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
▶ Tuesdays, Apr 29-Jun 3, 1:30-4pm: 6-week Homeschool Program
Join us for a seasonal celebration as we dig into nature and all it's wonders with hands-on activities, experiments and games!
- Ages 5-10
- Discounts for siblings and New Weis Center Members
▶ Wed, May 7, 9:00-10:30am: Spring Bird Walk!
Join us for a delightful spring bird walk at the New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, led by experienced naturalist Mike Lefebvre! This engaging outdoor experience is perfect for bird enthusiasts of all levels. As we stroll through diverse habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and open fields, you'll have the chance to observe and learn about a variety of bird species in their natural environment, including bird identification, behavior, and the importance of conservation. We’ll also share tips on how to enhance your birdwatching skills.
- Families are welcome, and this is a wonderful opportunity for children to connect with nature!
- All ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children 5 and under
- Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle.
- Bring binoculars if you have them, or else you may borrow one of ours
▶ Sat, May 10, 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)
▶ Sat, May 10, 1-5pm: Sustainability BSA Merit Badge
- Pre-requisites: #6a, #8a,b,c, #9 must be done prior to the in-person class
- Scouts must bring a signed blue card and wear their uniform!
- $35 per scout
> SOLD OUT
▶ Fri, May 16, 7:30-9:00pm: Acting/Improv Workshop
Interested in exploring acting, or just looking for a fun evening out? Join our wonderful and creative community theatre partner Iron Mountain Stage Company for an improvisation/ acting workshop. In a relaxed, supportive environment, we will explore some basic improvisation, movement and acting exercises. No experience necessary; we welcome beginners!
- Ages 18-95! Bring a friend
- Free (donations are welcome)
> No registration required
▶ Sun, May 18, 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: Jun 8
- $15 per person
▶ Sun, May 25, 3-5pm: Acoustic Open Mic (first one for 2025!)
Is your special talent craving a relaxed, rustic venue? 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)
- Additional dates for 2025: Jun 29, Jul 27, Aug 31, Sep 28
- No registration required