THIS WEEK: Sept. 9 to 15, 2015
Cranberry Bog Walk. Traverse the floating platforms of the northern boreal bog to study its flora and fauna on this 2.5-hour guided tour. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 28. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.
The Keystone College Observatory will open for its fall session 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 and continue Wednesday and Friday evenings through Nov. 20. Included: illustrated lectures followed by weather-permitted observation through telescopes. Thomas G. Cupillari Astronomical Observatory, Keystone College, La Plume. Free. 570-945-8170.
Hiking Series: State Game Lands 119, a difficult 3.5-mile trek. Meet at the lot on Tunnel Road, off Route 437, White Haven. 9 a.m. Sept. 10. Free. 570-403-2006.
Guided Bird Walk, a morning walk to seek out migrating fall birds. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8 a.m. Sept. 12. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.
Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, a leisurely walk to seek out songbirds. Meet in the parking lot of the Environmental Education Center, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming. 8:30 a.m. Sept. 12. Free. 570-675-9900.
Share the Journey Suicide Prevention Walk, a family-friendly event with leashed dogs welcome. Begins at the Lackawanna County Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton. Sept. 12 with registration at 9 a.m. and walk at 10 a.m. Free refreshments. Registration fee not required but appreciated. 570-575-2343.
Hike to the Top, a discovery trek to the top of an unnamed ridge with a huge glacial erratic boulder and a scenic vista. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Sept. 12. $5. 570-629-3061.
Forest Hike, a walk on the Forest Discovery Trail at Grey Towers National Historic Site, 122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford. 10 a.m. Sept. 12. Registration: 570-296-9630.
Cranberry Bog Walk. Traverse the floating platforms of the northern boreal bog to study its flora and fauna on this 2.5-hour guided tour. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 2 p.m. Sept. 12. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.
Wilderness Skills Hike, learn about shelter building, firemaking and other useful survival skills in fields and forests. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 12. $20. 570-828-2319.
D&H Half-Marathon and 5K, the eighth annual out-and-back event on the D&H Rail Trail from Forest City to Union Dale. Begins at the entrance to the Forest City Trailhead on Route 247. Sept. 13 with the half-marathon at 9 a.m. and the 5K at 9:10 a.m. $55. Registration at dhdistancerun.com.
Bridge the Gap: Day Paddle, a free river trip on the Delaware with canoe or kayak. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13. Registration: 570-828-2319.
FUTURE
A Late Summer’s Eve, exploring the flora and fauna of the Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16. $5. Registration: 570-992-0899.
Pro Series: Fall Warblers, an in-depth look at the migrating fall warbler species with biology professor Terry Master. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 19. $20. Reservations: 570-828-2319.
Scenic Bike Train. Take a 25-mile train ride from Jim Thorpe to White Haven, then bicycle back at your own pace on the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail past remains of the historic canal, picnic spots, scenic overlooks and railroad trestles. Bring your own bike or rent one from Pocono Biking. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railways, 1 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe. 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sept. 19-20, 9:30 a.m. Nov. 7-8. $22; $40 with bike rental. 570-325-3654 or 610-562-2102.
Dragonflies and Their Allies, learning about these winged creatures who frequent ponds at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Sept. 19. $5. 570-629-3061.
Comets in Color Race, a 2.5-mile course in Wright Township Municipal Park, 321 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. Runners will be doused in biodegradable colored cornstarch at a number of stations. Smaller course available for ages 6 to 10. Sponsored by the Crestwood Lady Comets Basketball Booster Club. 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 19. $20 before Aug. 15; $30 thereafter. Register on line at leaguelineup.com.
Pinnacle Hike, nine difficult miles at the Hamburg Reservoir. Meet at the Park and Ride, near Blackman Street in Wilkes-Barre. 8:45 a.m. Sept. 20. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.
Park History Tour, an all-day exploration of the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area to visit scenic and historic sites. Bring a lunch and call to reserve a seat in the van; carpooling encouraged. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20. $25. 570-828-2319.
Fungus Among Us, learning about the amazing world of decomposition and nutrient cycling. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20. $5. 570-828-2319.
Mushroom Fair, with mushroom identification by the Wyoming Valley Mushroom Club along with children’s activities and short guided walks. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20. Free. 570-403-2006.
Y-Cycle Sunday, a four-mile bicycle ride on the Pittston Trail to the site of the Knox Mine Disaster. Meet at the trailhead behind Cooper’s Seafood, 304 Kennedy Blvd., Pittston. 1 p.m. Sept. 20. 570-714-1953.
