Outdoors

THIS WEEK: SEPT. 3 to 9, 2010

Migrate to PEEC, a family nature getaway with a weekend of outdoor activities for all ages. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Begins tonight at 6 and runs through Labor Day afternoon. $190 includes three nights lodging and nine meals. Discounts for children. 828-2319 or peec.org.

Labor Day Weekend Sunset Paddle, an interpretive float for boat owners. Bring a flashlight. Lackawanna State Park, North Abington Road, Dalton. Tonight, 6:30 to 8:30. $5. 945-7110.

Fossil Trail Hike. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon. Free. 828-2319 or peec.org.

Campground Trail Walk, an afternoon guided hike. Meet at the large group tent-camping area. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. Saturday at 1 p.m. 696-3525.

Lake View Trail Hike, 5.5 moderate miles at Tuscarora State Park. Meet in the Crow Trail parking lot off Tuscarora Mountain Road, Barnesville. Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Registration: 467-2506.

Lacawac Sanctuary Tours, a guided hour-long walk through the nature preserve on the western shore of Lake Wallenpaupack. Stops on the tour include a pristine glacial lake, a 120-year-old hemlock forest and the historic Adirondack Great Camp. Through Sept. 26 on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Free but donations accepted. 689-9494 or lacawac.org.

Native American Heritage, a talk on Native American customs and habits by park naturalist Kathy Kelchner. Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. Saturday at 7 p.m. 696-3525.

Spirit Trail Hike, 4.5 moderate miles through diverse habitats and views. Leashed dogs welcome. Meet at the upper beach parking lot, Tuscarora State Park, 687 Tuscarora Park Road, Barnesville. Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Registration: 467-2506.

Marvelous Monarchs, a field hunt for migrating butterflies. Nets provided. Lackawanna State Park, North Abington Road, Dalton. Labor Day at 10 a.m. 945-7110.

Thursday Hiking Series, a guided 4.5-mile easy hike on the Gamewire Trail Loop. Meet at the Gamewire Trailhead at the Organized Group Tenting Area, Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Thursday at 9 a.m. 443-0400.

Senior Citizen Hike, a four-mile moderate streamside trek at Bear Creek Camp followed by lunch at Wildflowers Restaurant. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. Thursday at 9 a.m. $5. 343-5144.

Keystone Active Zone Passport, a free program that encourages people to get outside and active at more than 30 local parks, trails and events in Luzerne County. Earn awards and prizes by exploring the county and logging your discoveries. Join anytime by registering at KAZpassport.com or call 823-2191, extension 140. Through Sept. 30.

FUTURE

Hike the Solar System. Ponder the scope and size of the solar system with a scale-model version of the sun and its attendant planets. Susquehanna Riverlands, 634 Salem Blvd., Berwick. Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m.; Sept. 11 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Free. 866-832-3312.

The Market Street Mile, a one-mile race for adults along with half- and quarter-mile races for kids. Sponsored by Bloomsburg University Track and Field. Sept. 10 with registration at Town Park in Bloomsburg at 4:30 p.m., followed by races at 6:30 p.m. 389-4891 or buhuskies.com.

Music & Rhythm in Nature. Join master drummer Maxwell Kofi Donkor for a weekend of music and nature activities. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Sept. 10 to 12. Includes two nights lodging and six meals. Reservations (by Sept. 3): 828-2319 or peec.org.

Morning Bird Walk. A guided morning stroll to observe the fall migration at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. Sept. 11 at 8 a.m. Free. Registration: 403-2006.

Birding at Frances Slocum State Park. Join Bruce Troy of Wild Birds Unlimited on a leisurely walk to seek out songbirds. Meet at the Environmental Education Center, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. Free. 675-9900.

Wildflower Walk, two easy miles around Lake Scranton to seek out blooming fall flowers with naturalist Jane Frey. Meet at the Pennsylvania-American Water Company parking lot, off Route 307, Scranton. Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. Free. 343-5144.

Varden Conservation Day, an inaugural festival with guided hikes focusing on bird and plant identification, a fishing contest for kids, homemade ice-cream, fiddle music, a history of the Varden area, scouting activities, informational displays and more. Varden Conservation Area, Tannery Road, off Route 296, Lake Township. Sept. 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 676-3428.

Live Greyhounds, a visit with retired racing greyhounds from Rainbow’s End Greyhound Rescue to learn about their unique traits. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Routes 309 and 415, Dallas. Sept. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 675-9900.

Silver Creek Fire Tower Dog Walk, four moderate miles through bird and wildlife habitats to the top of a mountain. Leashed dogs welcome. Meet at the visitor parking lot, Locust Lake State Park, 155 Locust Lake Road, Barnesville. Sept. 11, 12:30 to 3 p.m. Registration: 467-2506.

