Outdoors Listings: July 19 to 25, 2013

First Posted:

THIS WEEK: July 19 to 25, 2013

Father/Son Weekend, the 15th annual event with a climbing tower, zip line, ropes course, fishing, archery, hiking, kayaking, softball, basketball, whiffle ball, horseshoes and campfires. Camp St. Andrew, 349 St. Andrew Lane, Tunkhannock. Begins tonight at 6 with an ice-cream social and kickball game and continues through Sunday afternoon. $195 per father/son. Registration: 836-2975.

Tamarack Trail Hike, a trek through the woods to learn about coniferous trees. Meet at the Wheaton House, Salt Springs State Park, Silver Creek Road, Franklin Forks. 10 a.m. Saturday. 967-7275.

Ssssnakes Alive, an illustrated talk along with live specimens. All ages welcome. Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. Saturday. $5. 629-3061.

Family Fun Day, with learn-to-fish sessions, volleyball, hula-hoop contest, tug of war, three-legged race, water-balloon fight, s’mores and snacks. Family Campground, Tobyhanna State Park, 114 Campground Road. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. 894-8336.

Spirit Trail Walk, to honor all volunteers. Open to all ages; walk at your own pace for desired distance on the Iroquois Trail in Tunkhannock. Meet at the Gathering Place Pavilion, Sunnyside Road, Tunkhannock. 10 a.m. Saturday. $10 (over age 15). Proceeds benefit the fund for playground equipment at Riverside Park. 836-4876 or volunteerstrong.org.

Reptiles and Snakes. Join the naturalists from Carbon County Environmental Education Center and get a closeup look at the black rat snake, eastern ribbon snake and corn snake. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. Saturday. Free. 675-9900.

Tannersville Cranberry Bog Walk, a 2.5-hour exploration of the northern boreal bog with novel plant and insect life. Meet at the Bog parking lot, 166 Cherry Lane Road, East Stroudsburg. 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 11. $6. Registration: 629-3061.

What’s Hiding Under That Log? Peek under rocks and logs to find elusive critters living there, including salamanders, centipedes and ground beetles. Meet at Big Pines parking lot, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 4 p.m. Saturday. 696-9105.

Native American Storytelling and Drumming. Campground Amphitheater, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 7 p.m. Saturday. 696-9105.

Night Hike, a guided walk through the Mount Wismer Nature Preserve, Route 447 in Barrett Township to view the Brodhead watershed under the light of the full moon from a vista on the Pocono Plateau. 7 p.m. Saturday. $7. Registration: 839-1120.

Valmont Bog Orchid Walk, to learn about the globally rare orchids found in the heart of the Valmont Industrial Park. Valmont Bog Sanctuary, West Hazleton.Sunday with sessions at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. $15. Sponsored by the North Branch Land Trust. Registration: 696-5545.

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

Summer Canoe Paddle, beginners welcome. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Sunday. $5. Reservations: 828-2319.

Caterpillars and Butterflies, a nature program. Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve, Route 29, Dimock. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. 278-3384.

Appalachian Trail Talk, by Jacob Siegel who has hiked the full length of the trail. Center Moreland United Methodist Church, 17 Creamery Road. 2 p.m. Sunday. 333-4354.

Nature Arts and Crafts in the Park, painting, recycling, exploring and other fun activities. Wear old clothes. Falls Pavilion, Promised Land State Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon through Aug. 28. 676-0567.

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

Nocturnal Moths, attracting and examining these night insects with a black light and sugary dessert. Bring a flashlight with a red filter for walking the night trails. Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve, Route 29, Dimock. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 26. 278-3384.

North American Butterfly Count. Form into groups and disperse to various areas to collect data on butterflies at the Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 27. Registration: 629-3061.

Wild Edibles, a hike focusing on nature’s foodstuffs. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon July 27. $10. Call to reserve a seat in the van. 828-2319.

Of Bogs and Butterflies, a walk into the Tannersville Cranberry Bog to count butterflies for the North American Butterfly Association’s annual butterfly count. Meet at the Bog Parking Area, 552 Cherry Lane Road, Tannersville. 1 to 3 p.m. July 27. $6. Registration: 629-3061.

Down and Dirty Kayak Paddle. Forge a path through thick vegetation to the swamp. Age 12 and older. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 2 p.m. July 27. Registration: 696-9105.

Night Star Gazing, an introduction following by stargazing through telescopes. Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve, Route 29, Dimock. 8 to 9:30 p.m. July 27. Registration: 278-3384.

Tuscarora State Park Hike, seven moderate miles with optional cable crossing (or bring water shoes). Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 11:45 a.m. July 28. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 645-9617.

Butterfly Walk 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 28. $5. Registration: 828-2319.

Kayak: Level One, an introductory lesson to learn basic paddling skills. Ages 16 and older. Meet at Lake Frances, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 11 a.m. July 31. Free. Registration: 403-2006.

Kayak: Level Two, a lesson focusing on self-rescue and boat-over-boat rescue. Ages 16 and older. Meet at Lake Frances, Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 p.m. July 31. Free. Registration: 403-2006.

Family Fishing Program, basic skills including casting, baiting, knot tying and more. Free equipment and bait provided. Promised Land State Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown. 2 to 4:30 p.m. July 31. Reservations: 676-0567.

Dog Days of Summer, a 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. 2 to 4. $195 includes lodging and meals. Reservations: 828-2319.

