EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Education
The New Weis Center offers educational programs for individuals and groups of all ages, including:
- Public programs: include guided nature walks and talks by Weis staff and guest experts, historical and culture programs, as well as special presentations and events.
- Learn primitive survival skills with classes from Joe Blevis of Earth Living Skills.
- Group programs: include field trips for schools, homeschoolers, rec departments and other camps.
- Nature focused day camps run during the summer and winter/spring school breaks. Before and after-care options are available for working parents.
- New summer program for high school students considering studying environmental related majors in college, or pursuing "green" careers: the Weis Environmental Pathfinder (WEP).
- Learn primitive skills such as fire and shelter building.
Arts
Performing Arts
Iron Mountain Stage Company, a local non-profit theater company that has been performing continuously since 1993, makes Weis their permanent home for rehearsals and performances. Their new Spring 2018 show "The Dixie Swim Club" premieres April 27 and runs for 2 weekends through May 6. Don't miss this charming original comedy!
Music
"Music at Midvale" Acoustic Open Mic! An afternoon of live music on the last Sunday afternoon each month. Signup to perform at the door starting at 2:30pm; music starts at 3:00pm and ends at 5:30. Coffee, tea and snacks will be available. Details and performance guidelines.
Photography
- Exhibit of landscape and nature photographs, taken locally by Joann Lightbody, a lifelong Ringwood resident. Joann has captured the beauty of the area in her photos, which are on display in the main building.
- Enjoy an exhibit of beautiful and inspiring nature photography by talented local artists Tom Tarbutton, Vera Lazar and Karin Ahmed! Main building.
Art Exhibit & Sale
- A limited number of paintings by talented area artist Micheal Byro is on display in the main building. More
Recreation
Goat Yoga! Classes conducted by Totes Goats LLC. An hour of Vinyasa yoga and time to ask questions and play with the adorable goats.
Guided Hikes - Public guided hikes may be offered throughout the year, and can be scheduled for a private group, party or special event. Hikes are led by a first aid certified Weis staff member, and may include information about the local history, flora and fauna found along the trail. Learn more about hiking at Weis and in the adjacent Norvin Green State Forest.
Swimming in 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 out our Scouting page for all the details and upcoming events!
Snakes-N-Scales!
Plan a party at The New Weis Center with a live animal presentation by Snakes-N-Scales! They offer a variety of entertaining and educational themes. Please contact them directly for pricing and to arrange your party.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Apr 27-May 6: Iron Mountain Stage Co. show: "The Dixie Swim Club". Tickets available at the door, or reserve at www.ironmtn.org
Apr 28, 10:00am-2:00pm: Boy Scout Merit Badge class: "Emergency Preparedness" Taught by experienced instructor Tom Tarbutton. $15 per Scout. Email Karen at kzelinski@aol.com to REGISTER!
Apr 29, 10:00am: "Creating a BCAS Certified Backyard Habitat", presented by Don Torino, President of Bergen County Audubon Society. Don will show you how to create a healthy backyard habitat for birds, butterflies and wildlife, by providing native plants, food, water and cover. You'll also learn how to get your yard BCAS certified! This indoor photo presentation includes an opportunity to ask questions, and will be followed by a short guided walk.This program is FREE, but donations are always appreciated. No registration required.
May 6, 11:00am: "Local Geology Walk & Talk". Learn about and see some of the unique geological features of this area, including glacial erratics and striations, puddingstone, and the iron that was mined nearby. Family-friendly event. All ages welcome. $5 suggested donation.No registration required.
May 9, 7:00-8:30pm:Goat Yoga class! Pre-registration required.
May 12, 12:00-3:00pm: Scout Appreciation Day! A fun day for Scouts of all ages and levels. Free.
May 19, 2:00-3:30pm: "Poetry Walk in Nature". We'll start off with some examples of nature poems, then review the descriptive writing techniques of simile, metaphor, personification, etc., and briefly discuss a few types of poetry people may want to use, including haiku, free verse, rhyming, ode, etc. Then we'll take an easy trail walk through the woods, stopping to focus on one of the senses and write a line or two about that sense. Taking in our surroundings with mindfulness, we'll use what we've learned and experienced to create a poem. Instructor: Jen Cannataro, an English teacher in Union City, who resides in Wanaque. Ages 10+. $5 suggested donation. No registration required.
May 20, 1:00-3:00pm: "Highlands Obstacle Adventure" Trail Run with Obstacle Course + Mountaintop Mindfulness Meditation + Organic Snacks and Juice! Class is hosted by Tobin Osusky: Spartan SGX Certified Coach, Level 1 Crossfit Trainer and Bachelor of Kinesiology. Tobin will lead a trail hike and obstacle run, weaving up the mountain while teaching participants about the land, their bodies, how their muscles work, their metabolism and connection to breath. Helping participants overcome obstacles on the trail will symbolically teach how to overcome hurdles in life, while maintaining a calm, confident spirit. After a short yoga and meditation session atop the mountain, we will learn the dynamics of carefully and mindfully descending. Class will finish with a cool down session and Organic granola bars, vegan snacks and nutrient rich juices made by Chef T and friends.$30 per person; Pre-registration required
May 27, 11:00am-2:00pm: Primitive Skills class: "Coal Burning". Instructor: Joe Blevis of Earth Living Skills. Ages 12+. $50 per person. Pre-registration required.
May 27, June 24, 3:00-5:00pm: "Music at Midvale" Acoustic Open Mic! Come one, come all, and bring your instruments to our acoustic open mic series on the last Sunday of each month. Light refreshments will be available. $5 suggested donation. No registration required; sign up to perform at the door between 2:30-3:00pm.
Jun 2: National Trails Day! Guided hikes and more! (details soon)
Jun 16, 1:00-2:30pm: "Introduction to Geocachiing"! Geocaching is a fun, challenging and healthy way to spend time with your family and friends. It is a free sport you can participate in anywhere in the world! This class is for anybody who wants to get started in this modern day treasure hunt. Learn about the geocaching lingo, how to identify the many types of geocaches, how to safely search for them and what to do when you find one. Weather permitting we will practice finding caches on the grounds. Open to all ages. No equipment needed, although you may bring a handheld GPS unit if you have one. Maximum class size: 15. $5 per person. Registration required!