Photo by Sandy Long Nancy Pinchot and daughter, Susanna, inspect the Deegan chimes. (Click for larger image)

By SANDY LONG

LEDGEDALE - Every time another strip mall lays bare a stretch of forest, I see, in my mind's eye, Dr. Seuss's feisty Lorax, defender of trees and other environmentally important things, leaping in outrage, shaking a fist in frustration. Until now, the Lorax lived in my imagination. But on a tour of the Lacawac Sanctuary, I met a real-life Lorax.

Admittedly, Arthur Watres, founder of the Sanctuary, speaks with an eloquence the Lorax lacks. But at heart, and perhaps in their diminutive stature, they are one in the struggle to preserve the natural resources not yet destroyed by human consumption and development. Watres said, "If you want to protect something, you must invite people in for an experience that is culturally significant and educationally interesting. Then they will help to preserve it." Thus, the seeds of the Lacawac Sanctuary were sown.

Its history can be traced to the Lenni-Lenape Indians, who inhabited the 530 acres now known as the Lacawac Sanctuary. The Lenape Indian word, "Lacawac" means "fork," possibly referring to a branch of the path known as the Minisink Trail, which passed near Lake Lacawac, the Sanctuary's pristine glacial lake.

	Photo by Sandy Long Members of the tour group gather at the shore of Lake Lacawac. (Click for larger image)

Watres's grandfather, Colonel Louis Watres, purchased the property in 1909. As early as 1952, Arthur and his mother saw the importance of preserving the land. He said, "At that time, the need for land trusts, formed to protect land against land abuses, was beginning to be understood." In 1966, they created a non-profit corporation to own and manage the property, stipulating that it be used for educational and scientific purposes.

In keeping with that mission, many educational programs are offered including tours of the grounds, buildings and the 10,000-pound, 16-note Deegan Tower Chimes. Musical events are on the menu along with lessons in watercolor and art basics. One can study wildflowers and birds of prey or learn about environmental shopping.

	Photo by Sandy Long Dave Churchill, volunteer tour guide, examines a hemlock on the Sanctuary grounds for evidence of the Woolly Adelgid, an insect that destroys the Eastern hemlock. (Click for larger image)

On August 18 and 19, "Nature Nexus," a retreat designed to provide an opportunity for women to slow down and reconnect with the natural world is scheduled. Participants will stay in the Lodge, built in 1903 by coal baron William Connell. Created in the style of the great lodges of the Adirondacks at the turn-of-the-century, it has been restored to its original beauty and functionality. Today it serves as a dormitory and conference center.

During our tour, docents Dave Churchill and Tom Kingsley provided information on everything from Woolly Adelgids to a Rock Tripe lichen living on the Lacawac ledges. They described the on-going study of two forest plots, or "exclosures," fenced to prevent the entrance of deer. The plots reveal the nature of the forest in the absence of deer, whose foraging causes a serious loss of undergrowth.

Other research revolves around the Lake, designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968 because human impact on it has been light. The Lake, not subjected to normal polluting activities such as development, is useful for scientific study. One research project is examining the effect of UV radiation on fish and plants.

	Photo by Sandy Long Arthur Watres in front of Heron's Pond. (Click for larger image)

Watres cares "a whole awful lot" about the special place he has worked so hard to preserve. And he's concerned about the fate of the Poconos. "I'm interested in having the knowledge and perceptions of science translated into public policy through education. The Pocono region is quite unique in terms of wilderness quality and is under tremendous developmental pressure. I would like to think that the Sanctuary could make a difference in public understanding of how we use land and how we might plan more effectively so that this community can have a better future."

A self-guided forest ecology trail is open to the public during daylight hours. To register for tours or events, call Janice Poppich, Sanctuary Director, at 570/689-9494.