Rhythms of Nature Festival, a culturally diverse experience for all ages with food, produce, arts, crafts and music. Followed by an evening dinner and a festival jam session. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 828-2319 or peec.org.

Sundays for Singles, a nature hike especially for singles. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to noon. Free. 828-2319 or peec.org.

Fall Hike, a leisurely walk on the Larch Tree Trail and Campground Trail at Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. Bring a lunch and meet at the boat-launch parking lot. Sponsored by the Sierra Club. 819-2147.

Family Fishing Program to learn basic fishing skills, including safety and manners, casting a line and tying knots, basic fishing tackle, laws and regulations and hands-on practice. No license required. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. Free. Registration: 403-2006.

Forests and Ferns, a guided hike to learn tree identification and adaptation with botanist and fern expert Jim Montgomery. Susquehanna Riverlands, Route 11, Berwick. Sept. 12 at 1:30 p.m. Free. 866-832-3312.

Nature Water Savers, a talk on saving water in landscaping and gardening with Penn State Master Gardener Roberta Troy. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Routes 309 and 415, Dallas. Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. Free. 675-9900.

Raptor Weekend. Learn about and view the amazing spectacle of migrating raptors at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Sept. 17 to 19. $195 includes two nights lodging and six meals. Reservations (by Sept. 10): 828-2319 or peec.org.

Wildlife Habitat Workshop, wildlife management practices for deer, pheasant, woodcock, barn owl and other animals. With biologists from the Wildlife Management Institute, Pheasants Forever and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Includes a morning indoor session followed by lunch and an outdoor field tour. PPL Montour Preserve, off Route 54 near Washingtonville. Sept. 18, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain or shine. $10. Registration (by Sept. 3): 271-1140 or 672-9878.

Live Mammal Trapping and Exploration with naturalist Rick Koval. Hillside Farms, 65 Hillside Road, Trucksville. Sept. 18 at 9:30 a.m. $12. Limited to 25 participants. Reservations: 696-4500.

Family Fun Walk, a two-to-three mile hike along the Back Mountain Rail Trail from Luzerne to Trucksville. Meet at the Luzerne Trailhead, Parry Street, Luzerne. Held in conjunction with the annual Dallas Days Festival. Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. Free. 675-1950 or dallasharvestfestival.com.

BMX Trike and Bike-a-Thon, with three courses including a flat tricycle track, a 1.5-mile riding trail and a BMX track. Hazleton City View BMX Park, Poplar Street, Hazleton. Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. Proceeds benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Registration: 956-3747.

Raptor Fest, with live-raptor presentations and watches to observe the migrating raptors and warblers at the diverse birding habitat of the Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Sept. 18, 3 to 6 p.m. $20, $10 children. 828-2319 or peec.org.

Conashaugh View Equestrian Trail Hike, a 5.5-mile loop with views overlooking the Delaware River south of Milford. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. Free. Sponsored by the Sierra Club. 388-2418.

AIDS Walk to benefit the Scranton Temple Health Center. Sponsored by the University of Scranton Center for Health Education and Wellness. Nay Aug Park, Scranton. Sept. 19 with registration at 10 a.m. and walk at 11:30 a.m. 941-4253.

Tuscarora State Park Hike, seven moderate miles with a wire-bridge crossing (or bring water shoes). Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 19 at 11:45 a.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 825-7200.

Thursday Hiking Series, a guided 1.5-mile difficult hike at Gamelands 129 and Margy’s Trail. Meet at the State Gamelands parking lot on Route 903, Hickory Run State Park, White Haven. Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. 443-0400.

Bioblitz! Stay overnight at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry to join in this 24-hour session with volunteers and scientists to find and identify as many living species as possible in the park. Sept. 24-25 beginning at 4 p.m. Free. Reservations: 828-2319 or peec.org.

Deer Habitat Management, a workshop for forest landowners including practices to improve wildlife habitats and increase wildlife food and cover, deer-exclusion fences, mast trees for wildlife and conservation easements. Presented by the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at Promised Land State Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown. Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to noon. Free. Registration: 226-3164 or delawarehighlands.org.

National Public Lands Park Clean Up. Bring water and wear long sleeves, pants and sturdy shoes. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. Registration: 403-2006.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Field Trip, a visit to the raptor learning center with hawk-watching and hiking on the scenic trails (including rock scrambles). Sponsored by the Sierra Club. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. 675-8628.

Buddy Walk, sponsored by the Luzerne County Down Syndrome Network. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 25 with registration at 10 a.m. and walk at 11 a.m. Entry forms at downsyndromenetwork.org.

Live Eagles! Join naturalists from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center as they introduce bald and golden eagles. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Routes 309 and 415, Dallas. Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. Free. 675-9900.

Kettle Creek Gorge Hike, eight difficult miles. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Routes 309 and 415, Dallas. Sept. 26 at 9:45 a.m. 346-8010.

