“NATURE’S LACEWORK”: This work by by Alicija Tadych will be on display December 5-7 at the Mountain Lakes House in the Perspectives on Preservation Photo Show, a study of the intricate patterns and quiet beauty found within the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve.
Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) invites the community to kick off the holiday season with a weekend of photography, music, and nature at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. The festivities begin with the opening reception for the Perspectives on Preservation Photo Show on Friday, December 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mountain Lakes House, followed by a two-day Holiday Open House and photo exhibition viewing on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7, from 12 to 4 p.m.
FOPOS Trustee Fran McManus said, “The Greater Mountain Lakes Recreation Area is where our community comes to engage in quiet contemplation, gain creative inspiration, exercise in the fresh air, and enjoy nature with family and friends. Our Perspectives on Preservation Photo Contest is our annual invitation to the community to explore Mountain Lakes a little more deeply — to wander further, look more closely, and spend more time on the Preserve’s eight miles of trails. Every year we are surprised and delighted by the photographs that are submitted, and how well they capture the beauty of this special place.”
The opening reception will feature selected works from the 10th annual FOPOS Perspectives on Preservation Photography Contest, along with a special Mountain Lakes photo series by Princeton photographer Frank Sauer. Guests will enjoy live music by Caleb Heinze, light refreshments, and the announcement of contest winners. All photographs will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Friends of Princeton Open Space.
The celebration continues throughout the weekend with the Holiday Open House, where visitors can enjoy warm drinks, seasonal treats, and the full photo exhibition. Sauer will be present on Saturday to greet guests and discuss his work documenting the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Live guitar music by Palmer Uhl will be featured on Saturday from
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Guests are also invited to stroll the Preserve’s scenic trails and enjoy a beautifully decorated outdoor Christmas tree on the Mountain Lakes House patio overlooking the lake. These events are family-friendly, free, and open to the public, with convenient on-site parking at the Mountain Lakes House.
To RSVP for the Opening Reception, visit fopos.org/events-programs.
The Mountain Lakes House is at 57 Mountain Avenue.
Friends of Princeton Open Space is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established in 1969 that has contributed about $10 million in privately raised funds, government grants, and funds raised from the rental of Mountain Lakes House to acquire and steward open space in Princeton for the benefit of all residents and visitors. Their mission includes environmental education and advocacy for sound governmental decisions affecting the environment. For more information about FOPOS, visit fopos.org.