High Point State Park offers a full slate of summer activities

Although chronically underfunded, the New Jersey state parks in Sussex County maintain a full schedule of activites all through the summer. This is the schedule for High Point State Park. A schedule for other parks will follow in subsequent editions. The view from the newly reopened High Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level, is a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush valleys in three states. High Point offers superb trails for hikers and skiers and quiet spots for campers and anglers. Friday Family Nature Study Meets at 11 a.m. every Friday throughout the summer for various family hikes and activities. Inquire at the front gate for meeting place. Sun Gazing Saturday, July 9 - 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. All Ages n Come learn more about the closest starnour sun! Take a look at the sun's surface with astronomy enthusiast, Doug Paddock. By looking through a filtered telescope, you'll be able to see the sun in a way you've never seen it before. Stop by any time between 12 and 2 p.m. Meet at the far end of the Monument Parking Lot. The Bear Facts Saturday, July 9 - 7:30 p.m. All ages n Bears are a part of life in northern New Jersey, whether you live here or are just visiting. Come learn the basics about black bears. Meet in the Interpretive Center. Stories ‘round the Campfire Saturday, July 16 - 7:30 p.m. Adults/Children ages 7 & up - These stories aren't just for kids! Come join "Backwoods Bill" (a.k.a storyteller Bill Wurst) around a campfire for folk tales, legends, and stories that are humorous, thought-provoking, and occasionally mysterious. This program is a summertime classic whether you're seven, seventeen, or seventy. Meet in the Cedar Swamp Picnic Area. Lawn seatingnyou may want to bring a chair. Meet a Live Owl and Crow Saturday, July 23 - 7:30 p.m. Families (Children ages 5 and up) - Dick and Linda Wilson will introduce you to "Kiki" and "Maxwell" and you'll learn all about these often-misunderstood birds. There will be time for pictures and questions. Meet in the Interpretive Center. Going Batty Saturday, July 30 - 8:00 p.m. Families (Children ages 5-12) n Come learn about these mosquito-munching nocturnal creatures through stories and games. We'll also take a walk to see and hear the night-fliers in action. Meet in the Interpretive Center. Beavers: Their Ecology and Importance Saturday, August 6 - 7:30 p.m. Adults/Children ages 10 & up - Think beavers are nothing more than a tree-gnawing nuisance? Think again! Beavers play an important role in aquatic habitats and have influenced this country's history. During this informative slide program, presented by Robert "the beaver lady" Bramhall, you'll learn how beavers have adapted to their watery habitats and what their ecological purpose is. Meet in the Interpretive Center. Graveyard Art Saturday, August 13 - 7:30 p.m. Adults/Children ages 8 & up - Join Peter Osborne, Executive Director of the Minisink Valley Historical Society, for a slide program that explores various styles of "graveyard art" from the 1600s to the present day. Examples of each style are drawn from the region's cemeteries and graveyards. Meet in the Interpretive Center Sun Gazing Saturday, Aug. 20 - 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. All Ages n Come learn more about the closest starnour sun! Take a look at the sun's surface with astronomy enthusiast, Doug Paddock. By looking through a filtered telescope, you'll be able to see the sun in a way you've never seen it before. Stop by any time between 12 and 2 p.m. Meet at the far end of the Monument Parking Lot. Meet the Press: 1923 High Point's First Year Saturday, August 20 - 7:30 p.m. Adults/Children ages 9 & up - The year is 1923: Calvin Coolidge became president, people were dancing the Charleston, and High Point became a state park. Join newspaperman "Sid Wheeler" (a.k.a. storyteller and historian Bill Wurst) to review events from across the county and the country during the first year of High Point State Park's history. Night Insects Saturday, August 27 - 8:00 p.m. Families (children ages 5-11) - Late summer nights are filled with the sounds of insects. Come learn about katydids, crickets, and other critters that crawl and fly at night. Meet in the Interpretive Center. Night Walk Saturday, September 3 - 8:00 p.m. Adults/Children ages 8 & up - Have you ever wandered in the woods after dark? Here's your chance to give it a try. Flashlights won't be necessarynyou may be surprised by how much you can see without them. Please call 973-875-1471 to register for this program.