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
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▶ Tuesdays, Mar 21 - Apr 25, 1:30-3:30pm - Spring Homeschool Session
We'll welcome spring with an easy to moderate hike as we focus on an area of the forest we often overlook: our local geology! Taking advantage of our leafless trees to survey the landscape, we will look for geologic clues to piece together a picture of the forces that shaped this land, examine the minerals that make it up, and learn about the unique geologic history both across New Jersey and right here at Weis.
- Age 6 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- $10 per person
- For grades 1st-5th (or equivalent)
- Full week and individual day signup available
- Discounts for members and siblings
▶ Fri, Apr 14, 9:00am-3:00pm - Spring Break Wilderness Skills Camp
Let’s expand our mental, physical and emotional strength by learning how to become the ultimate outdoor survivor! We will test our skills to help in feeling more connected to the land while discovering the potential for success that already lies within you. We will capture the essence of wilderness survival by learning fire building, rescue skills, water purification, shelter building and so much more. Through hands-on experience you’ll be ready to take on any adventure at any time.
- Part of our "Emerging Ecologists" programs just for teens & tweens in grades 6-9 (or equivalent)
▶ Sun, Apr 16, 9:30-11:00am - Spring Migration Bird BioBlitz
Join us as we become citizen scientists for the day with a birding BioBlitz during peak migration season. As we wander along our private winding paths, visit different bird habitats, and check in on our bird feeding stations, we will record all of the bird species we see using tally sheets. Afterwards we will compile our species findings on Ebird and have a follow up discussion about the wonders of spring migration. Senior Educator Erica Garfinkle will post our final species count on our social media accounts! No birding experience necessary.
- Bring binoculars if you have them; we also have a few to lend
- Ages 6 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- $10 per person
▶ Sat, Apr 16, 10:00-11:00am - Goat Yoga (age 13-adult)
Totes Goats LLC is back at The New Weis Center for some goat yoga! Check-in begins promptly at 10:00am, followed by 40 minutes of vinyasa yoga with Eileen Yeager, and wrapping up with some time for you to take pictures and hang with their lovely goat staff.
- Bring your own yoga mat and water source that has a cap!
- Must be 13 or older; 18 or younger must be accompanied by a registered adult
- Any questions please email Totesgoatsnj@aol.com
> SOLD OUT
▶ Sat, Apr 16, 1:00-2:30pm - Forest of Frogs Nature Hike (all ages)
There's nothing quite like the echoing sound of wood frogs and peepers filling the springtime forest. Join us for a short hike at an easy pace where we will visit our vernal pools and hear and hopefully see frogs & other amphibians that are active in the spring, while learning about their life cycle, seasonal habits, mating, and survival strategies.
- Mud or rain boots are recommended!
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- $10 per person
▶ Sat, Apr 22, 11:00am-3:00pm - Earth Day Celebration!
Visit our community partner tables, try a nature game or craft, or join a nature program (or two!). This event is FREE and open to ALL AGES!
▶ Sat, Apr 23, 10:00-11:00am - Goat Yoga (age 13-adult)
Totes Goats LLC is back at The New Weis Center for some goat yoga! Check-in begins promptly at 10:00am, followed by 40 minutes of vinyasa yoga with Eileen Yeager, and wrapping up with some time for you to take pictures and hang with their lovely goat staff.
- Bring your own yoga mat and water source that has a cap!
- Must be 13 or older; 18 or younger must be accompanied by a registered adult
- Any questions please email Totesgoatsnj@aol.com
▶ Sat, Apr 29, 9:00am-12:00pm - Scouts BSA Merit Badge - Geocaching
> Details & Registration
▶ Sat, May 13, 10:00am-1:00pm - Herbal Medicine: Spring Wonders
Join us as we walk the woodlands and discover edible and medicinal spring plants. In this hands-on workshop we will meet native and invasive species, learn how to identify them and transform them into nourishing remedies. These are simple and effective ways you can begin working with plants in your backward and incorporate their nourishment into everyday life. Class will begin with a plant walk and learning sustainable harvesting techniques, followed by a remedies making workshop where we will make infused vinegars. Infused vinegars are wonderful ways to harness the medicinal properties of roots, berries and aromatic plants (like mints or even evergreens). In this class we will explore making remedies with spruce tips, garlic mustard and many more!
- This class is taught by our program partner Alexandra Radoaca, founder and owner of Mindful Wilderness. Alexandra offers retreats and workshops weaving together herbalism, nature connection, earth living skills, sound healing and mind body practices, with an intention to create relationships with the Earth and to ourselves.
- Class involves a walk over uneven terrain for about an hour. We will explore various parts of the landscape including wooded areas and streams.
- $65 per person for Weis members (at the $75 "Supporter" membership level and up) / $75 for non-members
▶ Sun, May 14, 10:00-11:15am - Forest Bathing (2nd Sunday of every month, May-Nov)
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 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
- $12 per person
Sat, May 20, 9:00am-12:00pm - Volunteer Day!
We welcome volunteers (individuals, families, groups, clubs, scouts) to stop by and help with some much needed cleanup in our gardens and grounds. Bring a rake and gloves if you have them. Suggested age: 8+; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
> No registration required, but please let us know if you are bringing a group (5 or more)
Sat, May 20, 9:00am-1:00pm - Scouts BSA Merit Badge - Communications
▶ Sun, May 21, 9:30am-12:00pm - Local Plants for Food, Medicine & Tools
Class is taught by our program partner Joe Blevis, founder of Winding Water Earth Skills
> Details & Registration
▶ Sun, May 28, 3:00-5:00pm-Acoustic Open Mic!
▶ Mon, Jul 10 - Fri, Aug 25 - Summer Nature Camp for 1st-5th grade
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.
- 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
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
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 our Lead 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.
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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