8 minute read

In & Around the Poconos

Sugar Shack Scramble

Saturday, March 04, 2023, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Join us for a hike through the woods out to the “Two Saps” Sugar Shack. Afterwards, enjoy hot cocoa and pancakes with fresh maple syrup at our Dining Hall! Sign up for a 9am or 9:30am start time. Spaces are limited! $15. peec.org

Maple Sugaring Public Day

Saturday, March 4, 2023, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center

Take a 90-minute tour of our Meesing sugarbush focusing on the history of maple syrup from the Native Americans to the early settlers in this region. Learn how to 'tap' a maple tree to obtain sap, and watch as we demonstrate how to cook the sap until it is sweet maple syrup. You'll complete the tour at our pancake station where the finished product is served over freshly made pancakes. Please dress appropriately for the weather including shoes appropriate for trail walking! Pre-registration is required, call 570-629-3061. Participants may choose a time from 10am to 2pm for their 90-minute tour. www.mcconservation.org

EcoZone Discovery Room

Saturday, March 04, 2023, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment. No registration required. $2 per person. peec.org

Cross Country Skiing

Saturday, March 11, 2023, 09:00am - 12:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Enjoy the winter woods with beginner ski lessons. Learn the basics of cross country skiing and practice around our campus. You decide how many loops to ski. Skis, poles & boots provided - register w/shoe size to guarantee a spot. A Winter Ecology Hike will be an alternative program in the event of no snow. $20 Adult/$10 Child. peec.org

Maple Sugaring Public Day

Saturday, March 11, 2023, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center

Take a 90-minute tour of our Meesing sugarbush focusing on the history of maple syrup from the Native Americans to the early settlers in this region. Learn how to 'tap' a maple tree to obtain sap, and watch as we demonstrate how to cook the sap until it is sweet maple syrup. You'll complete the tour at our pancake station where the finished product is served over freshly made pancakes. Please dress appropriately for the weather including shoes appropriate for trail walking! Pre-registration is required, call 570-629-3061. Participants may choose a time from 10am to 2pm for their 90-minute tour. www.mcconservation.org

Intro to Snowshoeing

Sunday, March 12, 2023, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Learn the basics of snowshoeing and enjoy a winter walk through the woods. No experience necessary – we provide the equipment and teach you everything you need to know. Register early to reserve a pair of snowshoes & guarantee a spot. Orienteering will be offered as an alternative program in the event of no snow. $10 Adult/ $5 Child. peec.org

Adult Cooking Class: A Taste of Ireland

Tuesday, March 14, 2023, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Pocono Organics Market & Cafe

Join us on a food tour of Ireland while we learn to make the St. Patrick's Day staples: corned beef & Irish soda bread. Tickets sold individually. Adult classes are designed for ages 16 and up. Classes are nonrefundable unless canceled by Pocono Organics. BYOB. Attendees may be paired upon arrival with other participants. Cost: $75. pocono-organics.square.site

Camp Hidden Falls Tour

Saturday, March 18, 2023, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Camp Hidden Falls is an old Girl Scout Camp that was acquired by the NPS in 2018. Come with us as we explore the property and see how many waterfalls we can find. Spaces are limited; call early to reserve a spot. $10. peec.org

Art Reception: The Green Planet Hypothesis

Saturday, March 18, 2023, 11:00am - 1:00pm

Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center

The Gallery at Kettle Creek will feature Darryl Speicher and Students from Evergreen Community Charter School during the month of March. Darryl Speicher has had three previous shows in the Art Gallery at Kettle Creek. His sons, Jordan and Jacob, contributed to these shows. They are now adults living their own lives far from the Poconos so Darryl has asked the student body where he teaches, Evergreen Community Charter School, if they would be interested in contributing a piece of art to this show. The result will be on display during the month of March. There will be a reception for Darryl and the students that participate from 11am to 1pm. No charge for this event. www.mcconservation.org

Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

Sunday, March 19, 2023, 1:15pm Downtown Stroudsburg

To preserve and promote Irish culture. Every year since it's founding the club has organized and produced the annual St.

Patrick's Day Parade. The parade covers a distance of not quite two miles, beginning in the borough of Stroudsburg and ending in East Stroudsburg. The parade is funded through various fund raising efforts by the Club, and through the generosity of our Parade and Band Sponsors (see sponsorship info). The event has evolved into one of the premier parades in Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. www.poconoirishamericanclub.com

EcoZone Discovery Room

Sunday, March 19, 2023, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment. No registration required. $2 per person. peec.org

Vernal Equinox-All Level Adult Yoga Class

Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center www.mcconservation.org

Join us as we welcome spring with an all level adult yoga class. This class will be held in the Gallery at Kettle Creek. Bring your mat or towel to lie on and an open mind. Optionally, bring blocks or straps you may wish to support your practice. Must pre-register, call 570-629-3061. Cost: $5 per person, cash or check only, payable day of program.

