Second annual Summer Nature Festival set Saturday.
By: Emily Craighead
PLAINSBORO ‘Tis the season for fox kits, fawns and goslings to make their grand entrance into the world, just in time for the Plainsboro Preserve’s second annual Summer Nature Festival.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 18, the New Jersey Audubon Society is inviting everyone from toddlers to senior citizens to explore the preserve through hikes with naturalists, live animal demonstrations, crafts and animal folklore.
"It’s a really good way to have fun outside," said Josh Goldman, director’s assistant at the preserve.
Every 45 minutes throughout the day, visitors will be able to join nature hikes to observe dragonflies engaging in acrobatic mating rituals or stunning indigo buntings flitting through the trees.
"With these guided hikes, you’re able to educate yourself about what you want to learn," Mr. Goldman said.
In addition to participating in guided hikes, people will be able to wander on their own over 5 miles of trails through mature beech woods, meadows and the shoreline of the 50-acre McCormack Lake.
"If (visitors) are lucky, they can get a look at the beaver in the lake," Mr. Goldman said.
Keen-eyed birdwatchers may also spot the yellow-rumped warbler, nicknamed the butter butt.
Environmental nonprofit and government offices hosting information booths at the Summer Nature Festival will include the Mercer County Wildlife Center, the Plainsboro Historical Society and the Central New Jersey Sierra Club.
The Mercer County Wildlife Center is expected to bring birds, raccoons and foxes to show festival-goers.
"They bring some really cool animals that are native to the area," Mr. Goldman said.
Refreshments will be available at the festival, but Mr. Goldman advised visitors to bring water, bug spray and sunscreen, and to wear comfortable hiking shoes.
The Plainsboro Preserve is located on Scotts Corner Road. More information about the preserve and the festival is available at www.njaudubon.org or by calling (609) 897-9400.