Outdoors Listings: May 23 to 29, 2014

First Posted:

Lackawanna Riverfest, the annual “rite of spring” with a morning canoe and kayak run, an afternoon picnic, regional musicians, environmental and educational displays, the Lackawanna River Regatta and the Duck-A-Thon. Saturday beginning with timed runs on the Lackawanna River from launch sites in Archbald and Blakely finishing at the Olive Street Bridge in Scranton (registration at 8 a.m. and launch at 10 a.m.). Activities at the Olive Street site run noon to 5 p.m. with the Regatta launching at 2:30 p.m. Details at 570-347-6311 or lrca.org.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Heart Walk, a non-competitive walk with prizes and activities for all ages. Kirby Park, off Market Street in Wilkes-Barre. Saturday with registration at 9 a.m. and walk at 10 a.m. Registration at www.heart.org/northeastpawalk or 614-396-3507.

Kayaking for Beginners, age 14 and older. Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 10 a.m. Saturday. Registration: 570-696-9105.

Life in a Log, exploring under rocks and logs to find elusive critters. Meet in the Big Pines parking lot, Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 2 p.m. Saturday. 570-696-9105.

Evening Guided Kayak Paddle, an interpreted guided paddle with discussion on history of the lake and showcasing prime paddling locations. Millpond No. 1, Tobyhanna. 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Those attending can paddle with guides or explore the lake on their own. Evening ends with sunset campfire. $3 for Brodhead Watershed Association and Pocono Heritage Land Trust members; $5 non-members. 570-424-1514.

High Knob Vista Hike, nine difficult miles. Meet at the Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 9:45 a.m. Sunday. Bring lunch and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

Trio of Trails, guided hike on the Cherry Creek Crossing Lop Trail, Delaware Water Gap National Park. 10 a.m. Sunday. Noon to 1:30 p.m. trail feasability study and progress report. 1:30 p.m. guided Appalachian Trail hike by National Park Service. Free. 570-476-0331.

Wild Edibles Walk to identify food provided by nature. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon Sunday. $10. 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

Y Cycle Sunday, a bike ride on the levee trail in Wilkes-Barre. Meet in the parking lot of Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. 1 p.m. Sunday. 570-714-1953.

Sundays for Singles. Explore nature and meet new people. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Free. 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

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. 1 p.m. Wednesdays through June 25. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

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.

Guided Bird Walk, a morning stroll to look and listen for birds with conservation volunteer Dave Kruel. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8 a.m. June 7. Meet at the park office. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

National Trails Day. Volunteer for a morning of trail cleanup work. Snacks provided. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to noon June 7. 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

Breathe Deep NEPA, a 5K Walk and Fun Run sponsored by the Lungevity Foundation to raise awareness of lung cancer. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. June 7 with registration at 9 a.m., program at 10 a.m. and walk at 10:30 a.m. $25; $15 students. Info at lungevity.org or 312-407-6100.

Fight for Air 5K Run and Walk, sponsored by the American Lung Association. Choose from the Dry Walk Route or the Wet and Wild Water Sprinkler Route. King’s College Betzler Fields, Highland Park Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre Township. June 7 with registration at 9 a.m. and timed run at 10 a.m. followed by the walk. $25. Followed by an ice-cream social. 570-823-2212.

Volunteer Work Day. Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking a trail and doing some cleanup along the way. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 to 11 a.m. June 7. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Amphibian and Reptile Ramble, searching for frogs, salamanders, turtles and snakes along Kettle Creek. Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to noon June 7. $5. 570-629-3061.

Reptiles and Snakes, close-up looks at the black rat, eastern ribbon and corn snakes. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. June 7. Free. 570-675-9900.

Family Fishing. Learn the basics, then try your luck on the ponds. Equipment provided. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 2 to 4 p.m. June 7. $5 adults, $10 children. 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

Lake Scranton Hike, seven easy miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. 12:45 p.m. June 8. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-388-6553.

Walk Two Miles in My Shoes, the annual fundraiser for the RSDA (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association). McDade Park, 22 Bald Mountain Road, Scranton. June 8 with registration at noon and walk at 1 p.m. $10. 570-876-4034.

Ecozone Discovery Room. Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave and dig in a fossil pit to discover clues to natural history, sustainability and the local environment. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. June 8. $2. 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

Wildflower Walk, a trek through the woods, fields and wetlands of the 400-acre preserve to seek out wildflowers. Meet at the parking lot of the Florence Shelly Wetlands Preserve, Route 171 and Stack Road, one mile north of Thompson. 2 p.m. June 8. 570-727-3362.

