OUTDOORS LISTINGS: April 12 to 18, 2013

First Posted:

THIS WEEK: APRIL 12 to 18, 2013

Chainsaw Day. Volunteer to cut and clear winter debris. Free food and T-shirts. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 9 a.m. Saturday. Registration: 967-7275.

Early Spring Bird Walk, a leisurely stroll on the Kettle Creek trails. Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. $5. Registration: 629-3061.

Salamanders, Frogs and More! Explore nearby breeding pools for egg masses. Nets and collection jars provided for gentle, up-close study. Wear boots and old clothes. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. $5. 828-2319.

Spring Peeper Search. Listen to the impressive choir of these tiny tree frogs while carefully catching, studying and releasing them. Bring a flashlight. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 to 9 p.m. Saturday. $5. 828-2319.

Bruce Lake Natural Area Hike, eight moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. Bring lunch and water. 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 814-2803.

Park History Tour, a visit to scenic and historic sites within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Bring water, lunch and a camera for great photo opportunities. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. $20. Carpool or call to reserve a seat in the van. 828-2319.

Trees: Celebrating Their Importance for Wildlife and People, a talk by Service Forester Ben Hardy who gives tips on improving habitats for birds and wildlife. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. Monday. Free. 479-0400.

Herpin’ at the Bog, an exploration of wetlands and uplands to seek out amphibians and reptiles at the Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve. Meet at the bog parking lot, Bog Road, off Cherry Lane Road in Tannersville. 1 p.m. Tuesday. $6. Registration: 629-3061.

Amphibian Walk, a short introduction followed by a walk in search of eggs, tadpoles, salamanders, newts, frogs and toads. Hosted by naturalist Rick Koval at the Lackawanna Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Moscow. 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. $5. Registration: 842-1506.

Plant for Conservation, a talk with urban forester Vincent Cotrone to learn how planting certain native trees can help improve water quality and provide benefits for local wildlife and the aquatic community. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Free. Registration: 403-2006.

Run for a Rescue, a 5K run and walk to benefit Blues Chip Farms Animal Rescue. McDade Park, off Keyser Avenue, Scranton. April 20 with run at 8 a.m. and walk at 8:30 a.m. $20 by April 15; $25 thereafter. 657-0248.

Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, a leisurely walk to seek out songbirds. Meet at the Environmental Education Center and Boat Rental, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 8:30 a.m. April 20 and May 18. Free. 675-9900.

Earth Day Celebration, a cleanup session around the greenhouses and barns at The Lands at Hillside, 65 Hillside Road, Shavertown. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20. Wear gloves and bring rakes and shovels. 888-887-7811.

Fishing Tackle Loaner Day, first come first served basis. Bring your own bait. Driver’s license required to sign out equipment. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. to noon April 20. Free. 403-2006.

Art in Nature, a workshop on using clay pots and moss to create living wreaths. Lackawanna Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Moscow. 9 a.m. to noon April 20. $25. Registration: 842-1506.

MetroCast Giving Back 5K Run and Walk, to benefit local organizations involved in the prevention of teenage suicide, bullying and child abuse. Summerhill Volunteer Fire Company, 422 Summerhill Road, Berwick. April 20 with registration 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. and event at 9 a.m. Followed by a complimentary hot breakfast for all participants. 802-5660 or neparunner.com.

Snake Road Cleanup, with the Lackawanna Audubon Society. Meet in the first parking lot of McDade Park, off Keyser Avenue, Scranton. 9 a.m. April 20. 563-1565.

Earth Day Celebration, with hands-on learning stations, interpretive hikes, conservation exhibits, animals, crafts, food, music and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20. $5 per car. 828-2319.

Creating Bird-Friendly Habitats in Your Yard, using native plants to support local birds and wildlife. Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Bartonsville. 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 20. $5. Registration: 629-3061.

Earth Day Cleanup, including litter pickup, raking mulch and planting shrubs and trees. Meet at the park office, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 10 a.m. to noon April 20. 696-9105.

Trail Cleanup Day. Clear park trails of branches, trash and debris. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 11 a.m. April 20. Free food and T-shirts. Registration: 967-7275.

Guided Bird Walk. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8 to 10 a.m. April 21. Free. 403-2006.

Egypt Lake Area Hike, 8.5 moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. Bring lunch and water. 9:45 a.m. April 21. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 457-0527.

