THIS WEEK: JULY 3, to 9, 2009
Boulder Field Basics, a short talk on this geologic wonder. Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Today at 2:30 p.m.; Sunday at 11 a.m. 443-0400.
Introduction to Orienteering, how to read a topographic map and use a compass. All equipment provided. Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Today at 3:30 p.m. 443-0400.
The Nature of America, the history of conservation in the U.S. from the Native Americans and pilgrims through Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt. Susquehanna Riverlands, 634 Salem Blvd., Berwick. Tonight at 7. Free. 866-832-3312.
Wild Pennsylvania, a multimedia program by photographer and author Mike Gadomski (“Wild Pennsylvania: A Celebration of Our State’s Natural Beauty”). Campground Amphitheater, Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Saturday at 9:15 p.m. 443-0400.
Birds & Beans, a short relaxing bird walk. Bring a travel mug to fill up with coffee before and after the walk. Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Sunday at 7 a.m. 443-0400.
Warrior Run Trail Hike, seven easy miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. Sunday at 12:45 p.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 675-8912.
Cranberry Bog Walks, guided walks to explore the habitat of the Tannersville bog which includes orchids and insect-eating plants. Meet at the Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. Wednesdays through Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. $4. Registration: 629-3061.
Senior Citizens Outing, two easy miles to Starlight, an old cross-country ski trail in northern Wayne County. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. Thursday at 9 a.m. 343-5144.
Hickory Run Hike, 3.5 miles along the Sand Spring, Blue, Pine Hill and Hickory Run trails at Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Thursday at 9 a.m. Meet at the park office. 443-0400.
Harveys Lake Walking Club, an evening walk along Park, Pine, Ash and Oak streets at Harveys Lake. Meet at Pole 155. Thursdays at 7 p.m. 639-3299.
Butterfly Exhibit, a netted greenhouse with 20 species of free-fluttering butterflies among trickling water features and lush flowering plants. Through Oct. 12 at Reptiland, 18628 Route 15, Allenwood. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. after Labor Day. 538-1869 or reptiland.com.
Keystone Active Zone Passport, a free program that encourages people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors at area parks, trails and events in Luzerne County during the summer – and win prizes after Labor Day. Register at stepstoahealthierluzernecounty.org, then visit any or all of the passport’s 24 stops and find the answers to the scavenger hunt questions. 408-1630.
FUTURE
Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, with Bruce Troy of Wild Birds Unlimited. Meet in the parking lot of the Environmental Education Center and boat rental, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. July 11 at 8:30 a.m. Bring binoculars. Free. 675-9900.
Harveys Lake Walking Club, a morning walk along Park, Pine, Ash and Oak streets at Harveys Lake. Meet at Pole 155. Saturdays at 9 a.m. 639-3299.
Wildflower Walk, two easy miles around Lake Scranton to learn wildflower identification with naturalist Jane Frye. Meet at the Lake Scranton parking lot off Route 307, Scranton. July 11 at 10 a.m. 343-5144.
Live Owls! Join the naturalists from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center who bring a great horned owl, barn owl and screech owl. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway, Dallas. July 11 at 10 a.m. Free. 675-9900.
Water World: A Pond Study, an introduction to aquatic life followed by hands-on learning in the outdoor ponds. Susquehanna Riverlands, 634 Salem Blvd., Berwick. July 11 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free. 866-832-3312.
Raymondskill Falls Hike, three moderate miles to the falls and cliffs in Milford with naturalist Jane Frye. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. July 12 at 9:15 a.m. 343-5144.
Bike Ride, a 16-mile ride on the D&H Rail Trail from Forest City to Herrick Center and back. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 North Blakely St., Dunmore. July 12 at 10 a.m. Free. 388-2418.
Prompton Dam State Park Hike, nine moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315 and Oak Street in Dupont. July 12 at 10:45 a.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 825-7200.
Edible Plants Walk. Join Jerry and Len Janus on a hike to discover wild edible plants and herbs. Susquehanna Riverlands, 634 Salem Blvd., Berwick. July 12, 1:30 p.m. Free. 866-832-3312.
Dragonfly and Damselfly Watch, a trek through the wetlands at Davis Crossing Sanctuary with the Lackawanna Audubon Society. Meet at Lake Winola. July 12 at 2:30 p.m. Meet in the parking lot. 883-7543.
