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
▶ Sun, Mar 23, 1-5pm: Geology BSA Merit Badge
- There is 1 Pre-requisite that must be done prior to the in-person class: #4b
- Scouts must bring a signed blue card and wear their uniform!
- $35 per scout
▶Sat, Mar 29, 1-5pm: Pulp and Paper BSA Merit Badge
- Pre-requisites: #6, #7e, #8, must be done before class
- Scouts must bring a signed blue card and wear their uniform!
- #35 per scout
▶ Sat, Apr 12, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the Community BSA Merit Badge
- Pre-requisites: #3a, #4 a,b, #5, #7 a,b,c, #8, must be done before class
- Scouts must bring a signed blue card and wear their uniform!
- #35 per scout
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sun, Apr 13, 10-11:30am: Forest Bathing Sensory Walk & 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
- Additional dates: May 11, Jun 8
- $15 per person
> REGISTER NOW
▶ Tuesdays, Apr 15-May 20, 1:30-4pm: 6 week Homeschool Program (Spring session 1)
Weekly focus topics include: Early Migrators, Early Signs of Spring.
- Ages 5-10
- Discounts for siblings and New Weis Center Members
> Learn More & Register
▶ Sat, Apr 26, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the World BSA Merit Badge
- Pre-requisites: #4c, #7a, #7b, must be done before class
- Scouts must bring a signed blue card and wear their uniform!
- #35 per scout
▶ Sun, Apr 27: Earth Day Celebration!
Get all the details about our Community Partner tables, Scheduled Programs & Guided Nature Walks, Crafts, Activities and more!
Don't Miss Our FREE Earth Day Event on Sunday, April 27, 11am-3pm!