Sunflowers have to be one of the most cheerful symbols of summer and an entire field of them is indeed a joyful sight. These photos were taken at several locations in N.J. where sunflowers are being grown for a N.J. Audubon conservation project that includes producing and selling locally grown sunflower seeds. Most were taken at the the N.J. Audubon Wattles Stewardship Center. For each 5 acres of sunflower plantings, 1 acre of grassland habitat is preserved for nesting birds. The Wattles Stewardship Center, the newest N.J. Audubon sanctuary, is a 51- acre property located in Warren County along the Musconetcong River. Although the buildings are private, a public parking area provides access to the property’s trails and adjacent wildlife management area managed by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife. The Center is part of a preservation effort that protects 350 acres of farmland. For more information about this project and the Center visit http://www.njaudubon.org. NOTE: - for butterfly lovers, please click on the "Winged Things" tab above to see more butterfly photos.