Hemlock Trail Hike, a walk through the old-growth forest to the deer exclosure fence. Salt Springs State Park, Silver Creek Road, Franklin Forks. 7 p.m. Aug. 3. 967-7275.

Heat and Hills Challenge, the Hobbie 5K Run for Scouting. Meet at the Hobbie Fire Hall, 655 E. County Road. Aug. 4 with registration at 10:30 a.m. and race at noon. Pre-register at neparunner.com. $20. Proceeds benefit Boy Scout Troop 300. 379-3991.

Ricketts Glen State Park Hike,

Delaware Canoe Trip, a leisurely, two-day, 20-mile river paddle on the Delaware River from Dingmans Ferry to Smithfield Beach. With river interpretation by environmental educators, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, camping and a night hike. Free tent rentals. Aug. 13-14. $100 includes watercraft rental, four meals and all activities. Pre-trip information session 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. Registration: 629-3061.

Pauly Friedman Family 5K Walk and Run, the fifth annual event to benefit the Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. Aug. 11 with registration at 8:30 a.m. and race at 9:30 a.m. $25. Walk-ups accepted on race day. Registration: 823-5144.

Mountain Springs Lake Hike, nine moderate miles. Meet behind the bank building, Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. 10:45 a.m. Aug. 11. Bring lunch and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 825-7200.

Ramble the Paradise Watershed, exploring the region including Fieldstone Farm, the Brodhead Falls Preserve, Mount Airy trails and the Nothstein Cranberry Preserve. Register and pick up a map at Skywood Park, Skywood Lane, Paradise Valley, Cresco. Aug. 11 with walks, talks and presentations 1 to 4 p.m. and After Ramble Party with food and wine from 4 to 5 p.m. $15. 839-1120.

Sunday for Singles, a hike to explore nature and meet new people. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 11. Free. 828-2319.

Perseids Meteor Shower, the annual light show of falling stars. Bring a blanket or chair, binoculars or telescopes. Salt Springs State Park, Silver Creek Road, Franklin Forks. 8:30 p.m. Aug. 11. 967-7275.

Family Fishing Program, basic skills including casting, baiting, knot tying and more. Free equipment and bait provided. Promised Land State Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown. 2 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Reservations: 676-0567.

Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, a leisurely walk to seek out songbirds. Meet in the parking lot of the Environmental Education Center and Boat Rental, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 8:30 a.m. Aug. 17. Free. 675-9900.

Women in the Woods, a girls-only weekend with nature hike, canoeing, yoga, astronomy, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. Aug. 17 and 18. $99 includes yurt lodging and meals. Reservations: 828-2319.

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.

Cliff Trail Hike, a strenuous hike to learn about vernal pools. Bring a lunch. Meet at the Buckley Road parking lot, Salt Springs State Park, Silver Creek Road, Franklin Forks. 11 a.m. Aug. 17. 967-7275.

Dragonfly Walk through the fields and ponds with naturalist David Trently. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 17. $5. Registration: 828-2319.

Frog Frenzy, learning about amphibians while catching and releasing them. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 17. $5. 828-2319.

Bulldozer Trail Hike, seven difficult miles at Ricketts Glen State Park. Meet at the lower parking lot on Route 118, Sweet Valley. 12:45 p.m. Aug. 18. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 346-8010.

Full Moon Bike and Bonfire, around the roads bordering the park. Salt Springs State Park, Silver Creek Road, Franklin Forks. 6 p.m. Aug. 21. Free. 967-7275.

Butterfly Walk through the fields and ponds with naturalist David Trently. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 537 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 24. $5. Registration: 828-2319.

Go Green Bike Tour, the fourth annual ride with mountain and road bike options covering Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties in the Endless Mountains. Leaves from the Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company on Aug. 25 with check-in 7 to 10 a.m. followed by the ride. All ages and skill levels welcome. Also: live music, hot foods, t-shirts for the first 100 registrants and raffles. $30 until Aug. 15; $40 thereafter. Proceeds benefit Countryside Conservancy. 717-512-6114.

Falls Trail Hike, seven difficult miles at Ricketts Glen State Park. Meet at the lower parking lot, Route 118, Sweet Valley. 12:45 p.m. Aug. 25. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 256-9743.

Mushrooms and Mycilia, a discussion, slide show and trail walk to learn about fungi. Salt Springs State Park, Silver Creek Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. Aug. 25. 967-7275.

Family Fishing Program, basic skills including casting, baiting, knot tying and more. Free equipment and bait provided. Promised Land State Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown. 2 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 28. Reservations: 676-0567.

Family Nature Getaway Weekend, with hiking, animal presentations, swimming, canoeing, tie-dye, campfires and more. Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. $210 includes lodging and meals. Reservations: 828-2319.

Salt Springs Celebration, with activities for all ages, music, exhibits, live animals and more. Salt Springs State Park, Silver Creek Road, Franklin Forks. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 31. 967-7275.

Half-Marathon Distance Run, an out-and-back 13.1-mile race along the D&H Rail Trail from Forest City to Union Dale. Sept. 8 beginning at 9 a.m. Registration: 679-9300.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, a 5K event to benefit the American Cancer Society. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 19 with registration at 8:30 a.m. and walk at 9:30 a.m. 562-9749 or makingstrideswalk.org/wyomingvalley.