Paula’s Walk/Lupus Loop 5K Run, to benefit the Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 26 with registration at 9:30 a.m. and walk/run at 11 a.m. $25 includes a long-sleeved t-shirt. With children’s activities, basket raffle, health information, music and food. 888-995-8787.

Introduction to Kayaking. Learn terminology and basic paddle skills before heading out on nine-acre Lake Frances. For age 9 and older. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. Sept. 26 with sessions at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Free. Registration: 403-2006.

Senior Citizen Hike, two moderate miles through Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor followed by a catered luncheon on site by prior reservation. Meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. 343-5144.

Birding at Frances Slocum State Park. Join Bruce Troy of Wild Birds Unlimited on a leisurely walk to seek out songbirds. Meet at the Environmental Education Center, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. Oct. 2 at 8:30 a.m. Free. 675-9900.

Raptors and Harvests, a day of raptor watching followed by a wine tasting and seasonal appetizer sampling. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. $60. Registration (by Sept. 24): 828-2319 or peec.org.

Fight for Air Walk to conquer the concourse at PNC Stadium in Moosic, a two-mile vertical ascension through the hallways of all three stadium tiers, finishing with a victory lap around the outfield diamond. Proceeds benefit the American Lung Association. Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. 823-2212 or fightforairwalk.org.

Light the Night Walk, a commemorative twilight walk to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with illuminated balloons. Nay Aug Park, Scranton. Oct. 2 with registration at 4:30 p.m., ceremonies at 5:15 p.m. and walk at 6:30 p.m. 610-266-8518 or lightthenight.org.

Nature at Night. Enjoy the stillness of fall nights while listening for owls. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 2, 6 to 8 p.m. Free. 828-2319 or peec.org.

Golden Eagle Trail Hike, nine difficult miles. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Routes 309 and 415, Dallas. Oct. 3 at 8:45 a.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 825-7200.

Falling Leaves, a family getaway weekend of autumn nature activities. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 8 to 10. $190 includes two nights lodgings and six meals. Reservations: 828-2319 or peec.org.

North Branch Triathlon, a four-mile run, 4.6-mile river paddle and 15.3-mile bike course. Begins and ends at Wyalusing Valley High School, 115 Main St., Wyalusing. Oct. 9 at 9 a.m. Registration forms at wyalusing.net or 721-0468.

Monuments of Nature: Falling Leaves, an afternoon of learning about what trees produce certain fall colors. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 9, 1 to 4 p.m. Free. 828-2319 or peec.org.

Sunday for Singles, a hike especially for singles to explore the flora and fauna of the Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to noon. Free. 828-2319 or peec.org.

Woodburne Preserve Hike, five moderate miles. Bring water and snacks. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Routes 309 and 415, Dallas. Oct. 10 at 11:45 a.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 655-4979.

Thursday Hiking Series, a guided three-mile easy hike on the Lehigh Gorge State Park Rail Trail. Meet at the Lehigh Tannery access parking lot, Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. 443-0400.

Fall Photo Weekend. Capturing the fall colors of the Delaware National Recreation Area with professional photographer John Barclay, who offers tips on exposure, composition and more. Tripod recommended. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 15 to 17. $250 includes two nights lodging, six meals and all programs. Registration (by Oct. 7): 828-2319 or peec.org.

Frank Gantz Trail Hike, 12 moderate miles. Bring water and lunch. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315 and Oak Street, Dupont. Oct. 17 at 8:45 a.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 842-2230.

Thursday Hiking Series, a guided 2.5-mile difficult hike on the Shades of Death Trail and Sand Spring Loop. Meet at the Park Office, Hickory Run State Park, Route 534, White Haven. Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. Followed by a reception. 443-0400.

Fall Photo Weekend. Capturing the fall colors of the Delaware National Recreation Area with professional photographer Ray Klass, who offers tips on using Adobe Photoshop with digital photos. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 22 to 24. $250 includes two nights lodging, six meals and all programs. Registration (by Oct. 14): 828-2319 or peec.org.

Stony Creek Hike, eight difficult miles. Meet at the Sears parking lot, Wyoming Valley Mall, off Route 115, Wilkes-Barre Township. Oct. 24 at 8:45 a.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 283-1312.

Bats in the Belfry! A bat-themed party for adults with food and music. Pocono Environmental Education Center, off Route 209, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. $40; $99 with overnight lodging and breakfast. Reservations (by Oct. 20): 828-2319 or peec.org.

Salt Springs State Park Hike, six moderate miles. Bring water and snacks. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Routes 309 and 415, Dallas. Oct. 31 at 11:45 a.m. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 655-4979.

Race for the Diamonds, the annual Thanksgiving Day nine-mile race with diamonds given to the first seven male and female finishers. Downtown Berwick. Nov. 25 at 10:30 a.m. 759-1300 or runfordiamonds.com.

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