m. and race at 11 a.m. 614-6341 or finishingthefight.com.
Memorial Pet Walk, with activities for pets and their families, music by the Phyllis Hopkins Electric Trio, the Scranton K-9 Unit, Alan Finn’s Designing Dogs, dog massage and wellness, vendors, pet rescues, raffles and food. McDade Park, off Keyser Avenue, Scranton. June 1 with registration at 10 a.m., blessing of pets at 11 a.m. and walk at 11:30 a.m. Event ends at 5:30 p.m. $25 walkers. Sponsored by Tracey’s Hope Hospice and Domestic Pet Rescue. 457-1625.
Wildflower Walk, with naturalist Jane Frey. PPL Environmental Center, Susquehanna Riverlands, 634 Salem Blvd., Berwick. 1 p.m. June 1. Free. 343-5144 or hikingjane.com.
Mammals, a program with naturalist Susan Gallagher of the Carbon County Environmental Education Center, who will bring live mammals, tanned hides and study skins. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. June 1. Free. 675-9900.
High Knob Vista Hike, 10 difficult miles in the Endless Mountains. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Route 309. 8:45 a.m. June 2. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 346-8010.
Blakeslee Natural Area Hike, three moderate miles. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. 9:15 a.m. June 2. $8. 343-5144 or hikingjane.com.
Lenape of the Eastern Woodlands, a talk on Pennsylvania’s native people including their food, clothing and shelter along with hands-on attempts at some traditional native wilderness skills such as fire by friction. Lackawanna College Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Moscow. 6 to 8 p.m. June 5. For age eight to adult. $5. Registration: 842-1506.
Butterflies and Birds, a walk through the butterfly garden and the bird-feeding station. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 1 p.m. June 8. Free. 696-3525.
Frances Slocum Trail Walk, a guided hike to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 3 p.m. June 8. Free. 696-9105.
Raymondskill Cliffs Hike, three steep miles. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. 9:15 a.m. June 9. $8. 343-5144 or hikingjane.com.
Hazleton Rails to Trails Hike, eight moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 11:45 a.m. June 9. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 457-0527.
Walk Two Miles in My Shoes, a fundraiser for reflex sympathetic disorder syndrome. McDade Park, off Keyser Avenue, Scranton. June 9 with registration at noon and event at 1 p.m. $10. 876-4034.
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.
Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, a leisurely walk to seek out songbirds. Meet at the Environmental Education Center and Boat Rental, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 8:30 a.m. June 15. Free. 675-9900.
Glen Onoko Falls Hike, nine difficult miles. Bring lunch, water and snacks. Meet at the Sears Automotive parking lot, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 9:45 a.m. June 16. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 283-1312.
Breakneck Ridge Hike, eight difficult miles with rock scrambles and vistas. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. 7:45 a.m. June 23. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 825-7200.
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.