​​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.
  • After-school nature programs for grades 1-8
  • Primitive survival skills classes taught by Joe Blevis, founder of Winding Waters Earth Skills. Topics include firebuilding, primitive cooking, shelter making, bird languages, basketry, local plants, awareness & movement.
  • Group programs: including field trips for schools,homeschoolers, rec departments and area camps.
  • Nature focused day camps and during thesummerand winter and spring schoolbreaks.


​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 performances. They present a spring and fall production, as well as fun public acting improv workshops.


Music

"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


"Music at Midvale" Concert Series! Our 2021 Series included performances by Rave Tesar, E'lissa Jones and Loretta Hagen. Artists profiles


Photography

  • Exhibit of landscape and nature photographs, taken locally by Joann Lightbody, a lifelong Ringwood, NJ resident. Joann has captured the beauty of the area in her photos, which are on display in the main building.
  • Enjoy an exhibit of inspiring nature photography by talented local artists Vera Lazar, Tom Tarbutton, and Karin Ahmed! Main building.


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 Weis Educator Lauren Lynch


Seasonal programs, including ​Pumpkin Chunkin' (Fall), Natural Wreath Making (Winter) and Maple Sugaring (Feb/Mar)


Swimming is available at our partners the Highlands Natural Pool, which is adjacent to our property. Experience a mountain-stream fed pool in a beautiful, forested setting. Snack bar on premises.

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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!

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Support The New Weis Center by making a tax-deductible DONATION, which includes many member benefits. Learn more

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​UPCOMING EVENTS​

Pre-registration and/or advance payment may be required. Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building. Masks are OPTIONAL

​

​▶ Sat, May 21, 9:00am-12:00pm: Volunteer Day at Weis! (3rd Saturday of every month)
We welcome volunteers (individuals, families, groups, clubs, scouts) to stop by and help with some much needed cleanup in our gardens and grounds. May include weeding and invasive species removal, raking, planting, pruning, spreading woodchips/mulch, litter abatement, and special projects. Bring a rake and gloves if you have them.

  • Suggested age: 8-adult; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • Participation counts towards community service or scout conservation service hours

​> No registration required, but please let us know if you are bringing a group (5 or more)


​​▶ Sun, May 29, 3:00-5:00pm: Outdoor Acoustic Open Mic (last Sunday of every month from May-Sep)

​Come to play, or just to listen and enjoy! Join us for an afternoon of live music near our old farmhouse (c.1800's) for an afternoon of acoustic music (originals and covers), in a variety of musical genres. You are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic refreshments. Seating is at picnic tables, or bring a folding chair. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted anywhere on the property. Learn more

  • 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​

​​▶ Sun, Jun 12, 10:00-11:15am: Forest Bathing (2nd Sunday of every month)
From the Japanese 'shinrin-yoku', 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. 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 Educator Lauren Lynch.

  • Ages 10-adult; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • $8 per person

> REGISTER NOW!


​▶ Sat, Jun 18, 9:00am-12:00pm: Volunteer Day at Weis! (3rd Saturday of every month)
We welcome volunteers (individuals, families, groups, clubs, scouts) to stop by and help with some much needed cleanup in our gardens and grounds. May include weeding and invasive species removal, raking, planting, pruning, spreading woodchips/mulch, litter abatement, and special projects. Bring a rake and gloves if you have them.

  • Suggested age: 8-adult; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • Participation counts towards community service or scout conservation service hours

​> No registration required, but please let us know if you are bringing a group (5 or more)


​▶ Sat, Jun 18, 10:00am-1:00pm: Primitive Skills Class

Led by Joe Blevis, Founder of Winding Waters Earth Skills


​▶ Sat, Jun 25: First Aid & CPR/AED Certification
Details coming soon...


​▶ Sat, Jun 26, 10:00am-1:00pm: Primitive Skills Class
Led by Joe Blevis, Founder of Winding Waters Earth Skills


▶ Sun, Jun 26, 3:00-5:00pm: Outdoor Acoustic Open Mic (last Sunday of every month from May-Sep)
​Come to play, or just to listen and enjoy! Join us for an afternoon of live music near our old farmhouse (c.1800's) for an afternoon of acoustic music (originals and covers), in a variety of musical genres. You are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic refreshments. Seating is at picnic tables, or bring a folding chair. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted anywhere on the property.

  • 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​

▶ Jul 5-Aug 26: Summer Nature Camp


​​​▶ Sun, Jul 10, 10:00-11:15am: Forest Bathing (2nd Sunday of every month)
From the Japanese 'shinrin-yoku', 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. 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 Educator Lauren Lynch.

  • Ages 10-adult; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • $8 per person

> REGISTER NOW!


​▶ Sat, Jul 16, 9:00am-12:00pm: Volunteer Day at Weis! (3rd Saturday of every month)
We welcome volunteers (individuals, families, groups, clubs, scouts) to stop by and help with some much needed cleanup in our gardens and grounds. May include weeding and invasive species removal, raking, planting, pruning, spreading woodchips/mulch, litter abatement, and special projects. Bring a rake and gloves if you have them.

  • Suggested age: 8-adult; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • Participation counts towards community service or scout conservation service hours

​> No registration required, but please let us know if you are bringing a group (5 or more)


​▶ Jul 25-Aug 5: Emerging Ecologists Summer Camp