EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Programs for individuals and groups of all ages
Education
- Public programs: guided nature walks and hikes, led byWeis staff, historical and culture programs, first aid classes and special events.
- Group programs: including field trips for schools, homeschoolers, rec departments and area camps.
- Nature focused day camps during thesummerand school breaks.
Arts
Performing Arts
Iron Mountain Stage Company, a local non-profit theatre company that has been performing continuously since 1993, makes Weis their permanent home for rehearsals and some performances. They present a spring and fall production, as well as fun public acting improv workshops.
Music
May-Sep: "Music at Midvale" Acoustic Open Mic! Join us near the old farmhouse for an afternoon of acoustic, outdoors music (originals and covers). Please bring your own refreshments and a folding chair. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted on the property.
> $5 per person, additional donations welcome! Signup to perform from 2:30-3:00pm; music starts at 3:00. NO registration required. Details and performance guidelines
Recreation
Guided Nature Hikes - Led by our Educators & Naturalists. Public guided hikes are offered throughout the year, and can also be scheduled for private groups, party or special events. Hikes are led by a first aid certified staff member, and may focus on local history, flora, and fauna found along the trail.Learn more about hiking at Weis and in the adjacent Norvin Green State Forest.
Forest Bathing Walks - Led by our Lead Educator and Naturalist Lauren Lynch
Seasonal programs - Including Pumpkin Chunkin' (fall), Halloween Wicked Walk at Weis tours (fall), Natural Wreath Making (fall/winter), Maple Sugaring (Feb/Mar), and Solstice/Equinox celebrations. Details and registration
Swimming is available at our neighbors and partners the Highlands Natural Pool, which is adjacent to our property. Experience a mountain-stream fed, chemical-free Olympic size pool in a beautiful, forested setting. Snack bar on premises.
Scouting
We are happy to welcome ALL Scout groups to The New Weis Center. We offer many programs for Scouts, including badge classes, service projects, camping and firecircles, and hosting special events. Please check our Scouting page for all the details and upcoming events!
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation | 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456 | 973-835-2160
Owned and operated by the Highlands Nature Friends, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
Support The New Weis Center by making a tax-deductible DONATION and receive special member benefits! Learn more
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pre-registration and advance payment is required for most programs. Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building.
Don’t miss out! Sign up to receive emails about upcoming programs and events
▶ Dec 23, 27 & 30: Winter Break Mini Nature Camp
- Winter fun and adventure when schools are closed for the winter break
- 2nd-5th grade
▶ Dec 27 & 30: Winter Break Emerging Ecologists Nature Camp
- Winter fun and adventure when schools are closed for the winter break
- 6th-9th grade
▶ Sun, Jan 5, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
There are 3 pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review them in class. Pre-requisites: #4c, #7a, #7b
- Scouts must bring a signed blue card and wear their uniform
- $35 per scout
> SOLD OUT
▶ Sat, Jan 11, 1-5pm: Environmental Science Merit Badge
There are 3 pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review them in class. Pre-requisites: #3e1 or 3e2 (scout’s choice); #3f1 or 3f2 (scout’s choice); #6
- Scouts must bring a signed blue card and wear their uniform. Portions of this class may be held outdoors; please dress accordingly
- $35 per scout
> SOLD OUT
▶ Sun, Jan 12, 10-11:30am: Moss & Lichen Winter Walk
Join us for an easy guided hike on our private trails! Winter is a wonderful time to focus on mosses and lichens, including identifying the differences and similarities, and diving into the role and resilience of these ancient organisms. We’ll learn about the relationship they have with humans and with the natural world. Venture into the brilliant world of bryophytes (& lichen)!
- Ages 6 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- Dress appropriately as the program will be held outdoors.
▶ Sun, Jan 19, 1-5pm: Communication Merit Badge
There are 6 pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review them in class. Pre-requisites: #1a, #3 (write speech), #5, #6, #8, #9
- Scouts must bring a signed blue card and wear their uniform
- $35 per scout
▶ Tuesdays, Jan 7-Feb 11, 1:30-4pm: 6-week Homeschool Program, Winter Session #1
- Ages 5-10
- Discounts for siblings and New Weis Center Members
▶ Wed, Jan 29, 4-5:30pm: Tree Tapping & Foraged Tea
Let’s kick off Maple Sugaring season with this fun behind the scenes program! Come help our senior educators ID the perfect trees, drill the holes, set the spiles, and hang the buckets to prepare for this annual winter tradition. Afterwards we will forage for ingredients and make tea, and talk about the power and benefits of our local evergreens.
- Ages 5 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
- Dress appropriately as the program will be held outdoors.
▶ February-March: Maple Sugaring!
Join us for this fun 90-minute program as we learn about the process, history, and ecology of maple sap & syrup. We'll take a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, and tree biology, and discuss the history of tree tapping and some of the many things sap is used for. Next we'll visit our tapped trees where we'll learn how to tap, collect and taste the sap, then see how the evaporator works. We'll finish with a blind syrup taste test in the covered pavilion (with heaters)! Open to all ages, so grab your family and friends for a fun winter outing. There is an option to purchase local organic syrup if you like (cash or Venmo).
Public Programs
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children age 4 and under.
- $18 per person
- Dates: Feb 8 @1pm, Feb 9 @10:30am, Feb 15 @1pm, Feb 16 @10:30am & 1pm, Feb 22 @10am & 12:30pm
Group Maple Sugaring Programs
- Scout troops, schools, clubs, businesses and homeschool groups may schedule a Maple Sugaring program on a date of their choosing on weekdays or weekends in mid Feb-mid Mar. Maple Sugaring may also be combined with winter ecology programs for a longer visit.
- Minimum fee to schedule a group program is $225 (up to 10 participants); $18 for each additional participant over 10. No charge for up to 4 scout leaders/parents or school chaperones.
- Small scout troops (under 10) may partner together or register for a public program (see above)
- Since we can accommodate up to 20 participants, small troops or groups may be combined with other troops/groups or non-scout participants
- Contact us to schedule: 973-835-2160 or email: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org
▶ Returning in early 2025: Forest Bathing Sensory Walk with Foraged Tea
The practice of forest bathing means to immerse oneself in the forest and soak in the atmosphere through the senses. Today's walk at an easy pace will focus on connecting to nature through mindfulness, as we explore our senses and the present moment through short, guided, meditations and breathing exercises in the forest. Through this practice, we aim to deepen our connection to our mind, our body, and the life around us in nature. At the end of our walk, we'll sample a tea made from pine and spruce needles foraged on the Weis property, with some seasonal variations throughout the year. This tea is meant to show our gratitude and appreciation and is a way of tasting and taking in the land to further connect to it. Forest bathing has been shown to help decrease stress levels and anxiety, and to improve the immune system and symptoms of depression, to name a few benefits. Come explore a new way of walking through the forest!
- Led by Weis Lead Educator Lauren Lynch
- Ages 13 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- $15 per person
▶ Sat, Apr 12: Girl Scout Appreciation Day!
Stay tuned for details...
▶ Sun, Apr 27: Earth Day Celebration!
Stay tuned for details...
Maple Sugaring time is almost here! Register NOW for a public program, or schedule a date for your group, scout troop or school! Scroll down for details