Cranberry Bog Walk. Traverse the floating platforms of the northern boreal bog to study its flora and fauna on this 2.5-hour guided tour. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 1 p.m. Sept. 20. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.
Welcome Autumn Hike, an exploration of the wild headwaters of McMichael Creek through a portion of the Pohoqualine Fish Association property. Meet in the parking lot of the Pohoqualine Clubhouse, Route 715 and Hypsy Gap Road, McMichael. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20. $10. Registration: 570-424-1514 or brodheadwatershed.org.
Bird Feeding Plus, methods and tips on feeding winter birds with Diane Madl of the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. Sept. 21. Free. 570-479-0400.
Putting the Garden to Bed, a Master Gardeners program. McBride Memorial Library, 500 Market St., Berwick. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22. Free. 570-752-2241.
Owl Prowl, a session on the natural history of local owls followed by a walk to practice your own owl call. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 23. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.
Hiking Series, seven difficult miles on Broad Mountain in Lehigh Gorge State Park. Meet in the parking lot across from the Weatherly Country Inn, 34 S. Lehigh Gorge Drive. 9 a.m. Sept. 24. Free. 570-403-2006.
Yoga and Biking Retreat, a weekend of rejuvenation and relaxation with meditation sessions, yoga classes, bike riding in Lehigh Gorge State Park, Ayurvedic vegetarian meals, one gourmet restaurant dinner and one organic bagged lunch by the 14-Acre Farm. The Inn at Jim Thorpe, 24 Broadway. Sept. 25 to 27. Reservations: 570-527-5453.
Long Swamp Hike, an exploration of some of the 458 acres formed 10,000 years ago after the area’s most recent glacier retreated. The walk will take place on a plank boardwalk surrounded by huge ferns, carnivorous pitcher plants and black spruce. Meet at Camp Speers YMCA, 143 Nichecronk Road, off Route 739, Dingmans Ferry. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 26. Free. Registration: 570-839-1120.
Live Eagles, a closeup look at these raptors with naturalists from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. Sept. 26. Free. 570-675-9900.
Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area. Join Bob Wasilewski from the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society to see which birds are migrating in the park this fall. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch in Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Sept. 27. Free. 570-542-5948.
Monument Trail Hike, eight moderate-to-difficult miles at High Point State Park in New Jersey. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315 and Oak Street, Pittston. 9:45 a.m. Sept. 27. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.
Sunday for Singles. Explore nature and meet new people. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 27. 570-828-2319.
Math in Nature: Fractal Hike, a trek to discover the mathematical patterns in nature. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 27. 570-828-2319.
Full Moon Bog Hike. Explore the northern boreal bog under the light of a full moon. Bring a flashlight. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.
Fall Foliage Photography Weekend. Explore the Pocono Mountains and learn skills necessary for creating visually stunning images. Tripods recommended but not required. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 2 to 4. $270 includes lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. Reservations: 570-828-2319.
Bridge the Gap: Hike and Bike, a bike ride on the McDade Trail followed by a hike back to the Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. All equipment and transportation provided. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3. Bring a lunch. Free. Reservations: 570-828-2319.
Monroe County Farm Tour, a self-guided visit to several local farms to learn about their available products and farm management. Maps available at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3. 570-629-3060 or mcconservation.org.
Golden Eagle Trail Hike, nine difficult miles with stream crossings at the Tiadaghton State Forest. Meet at the former First National Bank parking lot, Routes 118 and 29, Pikes Creek. 8:45 a.m. Oct. 4. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.
Spectacular Colors of Fall Walk, an interpretive hike in search of local flora and fauna. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 7. $5. 570-842-1506.
Rattlesnake Swamp Hike, a five-mile trek in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, exploring wetlands and ridge tops over rocky and uneven terrain. Meet at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. Bring a lunch. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $24. Registration: 570-629-3060.
Falling Leaves Family Nature Getaway, a weekend of hiking, animal presentations, square dancing, canoeing, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Oct. 9 to 12. $225 includes lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Monday lunch. Reservations: 570-828-2319.
Worlds End State Park Hike, eight difficult miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 9:45 a.m. Oct. 11. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-388-4060.
Fall Foliage Hike, three moderate miles in Hickory Run State Park, primarily on the Skyline Trail which overlooks the Lehigh Gorge. Meet at the Gould Trail parking area, Route 534, White Haven. 10 a.m. Oct. 12. Registration: 570-474-5884.
Backyard Beekeeping, the first of four classes appropriate for honeybee enthusiasts, designed to support new and seasoned beekeepers. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15. $25 or $80 for entire course. Registration: 570-842-1506.
