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
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.
Don’t miss out! SIGN UP to receive emails about upcoming programs and events!
▶ Fri, May 22, 4-5:30pm: Meet Your Trees Nature Walk & Foraged Tea
From the tiniest spring wildflower to the tallest trees in the forest (Tulip Trees here in NJ!) plants are the backbone of any habitat and shape our landscapes and ecosystems. On this guided slow paces nature walk, we will discuss tree and plant identification and look at some of the interesting and important species in our Highlands forest, and how those plant communities support wildlife.
- Open to all ages
- $15 per person
- Please dress for the weather since this program is outdoors!
▶ Sun, May 30-31, 8am-5pm: Wilderness First Aid Certification (WFA)
This 2-day (16 hr) program is offered by our partners from TrailBound Project
> For details & registration for this program and other hiking/backpacking and outdoor skills classes, please visit the TrailBound Project website.
▶ Sat, Jun 6, 1pm-4pm: 10th Anniversary Celebration
Join us for a lovely day in nature to celebrate 10 years of the Highlands Nature Friends coming together as a non-profit. Learn about the history of the land & enjoy seasonal programs.
More info coming soon!
▶ Sun, Jun 7, 9:30am-5:30pm: 'Harmony in the Highlands' Nature Retreat
Step away from the noise and into the stillness of nature! Join us for a restorative day of mindfulness, reflection, and peace at the New Weis Center. Surrounded by the natural beauty and serenity of the New Jersey Highlands on our beautiful 152 acres of forested land, this retreat is designed to help you reconnect - with nature, yourself, and the present moment. Throughout the day, you'll be guided through a thoughtful selection of healing and grounding experiences, including:
🧘 Gentle Outdoor Yoga with Crystal Eshanov of Sage and Sound Holistic Wellness (Montclair, NJ)
🌿 Ethical Foraging with Foraged Tea, with Weis Lead Educator Lauren Lynch and Chris Campbell
🌲 Seasonal Nature Walk
🎶 Sound Bath with special guest Crystal Eshanov of Sage and Sound Holistic Wellness (Montclair, NJ)
🌀 Aromatherapy Workshop: Make your own oils, with Weis Naturalist Chris Campbell
🖋 Nature Journaling and Intention Setting
Whether you're looking to release stress, find clarity, or simply breathe deeper, this immersive retreat offers a space to slow down and realign. Come as you are... Leave feeling renewed! Ages 18 and up.
▶ Sun, Jun 7, 1-5pm: Communication Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #1a, #3(write speech), #5,#6, #8 & #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
▶ Fri, Jun 12, 8-9:30pm: Sunset Hike & Bonfire Social
Join us for a sunset hike on our private trails followed by a cozy campfire. Bring your family & friends and join us for a guided sunset hike as we enjoy an evening in the forest. We will hike through our private trails and enjoy the signs of summer during golden hour. On our hike back down we'll listen to some of the nocturnal critters & close out the night with a blazing bonfire!🔥
- All ages welcome! Children 5 and below are free, all children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
- Please bring a flashlight or headlamp and wear hiking shoes/sneakers.
- Dress appropriately as the entire program will be held outdoors.
- Drive in through the outer gate and park near the main brick building
- Restrooms in the main building will be open for program attendees
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, program will be rescheduled
▶ Sat, Jun 13, 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, litter pickup, and gathering branches/sticks for campfires. No gardening experience necessary.
