THIS WEEK: July 20 to 26, 2016

Kayaking: Level One, an introductory session for people who have never kayaked before. Meet at Lake Francis, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 p.m. July 20. For age 9 and up. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Wednesday Bog Walks, a 2.5-hour trek on floating platforms into the unique environment of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 552 Cherry Lane Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 7. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.

Kayaking: Level Two, a program expanding on basic kayak skills including what to do in the event of a capsize. Meet at Lake Francis, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 3 p.m. July 20. For age 13 and up. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Insects, a sweep netting to see what summer bug life is present at the Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. July 20. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Kayaking: Level Three, a paddle around the lake for experienced kayakers. Meet at Lake Francis, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 5:30 p.m. July 20. For age 9 and up. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Lyme Disease: Education and Prevention, with Community Health Nurse Jane Osborn. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 10 a.m. July 22. 570-967-7275.

Butterfly Count. Join the annual North American Butterfly Association’s effort to count butterfly populations. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 9:30 a.m. July 23. $5. 570-629-3061.

Sssnakes Alive! Learn about identification and biological roles of area snakes during this illustrated talk which includes live specimens. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. July 23. $6. 570-629-3061.

Stairway Ridge Hike, two guided hikes leading to Stairway Lake atop a ridge in the Delaware State Forest, one a bit steeper and rockier than the other. Meet at the trailhead on Bluestone Boulevard in Westfall Township, Pike County. 10 a.m. July 23. Free. Registration: 570-839-1120.

Native Susquehanna County Snakes, live native specimens with former Ross Park zookeeper John Brunner. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 10 a.m. July 23. 570-967-7275.

Dragonfly Walk, a search through the fields and around the ponds with naturalist David Trently. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. July 23. $5. 570-828-2319.

Woods Walk on the Paved Path, a walk to the swamp (with no traipsing through the underbrush) to investigate nature along the way. Meet at the intersection of Green and Mount Olivet roads, Frances Slocum State Park, Wyoming. 2 p.m. July 23. 570-696-3525.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area, sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch in Wilkes-Barre, accessed via First Avenue. 8 a.m. July 24. Free. 570-371-3951.

Valmont Bog Orchid Walk, two guided talk-and-walk sessions to learn about the globally rare orchids found in the North Branch Land Trust’s sanctuary in Hazleton, led by Bob Sprague of the Native Orchid Conference. Directions given upon registration. July 24 with walks at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. $10. Registration: 570-310-1781.

Bear Creek Preserve, seven difficult miles. Meet at the Sears Auto Center, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 10:45 a.m. July 24. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

Sunday for Singles. Explore nature while meeting new people. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. July 24. Free. 570-828-2319.

Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour trek on floating platforms into the boreal bog environment with unique plant and animal life. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 552 Cherry Lane Road, Stroudsburg. 1 p.m. July 24. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3061.

Bike the Border of Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1:30 p.m. July 24. Donation. 570-967-7275.

Twilight Paddle, a three-hour kayak trip on the Susquehanna River from Harding to West Pittston, followed by a wine-and-cheese party at the West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. Meet at the library 3:30 p.m. July 24 for the shuttle to Harding. $50 single kayak; $70 tandem; $20 with your own watercraft. Registration (by July 21): 570-654-9847.

Keystone Active Zone Passport, the 10th year of the program which attempts to inspire people of all ages and abilities to get active outside while exploring nearby parks, trails and outdoor events. To participate, sign up at KAZpassport.org, visit as many of the passport stops through Oct. 1 and log them in to win prizes. More info at 570-714-1953.

FUTURE

Annual River Trip, 12 miles from Meshoppen to the Howland Preserve in Tunkhannock, where the third annual Rockin’ the River festival will be taking place. Meet 9 a.m. July 30 at the Howland Preserve, Vosburg Road, off Route 6 for the shuttle to Meshoppen. $50 per kayak rental; $65 for tandems or canoes; $25 if you bring your own boat. Sponsored by the North Branch Land Trust. Registration: 570-746-9140 or emo444.com.

