Free Community Programs

Y Walk Wednesdays, a series of FREE, guided, evening walks for all in the community will run throughout the summer months beginning NEXT Wednesday, June 10 at 6 p.m. at the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA (40 West Northampton Street, WB 18701).

The walks will feature downtown history, public infrastructure, architecture, and nature in Wilkes-Barre. Returning after a two-year hiatus, these walks are coordinated by the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA and funded by the Nesbitt Foundation.

All walks begin at 6 p.m. from the lobby of the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA. Walks are approximately 90 minutes long and lead by volunteer leaders. In case of rain or extreme heat, the walk will be postponed until the same time the following evening, if possible. Contact the Y’s front desk after 4 p.m. to find out if a walk has been postponed or cancelled – 570-823-2191.

The free walks are not limited by number of participants, and there is no pre-registration.

Y WALK WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

June 10 – Keeping the Susquehanna Out of Our Living Rooms
Emergency management agencies work together to plan and keep the Valley safe from flooding. Tour the Levee System, pump stations, and portals downtown and learn about related public safety efforts. Walk Leader: Laura Holbrook, Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority.

June 17 – Millionaires and Mansions
An architectural and social history stroll past some of 19th and early 20th century homes of Wilkes-Barre’s leading families. Visit Wilkes-Barre’s oldest house, and learn about its restoration. Walk Leader: Tony Brooks, Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society.

June 24 – The Canals of Wilkes-Barre
Before railroads, canals connected the Wyoming Valley with the rest of America. Learn about local canals, and the industry and society they built. Walk Leader: Joe Butkiewicz, Board Member, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

July 1 – iNaturalist Walk-Kirby Park Natural Area
Stretch your legs on a walk to the Kirby Park Natural Area and learn how to use iNaturalist, a free community science app, to identify plants and insects. Help downloading iNaturalist available. Walk Leader: Abigail McDonald, Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA Senior Tech Help Specialist.

July 8 – Walk with a Doc. Learn about the ways that walking can improve your physical and mental health, and develop a healthy walking plan. Walk Leader: Local members, Northeast Counties Medical Society

July 15 – What’s New Downtown
Downtown Wilkes-Barre is evolving to meet today’s challenges and opportunities. Join Larry Newman, the executive director of the Diamond City Partnership, Downtown Wilkes-Barre’s development organization, to learn about new developments.

July 22 – Murals and Art Downtown
From mid-century modern sculpture on Public Square to murals in the last five years, Wilkes-Barre’s downtown is full of art and art organizations. Tour and learn about past and recent works of art. Walk Leader: Heather Sincavage, Sordoni Gallery, Wilkes University.

July 29 – 100 Years of Ethnic Change in the Wyoming Valley
Join Michael Polgar, Professor at Penn State Hazleton, on a walk to the new Jewish Community Center in Kingston. He will discuss demographic and ethnic patterns in Wyoming Valley communities over the past century.

August 5 – Journey Through King’s College
Wander through Kings’ campus and surroundings and discover the history of the buildings and plans for new facilities and functions. Walk Leader: Michelle Landon, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, King’s College

August 12 – Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
Learn about the 165 mile D&L Trail and the history of the Corridor that connects Wilkes-Barre with Bristol, new developments to the D&L Trail in Luzerne County, and the trail’s eventual terminus in Wilkes-Barre. Walk Leader: Alice Wanamaker, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

August 19 – A Walk on the Wild Side
Explore Kirby Park’s Natural Area, the natural wonders of the park’s riparian forest, and the important role it plays as part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This walk is about two hours long- bring shoes that can get muddy. Walk Leader: Vinnie Cotrone, Riverfront Parks Committee.