EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Programs for individuals and groups of all ages
Education
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
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!
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/or 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
> Learn more & register
▶ Sat, Mar 23, 1-5pm: BSA Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge
▶ Tue-Thu, Apr 2-4: Spring Break Nature Camp (1st-5th grade)
▶ Sat, Apr 6, 9am-3pm: Scout Appreciation Day!
Join us as we celebrate Scouts BSA & Cub Scouts with discounted merit badges and free guided hikes, campfire, refreshments, and games.
> Learn more
▶ Sat, Apr 13, 1-5pm: BSA Landscape Architecture Merit Badge
▶ Sun, Apr 14, 10:30am-12:00pm: Ephemerals in Bloom Nature Walk
Come join us to explore our property and trails as they come to life with vibrant colors. Early spring is a time to find beautiful wildflowers that only flower above ground for a few weeks and then disappear until the following year. Learn about the life cycle of ephemerals as well as the unique meaning of wildflowers.
▶ Sat, Apr 20: Earth Day Celebration!
▶ Sun, May 5, 1-5pm: BSA Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
▶ Sat, May 11, 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.
> No registration required, but please let us know if you are bringing a group (5 or more)
▶ Sun, May 19, 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.
▶ Sun, Jun 2, 1-5pm: Scouts BSA Environmental Science Merit Badge