Edible and Medicinal Walk, a hike focused on food and natural remedies provided by nature. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon July 30. $5. 570-828-2319.

Frog Frolic, learning about frogs while catching and releasing them. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. July 30. $5. 570-828-2319.

Explore Archery! A basic introductory session for age 12 and older. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 2 p.m. July 30. All equipment provided. Registration: 570-696-3525.

Loyalsock Trail Hike, eight difficult miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 9:45 a.m. July 31. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle, with instructions for beginners on paddling a canoe or kayak. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon. July 31. Free. Call to reserve a boat. 570-828-2319.

American Grill Walk, a two-mile walk around Exeter to benefit Candy’s Place: A Cancer Wellness Center, beginning at the American Grill, 1320 Wyoming Ave., Exeter. Followed by food, entertainment, raffles and more. 11 a.m. July 31. Register online at americangrillpa.com.

Adult Nature Weekend, with interpretive hikes, canoeing, waterfall tours, animal presenters, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Aug. 5 to 7. Age 21 and older. $195 includes two nights lodging and six meals. Reservations: 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

Kayak Day on the Susquehanna River, a three-hour paddle from Lime Ridge to Bloomsburg with a pit stop on a private island for a cookout. Meet 8:30 a.m. Aug. 6 at Town Park, off Market Street, Bloomsburg, for a shuttle to Lime Ridge. $50 includes kayak, t-shirt (for early sign-ups) and lunch. Proceeds benefit the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. 570-784-5530 or bte.org.

Bike Ride, 8 to 10 miles along the Susquehanna Warrior Trail in Shickshinny. Meet at the Shickshinny Boat Launch trailhead. Followed by food, activities and an antique car show at the Shickshinny Forward Festival. 9:30 a.m. Aug. 6. 570-970-5040.

Ricketts Glen Hike, seven difficult miles on the Falls Trail. Meet in the lower parking lot of Ricketts Glen State Park, Route 118, Sweet Valley. 11:45 a.m. Aug. 7. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-457-0527.

Perseid Meteor Shower. Join us for one or both evenings to watch the annual light show with a bonfire if it’s chilly. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 8:30 p.m. Aug. 12 and 13. Free. 570-967-7275.

Bridge the Gap: Tumbling Waters Hike, a three-mile loop with a waterfall and scenic overlook of the Delaware River Valley. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 13. Free. 570-828-2319.

Butterfly Walk, a search through the fields and around the ponds for butterflies and dragonflies. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 13. $5. 570-828-2319.

Frog Frenzy, learning about amphibians while gently catching and releasing them. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 13. $5. 570-828-2319.

Public Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour exploration of the northern boreal bog with unique plant and animal life. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 2 p.m. Aug. 13. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3060.

Star Party, an indoor presentation followed by outdoor stargazing through telescopes. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8 p.m. Aug. 13. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Pauly Friedman 5K Family Walk and Run, the annual fundraiser for Help Line. Anderson Sports & Health Complex, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. Aug. 14 with registration at 8:30 a.m. and race at 9:30 a.m. $25. Register online at paulyfriedmanwalkrun.eventbrite.com.

Ricketts Glen Hike, seven difficult miles on the Bulldozer Trail including steep inclines. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway (Route 309). 10:45 a.m. Aug. 14. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-388-4060.

Pine Hill Trail Loop, a six-mile trek through Hickory Run State Park in White Haven. Meet at the park office and bring water and a snack. 9 a.m. Aug. 16. Free. 570-403-2006.

Tree Leaf ID, a talk on tree identification while exploring the Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 17. $6. Registration: 570-629-3060.

Full Moon Hike, followed by a campfire with snacks and stories. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 8 p.m. Aug. 18. 570-967-7275.

