Editor's pick: Meadow Party

Spend an afternoon partying by the river

WHEN: Saturday, August 18 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Butterfly Barn, River Road, Milanville, PA.

COST: Free.

CONTACT: delawarehighlands.org or call 570/226-3164.

mILANVILLE, PA — The riparian meadows at the Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Butterfly Barn on River Road constitute one of the most idyllic venues along the Upper Delaware River—and should remain that way forever, as the first of many pieces of land put in a conservation easement by the conservancy, founded in 1994 by the owner of the land, Barbara Yeaman. The organization has since succeeded in preserving a variety of such precious but vulnerable locations all over the Upper Delaware watershed, something well worth celebrating. And celebrate it they do, every year, at the conservancy’s annual Meadow Parties. In previous years the party has been held in September, but in this, the 11th year, festivities will come early, on Saturday, August 18.

Party guests can relax under the spreading branches of a prize-winning black walnut tree, listen to musical entertainment, attend wildlife presentations, visit the children’s activity tent and environmental booths, take a fly fishing lesson, attend a silent auction and a raffle drawing and more. Sodas and drinks will be on sale, but you will need to bring your own picnic lunch.

In the kids’ activity area, children’s author Lindsay Barrett George, author of “Inside Mouse/Outside Mouse” and other books will be offering stories and crafts for the whole afternoon. Trout Unlimited Upper Delaware Chapter will be giving fly-tying demos. A variety of local groups such as the Eagle Institute, Lackawaxen River Conservancy, Lenape Nation and National Park Service will set up displays providing information. And all day long there will be music, starting with sister duo Sandy and Amy Long at 12:30 p.m. and moving on to a three-piece family band The Pharm, Mike Vreeland’s music for kids and Janet Burgan’s country-folk sound.

At 4:00 p.m., the winners of the Annual Kayak Raffle will be drawn. The first prize is an Old Town Otter XT 9.5-foot kayak donated by Alice’s Wonderland, second prize is a fishing/PFD vest and third prize is an Alice’s Wonderland gift certificate ($50).

Immediately following the drawing, a silent auction will be held. All proceeds from the raffle and the silent auction go directly to the conservancy’s preservation efforts.