Costa Rica Dreaming, a talk by environmental educator Brian Hardiman on the biologically rich country of Costa Rica with its 800 species of birds as well as a diverse number of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Oct. 17. $5. 570-629-3060.
Reptiles and Amphibians of Northeastern Pennsylvania, an illustrated talk on frogs, turtles, salamanders, lizards and snakes found locally, followed by an introduction of some live specimens by naturalist Rick Koval. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 11 a.m. Oct. 17. Free. 570-996-1500.
Nature at Night, an evening walk to listen for owls, star gaze and test your night vision. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17. $5. 570-828-2319.
Angel Falls and Kettle Creek Hike, eight difficult miles at Loyalsock. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 9:45 a.m. Oct. 18. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.
Bog Day, with free guided walks through the Tannersville Cranberry Bog as well as other areas of the 1000-acre preserve. 166 Cherry Lane Road, Tannersville. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18. 570-629-3060.
Lake to Lake 8K Trail Run and Woods Walk, through the nature trails of the 400-acre Lacawac Santuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 11 a.m. Oct. 18. 570-689-9494 or lacawac.org.
The Geology Behind the Fascinating Features That Define Yellowstone National Park, a look at the geologic forces that shaped our first national park with Wilkes University geology professor Sid Halsor who conducted a ten-year geologic study there. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. Oct. 19. Free. 50-479-0400.
Wilderness Survival 101, including fire starting, shelter making, signals, wild foods, water procurement, first aid, navigation and proper clothing and equipment. Held outdoors at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21. $5. Geared to children and families age 7 and older. Registration: 570-842-1506.
Fall Splendor, observing seasonal changes and nature’s bounty at the Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 21. $5. Registration: 570-992-0899.
Autumn Splendor, a brisk walk to explore seasonal changes. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Oct. 24. Free. 570-629-3060.
Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area. Join Bob Wasilewski from the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society to see which birds are migrating in the park this fall. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch in Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Oct. 25. Free. 570-542-5948.
Sunfish Pond Hike, eight moderate miles at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Meet at the Sears Auto Center, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 8:45 a.m. Oct. 25. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-283-1312.
Fire Building. Try your hand at a flint-and-steel fire, a bow-drill fire and other primitive firemaking methods. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 25. $5. 570-828-2319.
Wilderness Skills, outdoor survival skills from fire building and camping preparedness to tracking and stalking animals. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 25. $5. 570-828-2319.
Elk Viewing in the Pennsylvania Wilds, a three-day journey to view majestic elk during the prime bugling season with stops at Bald Eagle State Park, Sinnemahoning State Park, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Quehanna Natural Area and the Elk Country Visitor Center. Sept. 28 to 30. $290 includes two nights cabin lodging, transportation, five meals and a covered-wagon ride through elk country. Registration: 570-629-3061.
D&L Half Marathon, a run/walk along the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in a downhill course starting at Northern Lehigh High School in Slatington and finishing at Canal Street Park in Northampton. With a post-race buffet, finisher medals, top time and age-group awards and random prizes. 8 a.m. Nov. 1. Register at race.delawareandlehigh.org. or 610-923-3548.
Owl Prowl, an exploration of the Vosburg area of Wyoming County in search of owls. Meet at the Weis Market, 600 Hunter Highway, Tunkhannock. 7 p.m. Nov. 6. Registration: 570-639-5785.
Easy Does It Hike, a leisurely walk through the woods to interpret natural history. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 8. Free. 570-828-2319.
Lenape of the Eastern Woodlands, a session on the day-to-day activities, food, clothing and shelter of the Lenape culture. Age 10 and older. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 15. $20. 570-828-2319.
Milkweed, Monarchs and More, tracing the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly and the plight of their survival. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. Nov. 16. Free. 570-479-0400.
Introduction to Astronomy. Step out for an evening of star gazing and learn about some of the many constellations in the sky. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21. $10. 570-828-2319.
Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area. Join Bob Wasilewski from the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society to see which birds are migrating in the park this fall. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch in Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Nov. 22. Free. 570-542-5948.
Holiday Bows and Boughs. Create your own holiday decorations using natural materials. Evergreen boughs and wreathmaking materials provided but feel free to bring your own supplies. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 29. $10. Registration: 570-828-2319.
Winter Ecology Hike to learn how plants and animals survive the elements. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 6. $5. 570-828-2319.
Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area. Join Bob Wasilewski from the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society to see which birds are migrating in the park this fall. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch in Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. Dec. 27. Free. 570-542-5948.
First Day Hike, a two-to-three-mile hike to start off the New Year. Meet at the Visitors Center of Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 p.m. Jan. 1. Free. 570-474-5884.
