Dragons and Damsels Walk

Calico Pennant photographed by Allen Barlow at Sawmill Lake

Come on a foray into the world of delicate damsels and fierce dragons. No, we’re not going to Camelot, but to Sawmill Lake. Sussex County is home to more species of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) than any other county in the state, and High Point is a wonderful place to observe these fascinating insects. On Saturday, June 13th at 10:30 AM, Allen Barlow, author of a soon-to-be published field guide to New Jersey’s dragonflies and damselflies, will lead a 2-mile walk around Sawmill Lake.

As we explore, you’ll learn about the lifecycles, habits, and habitats of High Point’s dragon and damselflies. Since they’re so large, their behaviors are easy to watch! We may see them feeding (eating mosquitoes and other insects we consider pests), defending territories, laying eggs, or performing dominance displays. You’ll also begin to learn how to identify the many different kinds of odonates from iridescent jewelwings to bold and bright skimmers.

This walk is appropriate for adults and children ages eight and up. Registration is not required. Meet at the Sawmill Lake boat launch. For more information call the Interpretive Center at 973-875-1471 or email highpointprograms@gmail.com. For more information about dragonflies and damselflies in New Jersey, check out the NJ Odonates website.

June Programs

Sunset Yoga
June 13, 2009 from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
Come and enjoy the view while relaxing your mind and body! The Friends of High Point are hosting a sunset yoga class in the Interpretive Center at High Point State Park.The class is open to all levels, but class size is limited and registration is required. Please call 973-702-0488.

Solstice Sunset Scramble
June 20, 2009 from 7:15 PM to 9:15 PM
Adults/children age 10 and up. Registration is not required. Meet at the Sawmill Lake Boat Launch. This somewhat strenuous rock scramble up the half-mile Blue Dot Trail affords a beautiful viewpoint from which to watch the sunset on one of the longest days of the year. This hike requires some agility and sturdy closed-toe shoes (not sandals!).

Summer Sensory Stroll
June 26, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
All Ages. Registration is not required. Meet at the entrance to the Cedar Swamp Trail. This 2.5 mile trail is stroller-friendly and one of the easiest at High Point. Come explore the Cedar Bog and surrounding forests using your eyes, ears, noses, and hands with High Point's naturalist. $5 parking fee will be in effect.

Mountain Lions in NJ: Fact or Fantasy?
June 27, 2009 from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
All ages. Registration is not required. Meet in the Interpretive Center. Once native to this region, mountain lions were thought to have been extirpated by the late 1800s. However, in recent years there have been increasing reports of mountain lions in northwestern New Jersey. So what's going on? Christopher Spatz, President of the Eastern Cougar Foundation, will share information about these large cats, their habits and habitats, and will explain the results of research he conducted in High Point State Park during 2006 and 2007.

Fledgling Naturalists - Late Spring

Fledgling Naturalist programs are for or 3 to 5 year-olds with an adult partner and are designed to encourage young children's curiosity, engaging them hands-on in the natural world, through outdoor activities, stories, games, and crafts.

Class size is limited. Registration is required. Call 973-875-1471 or email highpointprograms@gmail.com.

Pebbles and Boulders
Thursday, May 28 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Friday, May 29 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
($5 parking fee will be in effect)
Come explore all the different sizes, shapes, and colors of rocks. We’ll practice categorizing and sorting, and you’ll try your hand and becoming “rock hounds.”

Life in a Lake
Thursday, June 11 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Friday, June 10 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
What lives in the lake? We’ll use nets to find out. While we don’t plan to go in the lake, it still might be a good idea to wear boots or old sneakers. Meet at Sawmill Lake.

While not technically a “Fledgling” program, many of you may find the Spring Sensory Stroll on Friday, June 26, to be something you’d enjoy. Also, summer dates and topics for Fledgling Naturalists are now on the Google Calendar.