Cycle and Recycle, an afternoon of activities focused on recycling, composting and bike riding for all ages. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 12:30 to 5 p.m. April 21. 967-7275.

Sunday for Singles, meet new people and explore nature together. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. April 21. $5. 828-2319.

Sustainability Series, a session on “Preserving Green Space Through Land Trusts” with representatives from Countryside Conservancy, the North Branch Land Trust and the Edward L. Rose Conservancy of Susquehanna County. Environmental Education Institute, Keystone College, La Plume. 6 p.m. April 23. Free. 945-8555.

Move It Outside Day, a guided, two-mile hike to look for signs of spring. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 24. Free. Registration: 403-2006.

Spring into Gardening Workshop, an all-day session on turf management, trees, flowers, soil, water features, shade gardens and vegetables with keynote speaker Vincent Cotrone on “Trees and Shrubs in a Changing Landscape.” Also: a plant sale and flea market. Sponsored by the Penn State Master Gardeners at the Technology Center, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, off Old Route 118, Lehman Township. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27. $30. Registration: 825-1701.

Race for a Cause, a 5K Run and Fun Walk to benefit local charities. Atherton Gymnasium, Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. April 27 with registration at 8 a.m. and event at 9 a.m. $15. 740-0237.

Spring into Action Park Cleanup. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. to noon April 27. Registration: 403-2006.

Egg Hunt, collecting salamander eggs and learning about their hatching. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 to 4 p.m. April 27. Free. 967-7275.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area, with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at Market Street and Dawes Avenue, Kingston. 8 a.m. April 28. Free. 542-5948.

Pennsylvania Environmental Center Hike, 8.5 moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. Bring lunch and water. 9:45 a.m. April 28. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 457-0527.

Introduction to Fly Fishing, basics, knot tying and casting with Tom Battista of Trout Unlimited. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon April 28. $20. 828-2319.

Salamanders, Frogs and More! Explore nearby breeding pools for egg masses. Nets and collection jars provided for gentle, up-close study. Wear boots and old clothes. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. April 28. $5. 828-2319.

Spring Waterfalls, a trip to some of the scenic waterfalls in the region. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. April 28. $20 includes van transportation. Reservations: 828-2319.

Wildflower Walk, with the Lackawanna Audubon Society. Meet at the Wetlands Nature Area, Susquehanna Riverlands, 634 Salem Blvd., Berwick. 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 28. 759-1322.

Bats in My Belfry, Dingbats in Yours? A discussion of our furry flying cousins including why we fear them, what use they may be and how white-nose syndrome killed up to 90 percent of hibernating bats. Jack’s Draft House, 802 Prescott Ave., Scranton. 6 to 8 p.m. May 1. In conjunction with the exhibit “The Blood Is the Life” at the Everhart Museum. Free. Age 21 and older. 346-7186.

Rain Barrel Workshop, how to reuse raindrops to protect the watershed and manage stormwater to reduce source pollution and flooding. Environmental Education Institute, Keystone College, La Plume. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4. $25 includes a rain barrel. 945-8555.

Wildflower Walk. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 p.m. May 4. Free. Registration: 403-2006.

Spencer Martin Memorial Bike Ride for Habitat, the fifth annual 35-mile ride through the scenic Back Mountain to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Begins at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, off Old Route 115, Lehman Township. May 5 with registration at 7 a.m. and event at 8 a.m. $35. 820-8002 or bikeforhabitat.org.

Wildflower Walk, to identify spring buds and blooms. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to noon May 5. Free. 828-2319.

Butterfly Gardens. Learn how to provide the right food and shelter to increase the variety of butterflies in your garden. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. May 5. $10. Registration: 828-2319.

Warbler Weekend, guided hikes to learn bird identification by sight, sound and habitat. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. May 10 to 12. $195 includes lodging and six meals. Reservations: 828-2319.

A Bird in the Hand: Songbird Mist Netting. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with ornithologist Jeffrey Stratford who demonstrates how to capture, identify, measure, band and release songbirds. Meet at Lake Frances, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8:30 a.m. to noon May 11. Free. 403-2006.

Candy’s Place Rainbow Walk, the 16th annual 2.5-mile walk with food, music and prizes. Kirby Park Pavilion, Wilkes-Barre. May 11 with registration at 9 a.m. and walk at 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Center for Cancer Wellness. Registration: 714-8800.