Amphibians and Reptiles of the Bog, an official survey with sightings submitted to the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey, a state-wide project. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 1 p.m. June 10. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Kayaking: Levels I and II, a four-hour course for beginners age 18 and older. The morning session covers introductory skills, kayak terminology and basic paddling, while the afternoon session takes on self-rescue and boat-over-boat rescue. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 11. $5. Registration: 570-403-2006.

An Exploration of the Tannersville Bog by Canoe or Kayak, a special perspective on the northern boreal bog. Bring your own watercraft and life jacket. Meet at the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road at 10 a.m. June 12. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Full Moon Hike, a 1.5 mile walk over easy terrain to view sunset and moonrise. Salt Springs State Park, Silver Creek Road, Montrose. 8:30 p.m. June 13. Free will donations accepted. 570-945-3239.

Heritage Explorer Bike Tour, the fifth annual ride with out-and-back routes of 5, 11, 22 and 44 miles from Blakely Borough Recreation Complex in Peckville, proceeding on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail through Archbald, Jermyn, Carbondale, Simpson and Union Dale. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14. Info at lhva.org.

Birding at Frances Slocum State Park, with Bruce Troy of Wild Birds Unlimited. Meet in the parking lot at the Environmental Education Center and Boat Rental, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 8:30 a.m. June 14. Free. 570-675-9900.

Kayaking: Level I, a one-hour session for beginners age 9 and older. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. June 14 with sessions offered at 9:30, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Wild Edibles Walk to identify food provided by nature. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon June 14. $10. 570-828-2319 or peec.org.

Life in Swink Pond. Use buckets and nets to capture unusual life forms in a freshwater pond. Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to noon June 14. $5. 570-629-3061.

Greater Hazleton Rails-to-Trails Day, the annual festival with fun activities, food and bike riding on the historic trail. Trailhead is off Route 93 near the intersection of Route 424 in Hazleton. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 14. 570-714-1953.

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. 2 p.m. June 14. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Breakneck Ridge Hike, eight difficult miles with rock scrambles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 315, Dupont. 7:45 a.m. June 15. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-825-7200.

Safe Boating Classes, a certification course for ages 12 and older, presented by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. American Legion, 4907 Memorial Highway, Harveys Lake. Four-hour sessions 6 to 10 p.m. June 17 and 18. $25. Reservations: 570-815-0471.

Kestrel Field Trip, learning about the ecology and conservation of this colorful raptor by surveying kestrel nest boxes. Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 18. $24. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Birding the Thomas Darling Preserve, a morning seeking out bird species in the tamarack bog surrounded by wetland and upland habitats. Meet at the Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Bartonsville. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19. $20. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Bioblitz, a 24-hour biological survey of the species found at the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area in Blakeslee. Sponsored by the Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. From 3 p.m. June 20 to 3 p.m. June 21. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Back Mountain Trail Bike Ride, a 10-mile ride from the Back Mountain to the Riverfest celebration at Nesbitt Park in Wilkes-Barre. Meet at Dallas High School, 2000 Conyngham Ave. 9:30 a.m. June 21. 570-714-1953.

Summer Solstice Celebration, afternoon games and activities for the whole family to enjoy the longest day of the year with evening storytelling and music and bonfire after dark. Salt Springs Park, Silver Creek Road, Montrose. 4 p.m. June 21. Bring chairs, snacks and drinks. Rain date June 22. Free will donations accepted. 570-945-3239.

Hazleton Rails-to-Trails Hike, eight moderate miles. Meet at the Park and Ride, Route 309, near Blackman Street in Wilkes-Barre. 11:45 a.m. June 22. Bring snacks and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-457-0527.

Bird Nests and Fledglings, a walk along Kettle Creek to discover the breeding behaviors of native birds. Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 11 a.m. to noon. June 28. $5. 570-629-3061.

Glen Onoko Falls Hike, nine difficult miles. Meet at the Sears Automotive Center, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. 9:45 a.m. June 29. Bring lunch and water. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers. 570-283-1312.

Black Diamond Trail Ride, an 8- to 10-mile bike ride to Moosehead Lake and back. Meet at the Mountain Top Trailhead on Route 437. 1 p.m. June 29. Limited bike rentals available. 570-714-1953.

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. 1 p.m. June 29. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Close Encounters with Birds of Prey. Get up close to six live raptors including a golden eagle, peregrine falcon, saw-whet owl and more. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 11 a.m. July 12. Free. 570-996-1500.

Y Cycle Sunday, an eight-mile round trip bike ride on the Susquehanna Warrior Trail. Meet at the Canal Street Park and Boat Launch in Shickshinny. 1 p.m. July 13. 570-714-1953.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.