Spring Cleanup - Volunteer to help in our gardens and grounds
Grab your family, friends, group or troop and stop by to help with some cleanup around the property, including removing invasive plants and litter. Please bring a pair of gloves and a hand clipper (if you have one). Bring a friend, family or a group... we appreciate the help!
Stop by anytime between 10am-2pm; All ages are welcome!
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION!
Sunday, April 24, 10:00am-2:00pm
ALL programs & activities are FREE. All ages welcome. No registration required - just stop by!
SCHEDULED EVENTS - please arrive a few minutes ahead of time
10:00-11:00am: Humans & The Forest
We'll take a short easy to moderate hike around the private trails at Weis to look at ways - both positive and negative - humans have an impact on the landscape around us. We'll also learn about how plants and animals react to these impacts, and what humans can do to minimize them on this investigative, and educational walk. All ages welcome. Led by Weis Sr. Educator/Naturalist Sarah Crosby.
11:00am-12:00pm: Macroinvertebrates & The Watershed
Join us for a fun exploration of the Blue Mine Brook that runs through our property, as we explore the macroinvertebrates and learn how they can indicate the health of the watershed. A short hike at a comfortable pace. Wear your rainboots if you want to go in the stream and help collect the specimens. Ages 6-adult. Led by NJDEP Americorps Watershed Ambassador Donna Climent.
12:00-1:00pm: Forest Bathing Walk
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 in the forest. Come explore a new way of walking through the forest! Ages 6-adult. Led by Weis Educator Lauren Lynch.
12:30-1:30pm: Summer Camp Open House
Are you and your child interested in our summer camp programs? Stop by to meet the camp directors and counselors while getting a tour of our site and learning what a day of camp looks like! Bring your questions and be ready to get excited for the summer. Potential campers will also get to tie-dye their own camp bandana!
1:00-1:45pm: Pruning Your Ornamental Shrubs & Trees
Pruning is a necessary part for maintaining the health of your trees and shrubs. Come join us for some hands-on pruning instruction from an ISA Certified Arborist. We will discuss when, why, where and how to prune the ornamental trees and shrubs around your home. Bring your hand pruners, hand saws, loppers as we will be practicing on the flora around The New Weis Center. Led by Jon Olsz
Nature Craft - Make a Natural Planter
Join us in the picnic grove for a fun nature craft for all ages. We'll gather our natural materials to create a planter, using a recycled pot as the base, for you to bring home or give as a gift!
Partners & Special Guests - Be sure to stop by and visit these terrific organizations!
- Sustainable Ringwood Green Team
Stop by their table for two fun activities, and take them with you when you leave. All materials provided.- Decorate a Reusable Bag! Are you ready for the NJ ban on plastic bags, which takes effect on May 4? The Green Team has you covered with information, and plain bags and fabric markers to decorate your own bag! When you're finished, take it with you to use when you shop.
- Plant a Native Wildflower! Learn why it's important to use native plants in the home landscape, then plant your own wildflower seeds in a recycled container and take it home to plant in your garden.
- Decorate a Reusable Bag! Are you ready for the NJ ban on plastic bags, which takes effect on May 4? The Green Team has you covered with information, and plain bags and fabric markers to decorate your own bag! When you're finished, take it with you to use when you shop.
- Joe Blevis, founder of Winding Water Earth Skills will be onsite throughout the day to explain and demo some of the cool primitive skills that he teaches in his classes.
- The Passaic River Coalition will be on hand to share their past, present and future endeavors within the 800 square miles of the Passaic River watershed. Their volunteer-based environmental nonprofit aims to improve our water quality; protect our water supplies; promote river restoration; reduce flood damages; and educate the public about our waters and the environmental, cultural and historical nature of our natural landscapes and rivers. They also oversee open space land trusts that require stewardship.
- Donna Climent, the NJ Americorps Watershed Ambassador for our area (watershed management area 3) will be there to talk about our watershed and demonstrate how the macroinvertebrates that live in our streams can indicate the health of the watershed.
- Highlands Natural Pool is open to the public for swimming, picnics, hiking, and recreation. Listed as one of "The 21 Places in New Jersey You Need to Visit in 2021," and named the best swimming hole in New Jersey, this Olympic-sized, stream-fed, chemical-free swimming pool is located in a scenic wooded setting adjacent to The New Weis Center and Norvin Green State Forest. Stop by their table to chat with some of their Trustees and learn more.
- NJ Search and Rescue's Mark Mielke will be on hand to discuss and demonstrate important safety tips for staying safe in the forest during your outdoor adventures.
- ISA certified arborist Jon Olsz, from Almstead Tree, Shrub and Lawn Care, is looking forward to talking about maintaining healthy trees and shrubs, planting native species, diseases and invasive threats, and tips for pruning.