Introduction to Fishing. Learn the basics, then try your luck on the ponds. Equipment provided; no license necessary. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9:30 a.m. to noon May 11. $5 adults; $10 children. Registration: 828-2319.

Creatures of the Night, a program by the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center with live nocturnal animals. Presented at the Annual Banquet of the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Apple Tree Terrace, Newberry Estate, Pioneer Avenue, Dallas. 6 p.m. May 14. $35. Reservations by May 3. 479-0400.

Candy’s Place Rainbow Walk, the 16th annual event with a 2.5-mile walk, food, music and prizes. Kirby Park Pavilion, Wilkes-Barre. May 11 with registration at 9 a.m. and walk at 10 a.m. 714-8800.

Fungus, Moss and Lichen Walk, to learn about the natural history, ecology and evolution of mushrooms, lichens and mosses. Lackawanna College Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Moscow. 6 to 8 p.m. May 15. $5. Registration: 842-1506.

Bird Walk, a morning walk to learn bird identification and natural history. Binoculars and field guides provided. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 to 10 a.m. May 18. $5. Registration: 828-2319.

Live Eagles, an upclose look at these magnificent birds with naturalists from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Route 309. 1 p.m. May 18. Free. 675-9900.

Herpetology Series, an in-depth look at the amphibians and reptiles of the area. Part one of a four-part series. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 3 to 8 p.m. May 18. $30. Reservations: 828-2319.

Bloody Murder Obstacle Course, a three-to-five mile Steeplechase course with creative and innovative obstacles designed by engineers. May 18-19 in Scranton. Waiting for info.

Spring Triathlon, a fundraiser for Branden’s Heart, an organization combating substance abuse. With running, biking and whitewater rafting (which can be split between team members) at Lehigh Gorge State Park. Meet at Whitewater Challengers Rafting Center, 288 N. Stagecoach Road, Weatherly. May 19 with a pre-event orientation at 11 a.m., shuttle to starting point at noon and event at 12:30 p.m. $45; $60 after May 1. Registration deadline: May 12. Details at 443-9532 or whitewaterchallengers.com/triathlon.

Sustainability Series, a session on “How to Work with Conservation Districts to Conserve Natural Resources on Your Private Land” including tips on free services and information. Environmental Education Institute, Keystone College, La Plume. 6 p.m. May 21. Free. 945-8555.

Spring Fling Family Nature Weekend, with hikes, animal presentations, fishing, canoeing, crafts, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. May 24 to 27. $210 includes lodging and nine meals. Reservations: 828-2319.

Caring for C.O.P.S. 5K Race and Walk, to benefit Fallen Officers Remembered, an organization that raises funds to purchase body armor for police. Begins at 100 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. May 25 with registration 8 to 9:45 a.m. and event at 10 a.m. $20 before May 15; $25 thereafter. Sponsored by the Lackawanna College Police Academy. 346-9679.

Discover Lehigh Gorge Walk, an easy one-hour walk to search for spring wildflowers and remnants of the area’s history. Meet at the White Haven Community Library, 243 Main St. 11 a.m. May 25. Free. 403-2005 or 443-8776.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area, with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at Market Street and Dawes Avenue, Kingston. 8 a.m. May 26. Free. 542-5948.

Sustainable Landscape Bus Tour, to view seven sites in Luzerne County that showcase land-management techniques, native plants, riparian buffers, rain gardens, grass parking pads, green roofs, pollinator gardens and more. Meet at the Kirby Park Natural Area, Wilkes-Barre. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 31. $20 includes tour, lunch, raffle prizes and a tour booklet. Registration: 825-1701.

Finishing the Fight 5K Run and Walk, a benefit for troops deployed to foreign countries. Mellow Park, Peckville. June 1 with registration at 9 a.m. and race at 11 a.m. 614-6341 or finishingthefight.com.

Heritage Explorer Bike Tour & Festival, a family-friendly, non-competitive event to benefit the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Choose from out-and-back routes of 5, 11, 22 or 44 miles beginning at Mellow Park in Peckville and proceeding on local rail trails and streets. June 15 with the 44-mile departing at 8 a.m. with the other rides leaving throughout the morning. Also: A community festival with music, food, exhibits, raffles and children’s activities 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mellow Park. 963-6730.

CCC Reunion and Festival, the annual celebration of the Civilian Conservation Corps with music, geocaching, crafting, art, dancing, food, interpretive talks, the Blacksmith Shop, Masker Museum, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl. Promised Land State Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17. 676-3428.