Wild weekend planned at Wallkill Refuge

Sussex — There are events scheduled for all ages at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge the last weekend in May. It starts with a Star Party on Friday, May 29, at 8 p.m. Local astronomer, Al Carcich, will bring his telescope to the refuge headquarters. All are welcome to gaze at craters in the moon, the rings of Saturn, and more. Participants should bring their own binoculars or telescopes, if possible. (Rain date is Saturday evening.) Saturday, May 30, starting at 8 a.m., the refuge will have its fishing event for children ages 14 and under. Participants should bring their own fishing poles. Call 973-702-7266 ext. 10 to register for this event. Americorps Watershed Ambassador Jeff Smith will show the wildlife, large and small, that inhabit the waters in a training session on Saturday, May 30, starting at 1 p.m., to help people identify the health of a stream. Do you know the plant that protects you from poison ivy? Herbalist Al Hamer and Jessica Lawlor will lead a walk from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 31 to identify the wild plants that can be used as food and medicine. All the programs are free. All but the fishing event will start from the refuge headquarters, at Route 565, in Vernon. For more information call 201-660-8880 or 973-702-7266.