Outdoors Listings: July 18 to 24, 2014

First Posted:

THIS WEEK: July 18 to 24, 2014

Introduction to Geocaching, a hike to find hidden caches and practice using a GPS. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 6:30 tonight. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Summer Canoe Paddle, in canoe or kayak. Beginners welcome. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday. $5. 570-828-2319.

Eckley Miners Village Walk, a two-mile meander through the living-history village and future spur of the D&L Trail. Meet at the parking lot of Eckley Miners Village, Highland Road, off Route 940, Eckley. 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Cancelled if rain. Free. 570-714-1953.

Ecozone Discovery Room. Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave and dig in a fossil pit. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. 570-828-2319.

Weeds of Wonder. Learn about common weeds in the park. Meet at the boat-rental parking lot, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 5 p.m. Saturday. 570-696-9105.

Nature at Night, a woodland walk to listen for frogs and star gaze. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $5. 570-828-2319.

The Sky’s the Limit, a talk and star-gazing session with the Lackawanna Astronomical Club. Meet at Pavilion #3, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 9 p.m. Saturday. Not for young children. 570-696-9105.

Loyalsock Trail Hike, eight moderate miles to the Haystacks. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 9:45 a.m. Sunday. Bring lunch and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Gardening Vertical Gardens, an introductory class with the Pike County Master Gardeners. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. $5. 570-828-2319.

Bouldering Hike. Learn some bouldering skills on the Cliff Trail. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. Sunday. 570-945-3239.

Cranberry Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour exploration of the northern boreal bog with novel plant and animal life. Meet at the Bog parking lot, 166 Cherry Lane Road, Tannersville. 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 10. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Evening Kayak Paddle Sessions, a leisurely paddle for age 9 and older. Meet at Lake Frances in Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. Wednesday with sessions at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Y Walk Wednesdays, a guided early evening tour to learn about “The D&L Trail: 165 Miles of Preservation, Revitalization and Celebration.” Meet at the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, 40 W. Northampton St. 6 p.m. Wednesday. Free. 570-970-5040.

Keystone Active Zone Passport, a free program that encourages people to get outside and active at more than 50 outdoor recreation sites and events within a 10- to 60-mile drive of anywhere in Luzerne County from family bike rides to trail hikes to river festivals to quiet nature preserves. Earn awards and win prizes by logging your discoveries on line through Sept. 30. Join anytime by registering at KAZpassport.com or call 570-970-5040.

Thomas Darling Preserve Hike, an easy 2.5-mile trek through a boreal bog in Blakeslee. Park in the lot on Burger Road, off Route 115 just past Blakeslee Corners. 9 a.m. July 25. Free. 570-403-2006.

Amazing Moths, a program on native lepidopterons. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. July 25. $5. 570-629-3061.

Flora Survey of the Farm, a survey of the fungi, trees, shrubs, mosses, ferns and wildflowers at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 26. $5. Bring a lunch. Age 10 and older. Signup: 570-992-6161.

Ferns and Summer Wildflowers, an easy hike to identify summer plants, for age 18 and older. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 10 a.m. July 26. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Wild Edibles Walk. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon. July 26. 570-828-2319.

D&L Bike Tour, an easy ride to discover the D&L’s history in White Haven. Meet at the White Haven Area Community Library, 99 Towanda St. 11 a.m. July 26. Limited bike rentals available. 570-714-1953.

Live Birds of Prey, a close-up look at raptors with the naturalists from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. July 26. Free. 570-675-9900.

Of Bogs and Butterflies, a 2.5-hour walk into the Tannersville Cranberry Bog to search for butterflies including the elusive Bog Copper. Meet at the Bog parking lot, 166 Cherry Lane Road, Tannersville. 2 p.m. July 26. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

A Deer Trail Tramp, a hike to seek out plants and animals of the park. Meet at the Environmental Education Building, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 3 p.m. July 26. 570-696-9105.

Wildlife Rehab. Meet some small mammals undergoing rehabilitation by Second Chance Wildlife. Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 6 p.m. July 26. 570-696-9105.

Tuscarora State Park Hike, seven moderate miles with an optional cable crossing. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 11:45 a.m. July 27. Bring water and a snack. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-645-9617.

Butterfly Walk, a hike to search for butterflies and dragonflies through the fields and around the ponds. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. July 27. $5. 570-828-2319.

Sunday Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour trek in the Tannersville Cranberry Bog in anticipation of the blooming of the white- fringed orchids. Meet at the Bog parking lot, 166 Cherry Lane Road, Tannersville. 1 p.m. July 27. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Ecozone Discovery Room. Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave and dig in a fossil pit. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. July 27. 570-828-2319.

Dragonfly Walk, a trek through the woods, fields and wetlands of the 400-acre preserve to learn about dragonflies. Meet at the parking lot of the Florence Shelly Wetlands Preserve, Route 171 and Stack Road, one mile north of Thompson. 2 p.m. July 28. 570-727-3362.

