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
🍁 It's Maple Sugaring Season at The New Weis Center! 🍁
Group Maple Sugaring Programs
Schedule a 90 minute private maple sugaring program for your troop! Learn about the process, history, and ecology of maple sap & syrup. We'll take a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, and tree biology, and discuss the history of tree tapping and some of the many things sap is used for. We'll visit our tapped trees where we'll learn how to tap, collect and taste the sap, then see how the evaporator works. Finally, we'll finish with a syrup taste test!
- Scout troops, schools, clubs, businesses and homeschool groups may schedule a Maple Sugaring program on a date of their choosing on weekdays or weekends in mid Feb-mid Mar
- Minimum fee to schedule a group program is $200 (up to 10 participants); $20 for each additional participant over 10. No charge for up to 4 scout leaders/parents or school chaperones
- Small scout troops (under 10) may partner together or register for a public program (see above)
- Since we can accommodate up to 20 participants, small troops or groups may be combined with other troops/groups or non-scout participants
- Contact us to schedule: 973-835-2160 or email: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org
Maple Sugaring Programs for Scout Troops!
Schedule a 90 minute private maple sugaring program for your troop! Learn about the process, history, and ecology of maple sap & syrup. We'll take a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, and tree biology, and discuss the history of tree tapping and some of the many things sap is used for. We'll visit our tapped trees where we'll learn how to tap, collect and taste the sap, then see how the evaporator works. Finally, we'll finish with a syrup taste test!
- Scouts Receive a discount! Minimum fee to schedule a group program is $200(up to 10 participants); $18 for each additional participant over 10.
- No charge for up to 4 scout leaders/parents or school chaperones
- Available on weekdays or weekends, mid February through mid-March
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, program will be rescheduled
- To schedule, contact us at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org, or call 973-835-2160
🍁It's Maple Sugaring Season at Weis!🍁
Scroll down for public programs or schedule a private one.
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PROGRAMS & EVENTS
❄️ UPCOMING EVENTS ❄️
Pre-registration and advance payment is required for most programs. Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building.
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▶ Wed, Jan 28, 4-5:30pm: Tree Tapping & Foraged Tea 🍁☕
Help us kick off the Maple Sugaring season with this behind the scenes program! Help our senior staff drill the holes, setting the spiles, and buckets in preparation for our Maple Sugar Programs. Afterwards we'll celebrate with foraged tea and talk about the power and benefits of evergreens.
- Ages 5 & UP
- Dress appropriately since this program is outdoors!
- $14 per person
▶ Sat, Feb 7, 1-5:30pm: Woodcarving Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: 2A (Totin' Chip). Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $45 per scout
▶ Sun, Feb 15, 1-4pm: Geocaching Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: 3, 8D, & 9. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sat, Feb 21, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: requirement 4C, 7A & 7B. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sat Feb 22, 1-2:30pm: Public Maple Sugaring Program! 🍁
Join us for a special 90-minute program as we learn about the process, history, and ecology of maple sap & syrup. We'll take a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, and tree biology, and discuss the history of tree tapping and some of the many things sap is used for. We'll visit our tapped trees where we'll demonstrate how to tap and collect the sap, and taste it at multiple stages of the process. Next we'll see how the evaporator works, and finish with a blind taste test of several types of syrup in the covered pavilion (with heaters). Open to all ages, so grab your family and friends for a fun winter outing! There is an option to purchase organic syrup and maple treats from a wonderful local family farm (cash or Venmo).
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children age 4 and under.
- $18 for members, $20 for non-members
▶ Sun, Feb 22, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: requirement #5,#6,#7 (choose 2), & #8. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sat Feb 28, 12:30-2pm: Public Maple Sugaring Program! 🍁
Join us for a special 90-minute program as we learn about the process, history, and ecology of maple sap & syrup. We'll take a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, and tree biology, and discuss the history of tree tapping and some of the many things sap is used for. We'll visit our tapped trees where we'll demonstrate how to tap and collect the sap, and taste it at multiple stages of the process. Next we'll see how the evaporator works, and finish with a blind taste test of several types of syrup in the covered pavilion (with heaters). Open to all ages, so grab your family and friends for a fun winter outing! There is an option to purchase organic syrup and maple treats from a wonderful local family farm (cash or Venmo).
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children age 4 and under.
- $18 for members, $20 for non-members
▶ Sat Feb 28, 3-5pm: Maple Sugaring & Bonfire Social - Just for Adults! 🍁
Join us for a fun afternoon as we learn about the process, history and ecology of maple sap and syrup. We will take a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, and tree biology, and discuss the history of tree tapping and some of the many things that sap is used for. We’ll visit our tapped trees where we’ll learn how to tap, collect, and taste the sap, then see how the evaporator works. Then we will have a blind syrup taste test in the covered pavilion (with heaters)! We'll end the program around a cozy bonfire with time to chat over hot chocolate.
- Adults only (ages 18 and up)
- $22 per person for members
- $25 per person for nonmembers
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sun, Mar 1, 1-2:30pm: Public Maple Sugaring Program! 🍁
Join us for a special 90-minute program as we learn about the process, history, and ecology of maple sap & syrup. We'll take a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, and tree biology, and discuss the history of tree tapping and some of the many things sap is used for. We'll visit our tapped trees where we'll demonstrate how to tap and collect the sap, and taste it at multiple stages of the process. Next we'll see how the evaporator works, and finish with a blind taste test of several types of syrup in the covered pavilion (with heaters). Open to all ages, so grab your family and friends for a fun winter outing! There is an option to purchase organic syrup and maple treats from a wonderful local family farm (cash or Venmo).
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children age 4 and under.
- $18 for members, $20 for non-members
▶ Sat, March 7, 1-5pm: Sustainability Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: requirement 6, 8A, 8B, 8C, & 9. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sun, Mar 8, 12-1:30pm: Public Maple Sugaring Program! 🍁
Join us for a special 90-minute program as we learn about the process, history, and ecology of maple sap & syrup. We'll take a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, and tree biology, and discuss the history of tree tapping and some of the many things sap is used for. We'll visit our tapped trees where we'll demonstrate how to tap and collect the sap, and taste it at multiple stages of the process. Next we'll see how the evaporator works, and finish with a blind taste test of several types of syrup in the covered pavilion (with heaters). Open to all ages, so grab your family and friends for a fun winter outing! There is an option to purchase organic syrup and maple treats from a wonderful local family farm (cash or Venmo).
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children age 4 and under.
- $18 for members, $20 for non-members
▶ Sat, Mar 15, 1-5pm: Environmental Science Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: 2A, 2B, 6A OR 6B (SCOUTS CAN CHOOSE ANY OPTION for requirement 6), 7A, & 11. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sat, Mar 28, 9:30am-3pm:Girl Scout Appreciation Day!
We will have badges for all levels, plus a campfire and free refreshments. More details coming in mid-Jan.
▶ Sun, April 12, 1-5pm: Plant Science Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: requirement 7, requirement 8 option 3 part D, & Requirement 8 option 3 part E. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
-Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
-Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
-$40 per scout
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sun, April 18: Earth Day Celebration
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 tripsfor 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 andperformance 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!