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
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pre-registration and advance payment is required for most programs. Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building.
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▶ Mon, July 13th, 10-11:30am: Nature Stories with Chris!
Join us as we gather for a fun and interactive nature storytime! We’ll sit together in our cozy "Strube Square" outdoor seating area to enjoy a story about the wonders of nature, read by Educator and Naturalist Chris. After the story, we’ll explore the surrounding area to discover and reinforce the theme, and finish with a simple nature-themed craft.
- This program is for all ages and is stroller-friendly
- Additional siblings may attend at a discounted rate, and children 2 and below are free
- All children must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian
- Fee: $15 (1 adult + 1 child); $19 (1 adult + 2-3 children)
▶ Sat, July 18, 1-5pm: Pulp & Paper Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #6, #7E & #8. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sun, July 19, 9am-1pm: Sustainability Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #6A, #8ABC & #9. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Thurs, July 23rd, 10-11:30am: Nature Stories with Chris!
Join us as we gather for a fun and interactive nature storytime! We’ll sit together in our cozy "Strube Square" outdoor seating area to enjoy a story about the wonders of nature, read by Educator and Naturalist Chris. After the story, we’ll explore the surrounding area to discover and reinforce the theme, and finish with a simple nature-themed craft.
- This program is for all ages and is stroller-friendly
- Additional siblings may attend at a discounted rate, and children 2 and below are free
- All children must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian
- Fee: $15 (1 adult + 1 child); $19 (1 adult + 2-3 children)
Thu, Jul 23, 10am-1pm: Water Pollution Stream Study (part of the 6-8th grade Summer Series)
Calling all emerging ecologists! See if you have what it takes to become an Citizen Scientist, through our Summer Series! We’ll be conducting our very own stream study to discover the biodiversity in our stream. Then, we’ll do our own water pollution test & ID the aquatic organisms we catch.
▶ Fri, Jul 24, 8-9:30pm: Family Nocturnal Nature Night & Bonfire Social
Bring the family and join us for a short guided night hike & bonfire. If you have never experienced the forest at night, here's your chance to experience the magic when the sun goes down! Exploring at night is like traveling to another ecosystem - without having to leave New Jersey. We'll listen for the calls of tree frogs and the chittering of flying squirrels. . Of course, we'll be sure to end the night with a blazing bonfire & smores!
- Please bring a flashlight or headlamp
- Bring the family! Under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian.
- Drive in through the outer gate and park near the main brick building
- Restrooms in the main building will be open
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, program will be rescheduled
▶ Thu, Jul 30, 10am-1pm: Geology Study & Hike (part of the 6-8th grade Summer Series)
We’ll be conducting our very own Geologic Study to identify key resources nearby and to assess for environmental impact. We'll be hiking rocky terrain, identifying rock types & minerals, & discussing the impact of geologic time on the landscape.
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sat, August 1st, 1-5pm: Environmental Science Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #2A & 2A, #6A (OR) #6B, #7A & #11. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
>REGISTER NOW
▶ Sun, August 2nd, 9am-1pm: Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #4C, #7A & #7B. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Thu, Aug 6, 10am-1pm: Plant Science Bioblitz (part of the 6-8th grade Summer Series)
Calling all emerging ecologists! See if you have what it takes to become an Citizen Scientist, through our Summer Series! We’ll be conducting our very own Bioblitz through the iNaturalist App by hiking through our private trails and collecting field data. After we'll learn how to identify and check the different layers of the forest canopy to check for biodiversity and overall forest health.
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Thu, Aug 13, 10am-1pm: Sustainable Stewardship(part of the 6-8th grade Summer Series)
Future architects and thinkers of tomorrow - join us for a day of best environmental design & resource management practice. We’ll be learn what green design is and how to implement it, understand the ethics of resource management & take hands on action in invasive species removal.
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Thu, Aug 20, 10am-1pm: Conservation Initiatives & Becoming an Honorary Citizen Scientist! (part of the 6-8th grade Summer Series)
We’ll learn how to identify future and current conservation projects, assess for ecosystem dynamics, work on a conservation project, & become honorary Citizen Scientists!
> REGISTER NOW!
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 tripsfor 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 andperformance 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!