The latest in the ‘Where in the Watershed Walks’ will take you to the Swiftwater Forest Preserve for exploration of a vernal pool on April 18.

THIS WEEK: April 17 to 23, 2015

Birding at Frances Slocum, a leisurely walk to look for songbirds with Bruce Troy of Wild Birds Unlimited. Meet in the parking lot at the Environmental Education Center and Boat Rental at Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 8:30 a.m. April 18. 570-675-9900.

Earth Day Spring Cleanup at the Forty Fort Meeting House and Cemetery, 20 River St. Meet at the 1972 Agnes Memorial in the middle of the cemetery and bring a rake and work gloves. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 18. 570-287-5214.

Early Spring Bird Walk, a leisurely stroll to seek out spring arrivals including phoebes, gnatcatchers, warblers, hawks and more. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 18. $5, $3 children. 570-629-3061.

Backyard Gardening Workshop, a class for all skill levels on growing herbs and vegetables. Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road. 10 a.m. to noon April 18. $35 includes a kale plant. Reservations: 570-586-8191, ext. 2.

Where in the Watershed Walk, a walk to a ridgetop vernal pool adjacent to Paradise Township’s recently purchased Swiftwater Forest Preserve. Begins at the cul-de-sac on Donaldson Road, off Lower Swiftwater Road in Paradise Township. 1 to 3 p.m. April 18. $10. Registration: 570-839-1120.

Guided Bird Walk, a morning stroll with conservation volunteer Dave Kruel. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8 a.m. April 19. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Don’t Tell Me to Slow Down, a 5K run and walk in support of the National Stuttering Association. Anderson Outdoor Athletic Complex, North Gate of Misericordia University’s campus, 301 Lake St., Dallas. April 19 with registration 8:30 to 10 a.m. and event at 10:30 a.m. $22 advance; $27 day of event. 570-674-6724.

Hawk Mountain Hike, seven difficult miles with rock scrambles. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 9:45 a.m. April 19. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-825-7200.

Scavenger Hunt and Tree ID Walk, a celebration of Earth and Arbor Days with a 1.5-mile walk. Prizes for the kids. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. April 19. $10. 570-967-7275.

Ecozone Discovery Room. Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave and dig in a fossil pit in this indoor discovery room of hands-on exhibits. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. April 19. $2. 570-828-2319.

Eagle Day, with live raptors including a golden eagle and bald eagle. Also: explorations of birds and their nests and (for the kids) searching for replica wild bird eggs with separate areas for different ages. Endless Mountains Nature Center, 1309 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock. 1 p.m. April 19. $5. Registration: 570-836-3835.

Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels, a Master Gardeners program with members of the Briar Creek Association for Watershed Solutions. McBride Memorial Library, 500 Market St., Berwick. 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 21. Free. 570-752-2241.

The History of Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania, with expert fly fisherman, author and artist Don Baylor. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 7 p.m. April 21. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Potato-Cutting Pizza Party, a gathering of volunteers to cut and plant potatoes at the Fertile Grounds Organic Membership Farm, 3256 Route 29, Noxen. Open to the general public. 4 p.m. to sunset on April 22. 570-262-3930.

FUTURE

Spring into Action Park Cleanup, the annual event with a variety of projects for volunteers. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 a.m. to noon April 25. 570-403-2006.

Race for a Cause, a 5K Run and Fun Walk to benefit local charities on the campus of Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. April 25 with registration at 8 a.m. and event at 9 a.m. $15. 570-740-0237.

Scranton Environmental Bike Tour, the inaugural event with environmental sightseeing and learning destinations through Scranton including the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Association Trail and Nay Aug Park. Begins at the Monroe Avenue entrance to the Loyola Science Center at the University of Scranton. 9 a.m. April 25. Free. Registration requested but not necessary. 570-941-7520.

Earth Day Festival, 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 to 4 p.m. April 25. $5 per car. 570-828-2319.

Cleanup Day at Frances Slocum. Volunteers needed to help with Earth Day projects including litter pickup, leaf raking, planting flowers or removing debris. Meet at the park office of Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 10 a.m. to noon April 25. 570-696-9105.

Trail Day, a volunteer clean up at the park with free food and t-shirts for all. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 11 a.m. April 25. 570-967-7275.

Reptiles and Snakes, with closeup looks at Pennsylvania natives including the black rat, eastern ribbon and corn snakes. Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway. 1 p.m. April 25. Free. 570-675-9900.

