First Posted: 1/15/2015

THIS WEEK: Jan. 21 to 27, 2015

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing. Free use of equipment on the trails of Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. There must be at least four inches of snow on the ground for skis and six inches for snowshoes. Brief instructions upon request; first come, first served. 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays through Feb. 28. 570-403-2006.

Eagle Watch Fridays, field trips to the Upper Delaware River in search of nesting bald eagles. Meet at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fridays from Jan. 23 to Feb. 13. $20 includes bus transportation. Pack a lunch and binoculars. Reservations: 570-629-3061.

Eagle Watch for Eagle Enthusiasts. Join Jan Lokuta on a trip to the Mongaup Reservoir, the Delaware River and the Eagle Institute to seek out winter residents and nesting pairs. Bring a lunch, camera and warm clothes. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 24. $20. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Cross-Country Skiing. Learn the basics and practice on an old logging road loop. Skis, poles and boots provided but remember to register your shoe size to guarantee a spot. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Through Feb. 8: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays; 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays. $20; $10 children. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Snowmobile Safety Training, a certification course (which is required for all operators ages 10 to 15). All ages welcome. Environmental Learning Center, Lackawanna State Park, Route 407, Dalton. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 24, 25, 31 and Feb. 1. Registration: 570-945-3239.

Sharing Your Yard with Wildlife, an illustrated presentation on simple things to do to enhance your property’s wildlife value. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Jan. 24. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Animal Tracks, interpreting tracks and signs left in the snow. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 24. $5. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Jan. 25. 570-542-5948.

Nescopeck State Park Hike, six moderate miles. Meet at the Mountain Top Fire House, 1 Lehigh St. 11:45 a.m. Jan. 25. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-645-9617.

Animal Tracking. Explore natural areas for tracks, trails, scat, territory marks, eat marks and other signs. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 25. Free. 570-828-2319.

Winter Fest and Potluck, the annual day of winter activities including showshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating , animal and bird watching and hiking followed by a potluck dinner around a bonfire or at the Picton Activity Center. Sponsored by the North Branch Land Trust at the George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary, off Pond Creek Road, Foster Township. 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 25. $10. Registration: 570-696-5545.

Hiking Through the Natural Beauty of Pennsylvania, an exploration of regional hidden waterfalls, expansive vistas and isolated wild areas by outdoorsman and author Jeff Mitchell (“Hiking the Endless Mountains”). Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 11 a.m. Jan. 31. Free. 570-996-1500.

Ecozone Discovery Room! Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave and dig in a fossil pit in this indoor exhibit on natural history. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 25. $2. 570-828-2319.

FUTURE

Introduction to Snowshoeing. Learn the basics, then enjoy a winter stomp through the woods. No experience necessary. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 31. $10. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Eagle Watch. Join Jan Lokuta on a trip to the Mongaup Reservoir, the Delaware River and the Eagle Institute to seek out winter residents and nesting pairs. Bring a lunch, camera and warm clothes. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 1. $20. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Gouldsboro State Park Hike, seven moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315 and Oak Street, Pittston Township. 10:45 a.m. Feb. 1. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-346-8010.

Intermediate Fly-Tying, a two-session course spearheaded by state champion Scott Cesari. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 7 and 14. $15. Registration: 610-381-6188.

Animal Tracking. Explore natural areas for tracks, trails, scat, territory marks, eat marks and other signs. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 7. $5. 570-828-2319.

WinterFest, the annual day of winter activities with ice-safety and ice-fishing demonstrations, children’s activities, cross-country and snowshoe equipment loans and more. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 7. Free. 570-403-2006.

Eagles Mere Toboggan Ride, a weather-permitting trip to sled onto the lake at Eagles Mere. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center on Memorial Highway. 7:45 a.m. Feb. 8. If toboggan is not running (call 570-525-3244 to check), meet at 11:45 a.m. for a six-mile hike around the Eagles Mere lake. Bring lunch and water. 570-655-4979.

Winter Waterfalls, a trip to observe and photograph winter waterfalls in the Pocono area. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 8. $12. Call to reserve a seat in the van. 570-828-2319.

