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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▶ Summer Nature Programs for Kids!
3 age groups (pre-K to 8th grade)
- Seedlings: (2) 3-day sessions, Tue-Thu, Jul 28-30 & Aug 4-6 (ages 3-5)
- Sprouts: (6) 1-day sessions, Mondays, Jul 20-Aug 24 (ages 6-10)
- Emerging Ecologists: (5) 1-day sessions, Thursdays, Jul 23-Aug 20 (6-8 grade)
▶ Sat, Jul 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, Jul 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
▶ Mondays, Jul 20-Aug 24, 10am-1pm: Sprouts Summer Nature Series!
- Ages 6-10
- Runs for 6 weeks; register for individual days or the whole series
▶ Thu, Jul 23, 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.
▶ Sun, Jul 26, 3-5pm: Acoustic Open Mic
Join us in a beautiful wooded setting for an afternoon of live music. Come to play, or just to listen and enjoy! We'll gather outside near the old farmhouse (c.1800's) for an afternoon of acoustic music (originals and covers) in a variety of genres. Seating is available at picnic tables, or bring a folding chair if you prefer. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments, but note that smoking and alcohol are not permitted on the property. All ages welcome.
- Signup to perform between 2:30-3:00pm; live music is from 3:00pm-5:00pm
- $5 cover per person (performers and audience)
> No registration required
▶ Tue-Thu, Jul 28-30 & Aug 4-6: Seedlings Pre-K Nature Club
- Ages 3-5; must be potty trained
- Drop-off program
- Register for one or both 3-day sessions
▶ 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, Aug 1, 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, Aug 2, 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!
▶ Sat, Aug 8, 9am-12pm: Volunteer Day at Weis!
We welcome volunteers (scouts, community members, families, groups, clubs) to stop by and help with some much needed TLC in our gardens and grounds, including invasive species removal, spreading woodchips on pathways, mulching, pruning, litter pickup, gathering branches/sticks for campfires. No gardening experience necessary.
- Counts as community service and conservation hours for students and scouts
- Bring work gloves if you have them
- Suggested age: 8+; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Volunteer Days are scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of each month, May-Oct
> No registration required, but please let us know if you are bringing a group (5 or more)
▶ 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!
▶ Sun, Aug 15, 10-11:30am: Moving Meditation & Mindfulness Walk
Walking meditation is a mindful technique focused on being aware of each step. Originating from Buddhism, Taoism, and yoga, it has long complemented other practices to enhance awareness and promote inner clarity. Walking meditation offers a gentle approach to mindfulness, connecting breath, movement, and bodily sensations. Participants walk slowly and intentionally, focusing on each step and inhalation to cultivate awareness in the present moment. This practice encourages participants to tune into their senses, noticing the feel of the earth beneath their feet, the sights around them, and the sounds in their environment. Through this sensory experience, individuals become grounded in their surroundings and nurture a sense of peace and belonging. By directing attention to these sensory details, walking meditation deepens self-awareness and reveals greater insight into one's thoughts and feelings.
- Led by Educator Crystal Eshanov
- Open to ages 18 and up; no dogs please
- Outdoor program; please dress accordingly. Shoes are required
- Pack water, a journal, and a pen/pencil
- $16 per person
▶ 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!
▶ September 19-20th: "Harmony in the Highlands" Autumn Overnight Nature Retreat
Join us for a restorative day of mindfulness, reflection, and peace followed by a fireside dinner and morning yoga outside. Stay overnight in our cute, rustic cabins or bring a tent and camp around the fire. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the New Jersey Highlands and 150 acres of forested land, this retreat is designed to help you reconnect—with nature, yourself, and the present moment.
Throughout the day Satuday into the evening, you'll be guided through a thoughtful selection of healing and grounding experiences, including:
🌳Forest Bathing
🍵Ethical Foraging
🎶 Reiki Meditation with a lovely Sound Bath with special guest Crystal Eshanov of Sage and Sound
🌀Aromatherapy Workshop
📔Nature Journaling
☯️Intention Setting
🔥Fireside Dinner
Sunday Morning:
🍳Continental Breakfast by the fire
🧘Morning Yoga
⭕Closing Circle
Whether you're looking to release stress, find clarity, or simply breathe deeper, this immersive retreat offers a space to slow down and realign.
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), 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
PROGRAMS & EVENTS