Moonlight Run and Walk, sponsored by the Children’s Advocacy Center. Nay Aug Park, 1901 Mulberry St., Scranton. April 25 with a Kids Fun Run at 6 p.m., 5K walk at 6:30 p.m. and 5K and 10K runs at 7 p.m. $25, $20. Register at runsignup.com/moonlightrun.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. April 26. Free. 570-542-5948.

Earth Day Festival and 5K Run and Walk, a scenic race followed by festival activities including a fly-fishing demonstration, guided hike, composting workshop, rain barrel presentation, show and sale by local artists, strolling musicians the Lost Ramblers and artisan food by local vendors. ForEvergreen Nature Preserve, Cherry Lane Road, Analomink. April 26 with race signup 8 to 9 a.m., Kids Dash at 9:30 a.m., 5K at 10 a.m. and festival 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 570-839-1120 or brodheadwatershed.org.

Introduction to Fly Fishing, with knot tying and casting practice. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 9 a.m. to noon April 26. $15. 570-828-2319.

David A. Evans Jr. Memorial Color Run, a 5K run with colored powder splashed onto participants throughout the race. Anderson Sports and Health Center, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. April 26 with registration at 10 a.m. and race at 11 a.m. $20 advance; $25 day of race. 570-674-6220.

Penobscot Mountain Hike, seven difficult miles with sustained uphill climbing and three excellent views. Meet at the Park & Ride, Route 309 near Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre. 11:45 a.m. April 26. Sponsored by the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. 570-855-9896.

Tree Planting and Landscape Design, with free strawberry starter plants for all. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 12:30 p.m. April 26. $10. 570-967-7275.

Wildflower Walk along the Susquehanna River and forest habitats. Endless Mountains Nature Center, 1309 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock. 2 p.m. April 26. Free. 570-836-3835.

Salamanders, Frogs and More. Explore nearby breeding pools for critters and egg masses, then gather them into collection jars for gentle up-close study. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. April 26. $5. 570-828-2319.

Egg Hunt, a hike to collect amphibian eggs and set up a system for hatching. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1 p.m. April 26. Free. 570-967-7275.

Spring Nature Hike, an interpretive walk in search of wildflowers, ferns, budding trees and tadpoles. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 28. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.

Can’t Stop the Water, a film about Isle de Jean Charles in the bayous of south Louisiana where Native Americans have lived off the land for 170 years and which is now being subjected to a series of environmental problems including coastal erosion and sea-level rise. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 7 p.m. April 29. Free. Registration: 570-842-1506.

Long Pond by Kayak or Canoe, a six-mile paddle on Tunkhannock Creek which flows through Long Pond. Meet at the bridge on Kuhenbeaker Road in Long Pond to canoe to the take-out spot on Long Pond Road. Bring your own equipment and lunch. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2. $15. Registration (by April 24): 570-629-3061.

Birding by Ear, a trail walk to learn how to identify birds by their sounds. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. May 2. $5. 570-629-3061.

Frogs and Bogs, exploring vernal pools to capture, study and release amphibians and reptiles. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 10 a.m. May 2. Free. Registration: 570-689-9494.

Full Moon Hike. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 8 p.m. May 2. Bring a donation for the local food bank. 570-967-7275.

Spencer Martin Memorial Bike Ride, a 33-mile ride through the scenic Back Mountain beginning at the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Campus, 1269 Old Route 115, Lehman Township. May 3 with registration at 8 a.m. and ride at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. Registration: 570-820-8002 or bikereg.com.

Habitat for Humanity 5K Walk and Run, and one-mile Fun Run. Begins at the Olive Street Trailhead of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Scranton. May 3 registration 8 to 8:45 a.m., 5K at 9 a.m. and Fun Run at 10:15 a.m. $25 advance; $30 day of race. Info at habitatlackawanna.org/5K.

Awareness Walk for Cooley’s Anemia, with food and a basket raffle followed by face painting and entertainment after the walk. Hughestown Hose Company, 42 Center St. May 3 with registration at 10 a.m. and walk at 11 a.m. $15 advance; $20 day of event. 570-817-2311.

Bridge the Gap: Wildflower Walk. Celebrate the blossoming of spring with a walk in the woods with flower expert Josie D’Alessandro. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. May 3. Free. 570-828-2319.

Seven Tubs Nature Hike, a two-mile difficult trek. Meet at the parking lot, Bear Creek Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre. 9 a.m. May 4. Free. 570-403-2006.