Golden Day Out, a day geared for retirees and senior citizens beginning with a leisurely morning two-mile hike, followed by lunch (provided) and an introductory kayak paddle on Lake Frances. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19. $10. Reservations: 570-403-2006.

Miles for Michael 5K, the 18th annual run and Fun Walk held during the Pittston Tomato Festival on Main Street. Aug. 20 with registration 8:30 a.m. at the Pittston YMCA, 10 N. Main St. and event at 10 a.m. Online registration at runsignup.com.

Rewild Your Body, a program on reaching optimum wellness by exploring the health benefits of nature. Included: a 45-minute outdoor Pilates session (bring a mat). Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Aug. 20. Refreshments served. $14. Reservations: 570-629-3060.

Mushrooms and Mycelia, an illustrated talk followed by a walk on the park trails in search of fungi. Bring a bag lunch. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 10 a.m. Aug. 20. $5. 570-967-7275.

Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle, a free boat paddle with instructions for beginners. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 20. Call to reserve a boat. 570-828-2319.

Nature at Night, a walk in the woods to listen for owls, look at stars and enjoy the “music of the night.” Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 20. $5. 570-828-2319.

Ricketts Glen Hike, 10 moderate miles on the Cherry Run Trail. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway (Route 309). 8:45 a.m. Aug. 21. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

Edible and Medicinal Walk, to seek out natural plant remedies. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 21. $5. 570-828-2319.

Geology Hike, to talk about rocks, fossils, glacial deposits and what makes the park unique. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 21. $5. 570-828-2319.

Public Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour exploration of the northern boreal bog with unique plant and animal life. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 1 p.m. Aug. 21. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3060.

Volunteer Workday. Help out with landscaping, litter cleanup or trail work at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Explore the Weiss Property, a walk through the meadow habitat at this recently acquired property. Meet at the parking lot of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 6 p.m. Aug. 23. $6. Reservations: 570-629-3060.

Pond Explorers, collecting fish, macro-invertebrates, amphibians and more for up-close study. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 27. $5. 570-828-2319.

PARS at Kettle Creek. Help to count the salamanders, frogs, toads, turtles and snakes at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg, and report the results to the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey (PARS). 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 27. $6. 570-629-3060.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area, sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch in Wilkes-Barre, accessed via First Avenue. 8 a.m. Aug. 28. Free. 570-371-3951.

Pinnacle Hike, nine difficult miles at the Hamburg Reservoir. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street in Wilkes-Barre. 8:45 a.m. Aug. 28. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle, with instructions for beginners on paddling a canoe or kayak. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 28. Free. Call to reserve a boat. 570-828-2319.

Sunday for Singles. Explore nature while meeting new people. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 28. Free. 570-828-2319.

Salt Springs Celebration, with music, activities for all ages, hikes, demonstrations, quilt show, silent auction and exhibits. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 11 a.m. Sept. 3. 570-967-7275.

Bike Ride, four miles on the Black Diamond/Lehigh Gorge trails, preceded by a bike safety presentation. Meet at the White Haven South Trailhead parking lot at the end of South Main Street. 1 p.m. Sept. 10. A limited number of bicycles are available. Call 570-714-1953 to reserve.

D&H Distance Run, the ninth annual 13.1-mile “out and back” race on the D&H Rail Trail in Susquehanna County. 9 a.m. Sept. 11. $40. Register at dhdistancerun.com.

Left Side Loop Hike, 5.5 difficult miles on the Joe Gmiter Trail. Meet at the abandoned bank, Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. 11:45 a.m. Sept. 18. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

Monument Trail Hike, eight moderate-to-difficult miles at High Point State Park. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 315 and Oak Street, Dupont. 9:45 a.m. Sept. 25. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

Bike Ride, a ten-mile round-trip ride on the Greater Hazleton Rail Trail. Meet at the trailhead on Route 93. 1 p.m. Sept. 25. 570-970-5040.