- Counts as community service and conservation hours for students and scouts
- Bring work gloves if you have them
- Suggested age: 8+; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Volunteer Days are scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of each month, May-Oct
> No registration required, but please let us know if you are bringing a group (5 or more)
▶ Sat, Jun 13, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #3a, #4 a,b, #5, #7 a,b,c, & #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
> SOLD OUT
▶ Sun, Jun 14, 10-11:30am: Forest Bathing Sensory Walk
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 helps 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 Lead Educator Lauren Lynch or Educator Chris Campbell
- Open to ages 13 and up
- $15 per person
▶ Sat, Jun 20, 10-11:30am: Walking Meditation & Reflection Walk
Join us for a gentle, mindful walk in nature as we immerse ourselves in our senses and ground into the present moment. Walking meditation is a mindful technique focused on being aware of each step. Originating from Buddhism, Taoism, and yoga, it has long complemented other practices to enhance awareness and promote inner clarity. Walking meditation offers a gentle approach to mindfulness, connecting breath, movement, and bodily sensations. Participants walk slowly and intentionally, focusing on each step and inhalation to cultivate awareness in the present moment. This practice encourages participants to tune into their senses, noticing the feel of the earth beneath their feet, the sights around them, and the sounds in their environment. Through this sensory experience, individuals become grounded in their surroundings and nurture a sense of peace and belonging. By directing attention to these sensory details, walking meditation deepens self-awareness and reveals greater insight into one's thoughts and feelings. A portion of our time together will be dedicated to personal reflection and journaling.
- Led by Educator Crystal Eshanov
- Open to ages 18 and up
- This is a gentle walk at an easy pace with frequent stops
- Outdoor program; please dress accordingly. Shoes are required
- Pack water, a journal, and a pen/pencil
- No dogs please
- Refundable with 2 week's notice. In case of rain, you will be notified and the program will be rescheduled.
- Parking is available in the outer lot on Snake Den Rd, or follow the driveway and park near the main brick building
▶ Thu, Jul 23, 10am-1pm: Water Pollution Stream Study (part of the 6-8th grade Summer Series)
Calling all emerging ecologists! See if you have what it takes to become an Citizen Scientist, through our Summer Series! We’ll be conducting our very own stream study to discover the biodiversity in our stream. Then, we’ll do our own water pollution test & ID the aquatic organisms we catch.
▶ Fri, Jul 24, 8-9:30pm: Family Nocturnal Nature Night & Bonfire Social
Bring the family and join us for a short guided night hike & bonfire. If you have never experienced the forest at night, here's your chance to experience the magic when the sun goes down! Exploring at night is like traveling to another ecosystem - without having to leave New Jersey. We'll listen for the calls of tree frogs and the chittering of flying squirrels. . Of course, we'll be sure to end the night with a blazing bonfire & smores!
- Please bring a flashlight or headlamp
- Bring the family! Under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian.
- Drive in through the outer gate and park near the main brick building
- Restrooms in the main building will be open
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, program will be rescheduled
▶ Thu, Jul 30, 10am-1pm: Geology Study & Hike (part of the 6-8th grade Summer Series)
We’ll be conducting our very own Geologic Study to identify key resources nearby and to assess for environmental impact. We'll be hiking rocky terrain, identifying rock types & minerals, & discussing the impact of geologic time on the landscape.
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Thu, Aug 6, 10am-1pm: Plant Science Bioblitz (part of the 6-8th grade Summer Series)
Calling all emerging ecologists! See if you have what it takes to become an Citizen Scientist, through our Summer Series! We’ll be conducting our very own Bioblitz through the iNaturalist App by hiking through our private trails and collecting field data. After we'll learn how to identify and check the different layers of the forest canopy to check for biodiversity and overall forest health.
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Thu, Aug 13, 10am-1pm: Sustainable Stewardship (part of the 6-8th grade Summer Series)
Future architects and thinkers of tomorrow - join us for a day of best environmental design & resource management practice. We’ll be learn what green design is and how to implement it, understand the ethics of resource management & take hands on action in invasive species removal.
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Thu, Aug 20, 10am-1pm: Conservation Initiatives & Becoming an Honorary Citizen Scientist! (part of the 6-8th grade Summer Series)
We’ll learn how to identify future and current conservation projects, assess for ecosystem dynamics, work on a conservation project, & become honorary Citizen Scientists!
> REGISTER NOW!
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!