Birding the Bog, a morning of migration birding in the unique natural setting of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 7 a.m. May 5. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Bog Walk, traversing the floating boardwalk on a 2.5-hour guided tour of the unique northern boreal bog. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 1 p.m. Wednesdays from May 6 to June 3. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Birding Field Trip to the Bear Creek Camp to observe the spring bird migration. May 7. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Call 570-586-3702 for time and meeting place.

Warbler Weekend, with guided hikes to learn bird identification by sight, sound and habitat. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. May 8 to 10. $205 includes lodging and meals. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Spring Migration Count. Volunteer to count birds for this important national census on May 9. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Call 570-362-8727 for details.

North American Migration Count, the annual walk through the woods to identify and count birds. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 7 a.m. May 9. 570-967-7275.

Spring Bird Migration, a morning walk to observe the annual springtime migration of a wide variety of birds. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 1000 Turkey Hill Road, Stroudsburg. 7 to 9 a.m. May 9. $5. 570-629-3061.

Restore Habitat, Restore Birds, a bird walk along the Susquehanna River habitats. Endless Mountains Nature Center, 1309 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock. 8:30 a.m. May 9. Free. 570-836-3835.

Rainbow Walk, the 18th annual fundraiser for Candy’s Place: The Center for Cancer Wellness with an easy, non-competitive, two-mile walk around Wilkes-Barre along with gift vendors. Meet at the pavilion in Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. May 9 with registration at 9 a.m. and event at 10 a.m. 570-714-8800.

Planting for Butterflies, tips on attracting butterflies along with a starter kit of butterfly-friendly native plants. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 9 to 11 a.m. May 9. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Spring Surprises, a trail walk to explore spring happenings. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. May 9. $5. 570-629-3061.

Expressing Your Personality in the Garden, with Luzerne County Master Gardeners. Back Mountain Memorial Library, 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas. 10:30 a.m. May 9. 570-675-1182.

Bog Walk, traversing the floating boardwalk on a 2.5-hour guided tour of the unique northern boreal bog. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 2 p.m. May 9. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Guided Bird Walk. Meet at the wooden bridge by the main visitor parking lot of the park office at Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 8 a.m. May 10. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Find Some Flowers for Mom, a 1.5-mile Mother’s Day Hike to seek out spring blooms. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 2 p.m. May 10. $5. 570-967-7275.

Birding the Bog, a morning of migration birding in the unique natural setting of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 7 a.m. May 12. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Safe Boating Classes, a qualification course to earn a Pennsylvania Boaters Education Certificate. American Legion, 4907 Memorial Highway (Route 415), Harveys Lake. 6 to 10 p.m. May 12 and 13. Age 12 and older. $25. Reservations: 570-815-0471.

Wood Duck Program, an outdoor program with duck call and hunting retriever demos, duck identification and ecology and conservation strategies. All ages with free duck calls for registered youths. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 12. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.

Spring Photography Weekend. Explore and photograph the natural spring season while learning about visual design, composition, exposure and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. May 15 to 17. $270 includes lodging and meals. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Century Day Birding Extravaganza, the annual all-day bus trip to birding hotspots from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to the Cherry Valley and Pocono Plateau in an attempt to spot 100 different species of birds. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 16. $65 includes lunch, beverages and snacks. Registration (by May 8): 570-629-3061.

Lacawac’s Amazing GeoRace, a puzzle-solving geocache adventure to find containers and earn points while discovering natural and historic features at the Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. Followed by a post-race event with awards, raffle drawings and fun activities for the whole family. May 16 with Meet and Greet, light refreshments and registration at 9 a.m.; race at 10 a.m. and post-race event at 2 p.m. Info at 570-689-9494.

Salamander Hunt, through the grounds of the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 16. $5. 570-629-3061.

Pro Series: Herpetology, an in-depth look at amphibians and reptiles of the area with Dr. Thomas LaDuke. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 4 p.m. May 16. $20. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Bird Walk with Darryl Speicher of the Pocono Avian Research Center. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 8 to 10 a.m. May 17. $5. 570-828-2319.

Bog Walk, traversing the floating boardwalk on a 2.5-hour guided tour of the unique northern boreal bog. Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 1 p.m. May 17. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Birding the Bog, a morning of migration birding in the unique natural setting of the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, 166 Cherry Lane Road. 7 a.m. May 19. $6. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Intensive (Square Foot) Gardening, a Master Gardeners program. McBride Memorial Library, 500 Market St., Berwick. 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 19. Free. 570-752-2241.