Dogs Days of Summer Family Nature Getaway Weekend, with nature hikes, animal presentations, fishing, canoeing, crafts, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Aug. 1 to 3. $195 includes two nights lodging and six meals. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Harveys Lake Walk, an 8.2 mile walk around the lake to benefit Candy’s Place: The Center for Cancer Wellness. Sandy Beach Pavilion, Harveys Lake. Aug. 2 with registration at 8 a.m. and walk at 9. $10; $6 for groups of 10 or more. 570-714-8800.

Stony Creek Hike, eight difficult miles. Meet at Sear’s Auto Center, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 9:45 a.m. Aug. 3. Bring lunch and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-283-1312.

Y Walk Wednesdays, a guided early evening tour to learn about “America’s First Park: River Common.” Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, 40 W. Northampton St. 6 p.m. Aug. 6. Free. 570-970-5040.

Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, with Bruce Troy of Wild Birds Unlimited. 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 8:30 a.m. Aug. 9. Free. 570-675-9900.

Pro Series: Ferns and Lycophytes. Join botanist Bill Olson for an in-depth afternoon including outdoor walks and time in the laboratory using microscopes. Bring a lunch. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 9. $20. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Frog Frenzy. Learn about frogs while gently catching and releasing these hopping amphibians in the ponds and streams of the Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 9. $5. 570-828-2319.

Sunday for Singles. Explore nature and meet new friends. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 10. Free. 570-828-2319.

Full Moon Hike, a nighttime trek on the Cliff Trail. Bring a flashlight. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10. 570-945-3239.

Pauly Friedman 5K Family Walk and Run, the sixth annual fundraiser for the Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. Aug. 10 with registration at 8:30 a.m. at the Anderson Sports Complex and race at 9:30 a.m. Post-event party at the Banks Student Life Center. 570-823-5144.

Ricketts Glen Hike, seven difficult miles on the Falls Trail. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 12:45 p.m. Aug. 10. Bring water and a snack. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-457-0527.

Canoe Trip, a two-day, 20-mile paddle from Dingmans Ferry to Smithfield Beach with river interpretation, swimming, fishing, birdwatching and camping. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. Aug. 12 and 13. $110 includes watercraft rental, four meals and all activities. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Y Walk Wednesdays: What’s New at Wilkes U? A guided early evening tour of the campus of Wilkes University. Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, 40 W. Northampton St. 6 p.m. Aug. 13. Free. 570-970-5040.Women’s Weekend. Get away from it all in a relaxing weekend of nature hikes, canoeing, yoga, campfires, astronomy and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Aug. 15 to 17. $199 includes lodging in a yurt and six meals. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Dragonfly Walk through the fields and ponds of the Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 16. $5. 570-828-2319.

Ricketts Glen Hike, seven difficult miles on the Bulldozer Trail. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 12:45 p.m. Aug. 17. Bring water and a snack. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-388-6553.

Y Cycle Sunday, a 10-mile bike ride on the Greater Hazleton Rail Trail. Meet at the trailhead on Route 93, Hazleton. 1 p.m. Aug. 17. 570-714-1953.

Bike the Border, a ride along the park roads followed by an optional dip in Upper Fall Brook. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. Aug. 17. 570-945-3239.

Y Walk Wednesdays: River Common Summer Nature Walk along the Susquehanna River with Diane Madl of Nescopeck State Park. Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, 40 W. Northampton St. 6 p.m. Aug. 20. Free. 570-970-5040.

Miles for Michael, the Pittston Tomato Festival 5K Run through Pittston, the Fort Jenkins Bridge, West Pittston and the Water Street Bridge. Begins at Main and William streets, Pittston. Race-day registration at the Greater Pittston YMCA, 10 N. Main St. Aug. 23 with registration at 8:30 a.m. and race at 10 a.m. $20 before Aug. 1; $25 thereafter. 570-574-0463.

Mushrooms and Mycelia, learning about fungi with indoor and outdoor programs. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. Aug. 23. 570-945-3239.

Go Green Bike Tour, the fifth annual event sponsored by Countryside Conservancy with beginner, intermediate and advanced routes covering portions of Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties in the Endless Mountains. Leaves from the Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company, North Route 407. Aug. 24 with check-in 7 to 10 a.m. and rides leaving at 8:30, 9:30 and 10 a.m. $30 through Aug 15; $40 afterwards. Register at countrysideconservancy.org.

Mountain Springs Hike, eight moderate miles in a section of Ricketts Glen State Park. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 9:45 a.m. Aug. 24. Bring lunch and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-346-8010.

Field, Forest and Falls Trail Race,

Cherry Run Hike,

Live Eagles, a close-up look at different types of eagles with naturalists from the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. Sept. 13. Free. 570-675-9900.

Tree Walk, a trek through the woods, fields and wetlands of the 400-acre preserve to identify trees. Meet at the parking lot of the Florence Shelly Wetlands Preserve, Route 171 and Stack Road, one mile north of Thompson. 2 p.m. Sept. 14. 570-727-3362.

Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, with Bruce Troy of Wild Birds Unlimited. 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 8:30 a.m. Sept. 20. Free. 570-675-9900.

Y Cycle Sunday, a four-mile bike ride on the Pittston Trail to the site of the Knox Mine Disaster. Meet at the Pittston trailhead behind Cooper’s Seafood, 304 Kennedy Blvd. 1 p.m. Sept. 28. 570-714-1953.