Basics of Kayaking, instruction for beginners. Kayaks and life vests provided. Tuscarora State Park, 687 Tuscarora Park Road, Barnesville. Sundays, 3 to 5 p.m. from July 12 to Aug. 9. $15. Registration: 467-2506.
Pinnacle Hike, nine difficult miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. July 19 at 9:45 a.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 889-5256.
Mushroom Hike, an easy hike along the falls and loop trail with mushroom expert Dave Wasilewski who points out the varieties favorable for picking. Seven Tubs Natural Area, off Route 115, Wilkes-Barre. July 19 at 10 a.m. Free. 819-2147.
On and Under the Delaware River Cleanup. A volunteer weekend spent cleaning up along the banks and where the water is shallow. Complementary canoes, campsites, breakfast and a barbecue dinner for all volunteers. Sponsored by Kittatinny Canoes, 102 Kittatinny Court, Dingmans Ferry. July 20-21 at 8:30 a.m.; July 22 at 8 a.m. Interested volunteers, call 800-356-2852.
Hickory Run Hike, 3.5 miles along the Stage and Leonardsville trails at Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. July 23 at 9 a.m. Meet outside the entrance to Camp Shehaqua. 443-0400.
Senior Citizen Outing, three easy miles around Tobyhanna Lake with naturalist Jane Frye. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. July 23 at 9 a.m. 343-5144.
Build a Pond Workshop, a hands-on seminar on the general design of an ecosystem pond. The Lands at Hillside Farms, 65 Hillside Road, Trucksville. July 25, 8 a.m. to noon. $10. Registration: 696-2881.
River Paddle Fest, a 12-mile river trip from Mehoopany to Tunkhannock in conjunction with the annual Riverfest celebration. Hosted by Endless Mountain Outfitters. July 25 at 9:30 a.m. Details at 746-9140 or emo444.com.
D&H Rail Trail Hike or Bike. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. July 26 at 9:15 a.m. 343-5144.
Kayak Race, held in conjunction with Celebrate Our River Day and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Tunkhannock. Riverside Park, Tunkhannock. July 26 at 11 a.m. Information: 836-4585.
Frances Slocum State Park Hike, four easy miles followed by a blueberry-picking session at Smith Blueberry Farm followed by a cookout. Meet at the park office, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. July 26 at 12:45 p.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 675-8912.
Ricketts Glen State Park Hike, seven difficult miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, off Route 309, Dallas. Aug. 2 at 11:45 a.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 346-8010.
Nescopeck State Park Hike, six moderate miles. Meet at the Mountain Top Hose Company, Route 437. Aug. 9 at 11:45 a.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 889-5256.
Hickory Run Hike, 2.25 miles along the Gould, Fireline, Hickory Run and Skyline trails at Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. Meet at the Gould Trail parking area off Route 534. 443-0400.
Endure for a Cure Bike Ride, the first annual event to benefit cancer research. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. Aug. 16 with the 65-mile ride starting at 7:30 a.m.; the 35-mile ride at 9 a.m. and the 12-15 mile ride at 10:30 a.m. Registration: 562-9749 or endureforacure.org.
Breakneck Ridge Hike, eight or 10 difficult miles with rock scrambles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. Aug. 16 at 8:45 a.m. Bring lunch and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 823-1312.
Hickory Run Hike, four miles along the Fourth Run, Stage and Lake trails at Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. Meet at Hickory Run Lake. 443-0400.
Loyalsock Trail Hike, eight difficult miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Route 309, Dallas. Aug. 23 at 9:45 a.m. Bring lunch and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 825-7200.
Hickory Run Hike, 3.5 miles along the Ridge, Stage and Fourth Run trails at Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. Meet at the park office. 443-0400.
High Knob Vista Hike, 10 difficult miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Route 309, Dallas. Aug. 30 at 9:45 a.m. Bring lunch and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 457-0527.
Hickory Run Hike, three miles along the Gould, Fireline and Skyline trails at Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. Meet at the Gould Trail parking area off Route 534. 443-0400.
Hickory Run Hike, six miles along the Stage, Fourth Run, Stone and Boulder Field trails at Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Old Stage Road. 443-0400.
Hickory Run Hike, 2.25 miles along the Hawk Falls and Orchard trails at Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. Meet at the Hawk Falls parking lot. 443-0400.