Honey Bee Biology and Colony Collapse Disorder, a talk by bee expert Anita M. Collins. Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 19. $5. Registration: 570-842-1506.

Farm Meanderings, exploring the flora and fauna of the Josie Porter Farm, 6514 Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 4 to 6 p.m. May 20. $5. Registration: 570-992-0899.

Family Nature Getaway Weekend with interpretive hikes, animal presentations, fishing, canoeing, crafts, campfires and more. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. May 22 to 25. $225 includes three nights lodging and meals. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Birds and Breakfast. Join the Northeast Pennsylvania Audubon Society naturalists on a walk to identify local birds followed by breakfast at the Lodge. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. 8 to 11 a.m. May 23. $15. Registration: 570-689-9494.

Blue Bird Walk, a leisurely walk through the park to seek out bluebirds and check the boxes for baby bluebirds. Meet in the parking lot next to the pool area at Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Kingston Township. 9 a.m. May 23. Free. 570-675-9900.

Star Party, a stargazing evening along with tips on using a telescope. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 8 p.m. May 23. $5. 570-967-7275.

Birding in the Kirby Park Natural Area with the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Meet at the parking lot by the Nesbitt Park boat launch, Wilkes-Barre. 8 a.m. May 24. Free. 570-542-5948.

Ramble with a Naturalist, an easy-paced walk to look for animal signs and seasonal plants. Endless Mountains Nature Center, 1309 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock. 1:30 p.m. May 24. Free. 570-836-3835.

Bike the Border, riding the roads in and near the park’s border. Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Road, Franklin Forks. 1:30 p.m. May 25. Bring an item for the local food bank. 570-967-7275.

A Nightjar Evening, a walk to seek out the mysterious whippoorwill and its relative the common nighthawk. Meet at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 7 p.m. May 27. $15 includes transportation to various birding locations. Registration: 570-629-3061.

Bike Ride and Birding on the Black Diamond Trail from Mountain Top to Moosehead Lake — or beyond. Bring bike, binoculars, water and snacks for this two-to-three-hour trip. Meet at the Black Diamond Trailhead, Route 534, Mountain Top. 8 a.m. May 30. Free. Sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society. Registration: 570-443-7791.

Meditation Hike, a walk to lower stress and anxiety and achieve peace of mind. Endless Mountains Nature Center, 1309 Vosburg Road, Tunkhannock. 9 a.m. May 30. 570-836-3835.

Take a Dip in the Pond, using dip nets to catch and learn about tadpoles, salamanders and other aquatic animals. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to noon. May 30. $5. 570-629-3061.

Bird Photography 101, an in-depth look at attracting and photographing birds using a blind, creating perches and choosing the right camera gear. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon May 30. $15. 570-828-2319.

Bridge the Gap: Wild Edibles Walk. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon May 31. Free. 570-828-2319.

Sunday for Singles. Explore nature while meeting new people on a guided hike. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 1 to 3 p.m. May 31. Free. 570-828-2319.

Walk 2 Miles in My Shoes, a fundraiser to raise awareness for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. McDade Park, 22 Bald Mountain Road, Scranton. June 14 with registration at noon and walk at 1 p.m. $10. 570-876-4034.

Safe Boating Classes, a qualification course to earn a Pennsylvania Boaters Education Certificate. American Legion, 4907 Memorial Highway (Route 415), Harveys Lake. 6 to 10 p.m. June 16 and 17. Age 12 and older. $25. Reservations: 570-815-0471.

Gardening and Wildlife, a Master Gardeners program. McBride Memorial Library, 500 Market St., Berwick. 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 23. Free. 570-752-2241.

Close Encounters with Birds of Prey, live raptors including a golden eagle, peregrine falcon, saw whet owl and more brought by Bill Streeter of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 11 a.m. July 11. Free. 570-996-1500.

Compost to Create Black Gold for Your Garden, a Master Gardeners program. McBride Memorial Library, 500 Market St., Berwick. 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 21. Free. 570-752-2241.

Composting with Earthworms All Year Long, a Master Gardeners program. McBride Memorial Library, 500 Market St., Berwick. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18. Free. 570-752-2241.

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. $45; $55 after Aug. 21. Registration at dhdistancerun.com.

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.

Outdoors Listings: April 17 to 23, 2014