Nature by night and day at High Point

SUSSEX — Come explore nature at night or try star gazing at lunchtime at High Point State Park. The following programs are free of charge and open to the public: Night insects Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8 to 9 p.m. Families with children ages five and up. Meet in the Interpretive Center. Late summer nights are filled with the sounds of insects. Come learn about katydids, crickets, moths and others. Bring a flashlight and go on an after-dark bug hunt. Night hike Saturday, Aug. 22, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Adults and children age 10 and up. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Hike a portion of the Monument Trail and enjoy the sunset and views to the west. Then loop through the cedar bog and try calling for owls. Flashlights won’t be necessary. It is surprising how much you can see without one. In all, the hike is about 2.5 miles. Sun gazing Saturday, Aug. 22 from noon to 2 p.m. All ages. $5 parking fee. Meet at the far end of the Monument parking lot. This program will only take place if the sky is mostly cloudless. Come learn more about the closest star — the sun. Take a look at the sun’s surface with astronomy enthusiast, Doug Paddock. The sun will be seen through a filtered telescope. Stop by any time between noon and 2 p.m. For more information call 973-875-1471 or visit www.highpointpark.blogspot.com.