EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Education
Programs for individuals and groups of all ages
- Coming soon: Afterschool nature-based yoga and art program from our partner Eclectic Kids
- 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.
- Primitive survival skills classes taught by Joe Blevis of Earth Living Skills. Topics include firebuilding, shelter making, bird languages, basketry, local plants, awareness & movement.
- Group programs: include field trips for schools,homeschoolers, rec departments and area camps.
- Nature focused day camps and nature programs 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 a special holiday show and acting improv workshops several times a year.
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 3:00 and ends at 5:00pm. Light refreshments are available. Details and performance guidelines.
"Music at Midvale" Concert Series
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 beautiful and inspiring nature photography by talented local artists Vera Lazar, Tom Tarbutton, and Karin Ahmed! Main building.
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.
Public guided hikes may be offered throughout the year, and can be scheduled for private groups, party or special event. 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.
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 our Scouting page for all the details and upcoming events!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Last Sunday of every month, 3:00-5:00pm: Music at Midvale Acoustic Open Mic. Next dates: Jan 26, Feb 23
Come to play - or just to listen to great music (originals and covers). Light refreshments will be available.
> $5 per person. No registration required; sign up to perform at the door between 2:30-3:00pm; music starts at 3:00.
Sat, Jan 25, 12:00-1:00pm: Goat Yoga
45 minutes of Vinyasa yoga with the fun and frisky goats from Totes Goats! Perfect for beginners. Class is held in our rustic, cozy main building.
> $30 per person. CLASS FULL
Sat, Feb 8 & Sun, Feb 9: Girl Scouts Brownies/Juniors patch class "2 Scoops of Science"
Mon, Feb 10, 5:15-7:00pm: Camp Open House - at the West Milford Library
Not sure if Summer Nature Camp is right for your child (ages 6-14)? Bring the kids and stop by the West Milford Library to meet our Camp Director and Counselors, ask questions, see pictures of camp life, and get a glimpse into the day to day activities of nature camp at Weis. Hope to see you there! Note: this will be held at the West Milford Library - not at The New Weis Center
Fri, Feb 21, 6:30-8:00pm: Owl Prowl
Join Sr. Educator Sarah Crosby for this family friendly program. We'll begin inside as we learn some of the fun facts that make owls so awesome: their biology, adaptations and local species. Then we'll take to the trails to try to hear (and see?) some of the owls that live in our local forests. Along the way we'll look and listen for bats and other forest creatures. Be sure to dress warmly with comfortable walking/hiking shoes, as we'll be on the trail for 45 minutes - 1 hour. Free hot chocolate! All ages welcome.
> $5 per person, children under 5 are free; please bring cash or check to pay upon arrival.
Sat, Feb 22, 12:00-1:00pm: Goat Yoga
45 minutes of Vinyasa yoga with the fun and frisky goats from Totes Goats! Perfect for beginners. Class is held in our rustic, cozy main building.
> $30 per person. CLASS FULL
Thu, Feb 27, 5:00-7:00pm: Camp Open House - at the Wanaque Library
Not sure if Summer Nature Camp is right for your child (ages 6-14)? Bring the kids and stop by the Wanaque Library to meet our Camp Director and Counselors, ask questions, see pictures of camp life, and get a glimpse into the day to day activities of nature camp at Weis. Hope to see you there! Note: This will be held at the Wanaque Library, not at The New Weis Center
Sat, Feb 29, 10:00: BSA Merit Badge Class: Citizenship in the Community
Details coming soon
Sat, Mar 7, 10:00am-12:00pm: Camp Open House - at The New Weis Center
Not sure if Summer Nature Camp is right for you? Can't wait until summer for all the camp fun to start? Join us at our summer camp open house at the Center to meet our Camp Director, Camp Counselors and get a glimpse into the day to day activities of nature camp at Weis. There will be opportunities to ask questions, do a nature craft and take a walk on our property to discover where nature camp takes place. This is a drop-in program for parents and future campers. Hope to see you!
> Free, no registration required.
Sat, Mar 21, 1:00-2:00pm: Goat Yoga
45 minutes of Vinyasa yoga with the fun and frisky goats from Totes Goats! Perfect for beginners. Class is held in our rustic, cozy main building.
> $30 per person. CLASS FULL
Sun, Mar 22, 1:00-2:30pm: Creating a Wildlife Garden
Join us as Don Torino, President of Bergen County Audubon Society discusses how to establish your own healthy backyard wildlife habitat using native plants and other key components. Find out about the BCAS Certified Wildlife Garden program and how to get your yard certified! After the indoor presentation there will be a Q&A period, followed by a short guided walk on our property. Free, but donations are always appreciated!
Wed, Mar 25, 5:15-7:00pm: Camp Open House - at the Ringwood Library
Not sure if Summer Nature Camp is right for your child (ages 6-14)? Bring the kids and stop by the Ringwood Library to meet our Camp Director and Counselors, ask questions, see pictures of camp life, and get a glimpse into the day to day activities of nature camp at Weis. Hope to see you there! Note: This will be held at the Ringwood Library, not at The New Weis Center
Fri-Sun, Mar 27-29: "The Delval Divas" - Iron Mountain Stage Co.; Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm, Sunday at 2:00pm
Sat, Mar 28, 1:00-2:30: Forest of Frogs
Vernal pools are essential habitats for frogs and other amphibians for laying their eggs each spring. Join Sr. Educator Sarah Crosby for a family friendly walk around Weis, as we discover these unique habitats and the creatures living there. We'll also be on the lookout for other early signs of spring. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring possibly wet and muddy areas. All ages welcome!
> $5 per person, children under 5 are free; please bring cash or check to pay upon arrival.
Fri-Sun, Apr 3-5: "The Delval Divas" - Iron Mountain Stage Co.; Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm, Sunday at 2:00pm
Mon, Apr 13-Fri, Apr 17: Spring Break Nature Camp
> Learn more and register NOW!
Sat, Apr 18: Earth Day Celebration!
Jul 6-Aug 21: Summer Nature Camp
> Learn more and register NOW!
Sat, May 30: Nature Friends Centennial Celebration!