Public Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour journey into the bog environment on floating platforms. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 1 p.m. Feb. 8. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Tree-Tapping Day, a day of maple sugaring at the Meesing Sugar Bush in Marshall’s Creek. Stop by for one hour or the entire day to observe the tapping of the trees, running of tube-collection lines and setting up the evaporator. Feb. 10 beginning at 10 a.m. Free. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Winter Wonderland Family Nature Getaway, a weekend of cross-country skiing, animal tracking, nature hikes, crafts, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Feb. 13 to 16. $225 includes three nights lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Monday lunch. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Winter Wildlife Walk, an easy two-mile trek to look for clues wildlife leaves behind. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 10 a.m. Feb. 14. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Valentine’s Day for Wildlife, a look at animals whose instincts turn to romance in mid-February. Dress for the outdoors. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Feb. 14. $5. 570-629-3061.

Boulder Field Hike, six moderate miles at Hickory Run State Park. Bring water and a snack. Meet at the Mountain Top Fire Company back lot, 1 Lehigh St. 11:45 a.m. Feb. 15. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 215-260-9445.

Birding Field Trip, to Barnegat Light State Park and Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey to seek out harlequin ducks, purple sandpipers, red-breasted mergansers and other shorebirds and songbirds. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 7 a.m. Feb. 21. $5. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Registration: 570-362-8727.

Cross-Country Skiing. Learn the basics and practice on an old logging road loop. Skis, poles and boots provided but remember to register your shoe size to guarantee a spot. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 21; 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 22. $20; $10 children. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

A Tropical Escape to T & T, an illustrated talk on the favorite birding destination of Trinidad and Tobago. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Feb. 21. $5. 570-629-3061.

Ecozone Discovery Room! Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave and dig in a fossil pit in this indoor exhibit on natural history. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 21. 570-828-2319.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Feb. 22. Free. 570-542-5948.

Wilderness Skills, outdoor survival skills ranging from fire building and camping preparedness to tracking and stalking animals. Age 10 and older. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 22. $5. 570-828-2319.

Wild Creek Cove Hike, six moderate miles at Beltzville State Park. Meet at the Sears Auto Center, Wyoming Valley Mall, Kidder Street, Wilkes-Barre Township. 11:45 a.m. Feb. 22. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Retain the Rain, a workshop in water conservation along with tips on minimizing water pollution. Also: an exhibit of 20 rain barrels painted by local artists. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Feb. 28. 570-629-3061.

Introduction to Snowshoeing. Learn the basics, then enjoy a winter stomp through the woods. No experience necessary. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 28. $10. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Birding Field Trip to the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area to observe thousands of snow geese, tundra swans and other waterfowl, raptors and songbirds. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 a.m. March 7. $5. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Registration: 570-443-7791.

Camouflage and Mimicry: What You See Isn’t What You See! A talk by naturalist Rick Kovalon the techniques and adaptations animals use to avoid detection. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 11 a.m. March 14. Free. 570-996-1500.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. March 22. Free. 570-542-5948.

Signs of Spring on the Farm, an exploration of early spring flowers, wildlife happenings and more on the trails of Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 247 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 2 to 4 p.m. March 28. $5. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Tumblin’ Timberdoodles, an evening birding trip to observe the American woodcock performing its courtship “sky dance” at a site in Sweet Valley. Meet at the Country Club Shopping Center in Dallas. 7:10 p.m. April 11. Free. Registration: 570-362-8727.

Scranton Half-Marathon, the second annual 13.1-mile race through the streets of Scranton and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Also: a quarter-mile Kids Fun Run for ages 5 to 10. April 12 with half-marathon at 9 a.m. and Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. $80. Register at scrantonhalf.com.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. April 26. Free. 570-542-5948.

Birding Field Trip to the Bear Creek Camp to observe the spring bird migration. May 7. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Call 570-586-3702 for time and meeting place.

Spring Migration Count. Volunteer to count birds for this important national census on May 9. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Call 570-362-8727 for details.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. May 24. Free. 570-542-5948.

Bike Ride and Birding on the Black Diamond Trail from Mountain Top to Moosehead Lake — or beyond. Bring bike, binoculars, water and snacks for this two-to-three-hour trip. Meet at the Black Diamond Trailhead, Route 534, Mountain Top. 8 a.m. May 30. Free. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Registration: 570-443-7791.