Nature's Calling: Lorrimer Sanctuary

Fourteen acres of towering oaks, spruces and native plants wait peacefully at the doorstep of Bergen County Residents, complete with a delightful Nature Museum, several marked trails and a gift shop. The Audobon Society of Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes is a wild and magical place this time of year. 

Lucine Lorrimer (Oct. 31, 1916 to Sept. 21, 1954) was the mistress of the property at 790 Ewing Ave. and operated it as a farm until her premature death at 38. She never married, nor had any children, but raised goats and chickens. Lucine grew her own food and was an example of sustainable living long before it became “quichey”; she was an independent force in Franklin Lakes for the women of her generation. Lucine raised hunting dogs, which she showed with great pride and entertained many interesting friends. When she became ill, she approached the Audobon Society and against the strong wishes of her family, donated the property for public use “preserved for perpetuity.”

Lorrimer’s farm became the first headquarters for the New Jersey Audobon Society and remained so until the 1980s when it relocated to Bernardsville. There are currently 11 centers throughout the State and 20 sanctuaries of preserved areas of land in honor of Artist and Naturalist James Audobon—who devoted his life to painting every species of birds. The Sanctuary is joined by the newly purchased Halden Reservior/Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve, which was acquired by the town using Green Acres funds. These properties are natural wetland habitats with trails kept open for hiking.

The Lorrimer Sanctuary has been lovingly and expertly sheparded by Environmentalist Pat Scheuer for the past decade. Scheuer lives there with his young family and runs its educational programs which include children’s workshops, school field trips and also adult adventures and hikes. Many local scouts come to earn badges such as Birding, Wildlife and Reptiles/Amphibians. Eagle Scouts contribute projects as well.

 “Our aim is to get children into nature at a young age who will then be more likely to protect the environment,” says Scheuer, who grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania and earned degrees in Mining and Environmental Studies at Penn State.

The private non-profit Sanctuary is mostly member supported and runs a wonderful gift shop that is staffed by 25 or more volunteers as well as interns in Environmental Science from nearby Ramapo College.

“We also sell birdseed grown by local New Jersey farmers who raise sunflowers,” said Scheuer.

The Sanctuary has several beautiful gardens including a Butterfly Garden, which is spectacular in July/August, and is maintained by the college interns. There is a solar-power rain gage in the Butterfly Garden that is recorded by Passaic River Early Flood Warning Detection folks. Next to the garden is a compost heap, which provides plenty of natural fertilizer.

In addition to seasonal programs like Apple Cidering, the Lorrimer Sactuary runs an exciting day camp for budding environmentalists. Games, crafts and hands-on exploration of the natural world are the perfect antidote to our high-tech, high-stress environment. Kids can be kids in the Tadpoles (4 to 6 years) and Junior Naturalists (7 to 11).

Young children ages 8 to 12 may attend a weekly fishing camp with Scheuer where transportation is provided to local hotspots (Zabriskie Pond in Wyckoff and the Duck Pond in Ridgewood). Bring your own tackle. The Sanctuary’s Reptile and Amphibian camp is suitable for explorers in this age group.

“PEEC” week-the popular four day/three night adventure for kids ages 10 to 14 is back by popular demand. This involves lots of hiking, birding, fishing and even a rafting trip on the Delaware-all the while living in a Yurt tent village where the day ends with songs and S’mores around the campfire. For adults and families there is a Birding Trip to Garret Mountain from 8 to 11 am on May 8 and birding at the Celery Farm on four May Thursdays (5, 12, 19 and 26) from 7:30 to 10am.

Herpin’ (looking for snakes and amphibians) at the ‘Po (Ramapo Reservation) takes place on Sunday, May 22 from 9am to noon.  This popular hike is fun for all age groups, including Mom and Dad.

The upcoming Spring Plant Sale (Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1) is a fundraiser to benefit the Butterfly Garden. High-quality garden plants chosen especially to attract birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds will include perennials such as monarda, phlox, aster, salvia, honey suckle and native trees and shrubs, perfect gifts for Mother's Day.

The Sanctuary is open to the public Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m..

Come out and experience the joy of nature—bring a picnic to share with family and friends in the tranquil setting under bowing pines. Find birding supplies and expert advice in the gift shop and make a contribution to environmental conservation and your own quality of life.  The Gift Shop has many new items including handmade soaps, jewelry, books on nature, garden ornaments and many crafts and kits for children and families.

Download a registration form for the sell-out programs from www.njaudobon.org/centers/lorrimer ,or register at the center. Call 201-891-2185 for more information or email Patrick.Scheuer@njaudobon.org