Bridge the Gap: Woodcock Walk

Friday, March 24, 2023, 6:30am - 8:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Join us for a walk to see the mysterious woodcock and its spectacular springtime mating display. Bring a flashlight for better searching! Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Free. peec.org

Scouts BSA Badge Festival

Saturday, March 25, 2023, 9:30am - 4:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Bears will work on the Bear Necessities patch. Weblelos will complete their Webelos Walkabout patch. Scouts will work towards their Nature Study merit badge. Payment is required at registration. Space is limited - call early! Don’t forget to bring a lunch. Overnight accommodations with meals are available for $43/person. $25/Scout. peec.org

Salamanders, Frogs, and More!

Sunday, March 26, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Amphibians are stirring in the woods! Join us as we explore nearby breeding pools for salamanders, frogs, and egg masses. We’ll provide nets and collection jars for gentle, upclose study. Wear boots and clothes that can get muddy or wet. $5. peec.org

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Saturday, April 1, 2023, 8:30am - 10:30am

Skytop Lodge

Join us for our first annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 1st. This year we will be celebrating Easter a week early with a delicious breakfast buffet, photo-op with the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt. Bring your own Easter basket for the egg hunt. The Easter egg hunt will start when you are ready, as each child will be given 15 pre-filled eggs to grab with no official start time. Adults – $45 | Children 5 to 12 – $35 | Children 4 & Under – Free. www.skytop.com

Girl Scout Badge Festival

Saturday, April 01, 2023, 9:30am - 4:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Brownies will complete their Outdoor Adventurer & Cabin Camper badges. Juniors will complete their Eco Camper Badge. Cadettes will complete their Primitive Camper badge. Seniors will be working on their Adventure Camper badge. Overnight options are available for all age levels, ask for more information! Payment is required at registration. Space is limited - call early! Don’t forget to bring a lunch. $25/Scout. peec.org

EcoZone Discovery Room

Sunday, April 02, 2023, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment. No registration required. $2 per person. peec.org

Pocono Knitting Retreat

Thursday, April 13 - Sunday, April 16, 2023

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Enjoy a Knitting Workshop Weekend with special projects and plenty of free time to work on your own items. $280 Full Workshop; Commuter and Day Rates Available. peec.org

Wacky Science Adventures

Saturday, April 15, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Put on your lab coats and prepare to conduct some crazy experiments! You’ll get to create your very own slime, oobleck, and attempt to launch a rocket into space. Please call to register. $5/person. peec.org

Salamanders, Frogs, and More!

Saturday, April 15, 2023, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Amphibians are stirring in the woods! Join us as we explore nearby breeding pools for salamanders, frogs, and egg masses. We’ll provide nets and collection jars for gentle, upclose study. Wear boots and clothes that can get muddy or wet. $5. peec.org

Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle

Sunday, April 16, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Join us for a paddle around our ponds! Beginners are welcome –we teach you everything you need to know! Dress appropriately – you may get wet. Call in advance to reserve a boat. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Free. peec.org

Bridge the Gap: Mushroom ID Hike

Sunday, April 16, 2023, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Join the experts from Marley’s Mushrooms as they guide a forest walk and search for various forms of fungi. This lesson will cover how to identify common mushrooms and their various uses. There will be no collecting or consuming mushrooms during this program. Program is limited to 25 participants. Please call to register, Free. peec.org

EcoZone Discovery Room

Sunday, April 23, 2023, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment. No registration required. $2 per person. peec.org

Bridge the Gap Spring Peeper Search

Sunday, April 23, 2023, 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

These tiny tree frogs have thawed out and are active again in our forested wetlands. Listen to the impressive choir made by these vocal amphibians as we carefully catch, study, and release them. Bring a flashlight for better searching! Please call to register. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Free. peec.org

Earth Day Festival

Saturday, April 29, 2023, 11:00am - 4:00pm

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Help us celebrate the Earth! There will be hands-on learning stations, interpretive hikes, conservation exhibits, crafts, food, music, and much more! Pre-registration is NOT required. $5 per car. peec.org

PEEC Tough as Trails 5k

Saturday, April 29, 2023, 11:00am

Pocono Environmental Education Center

Take a journey through the woods of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Our 5k runs through our Main Campus and a variety of different woodland habitats on two of our gorgeous trail loops. This course has a variety of different surfaces, including pavement, dirt, rock, and gravel. $35/ participant. 10:30am Participant Check-In. 11:00am Race Begins. peec.org