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UPCOMING EVENTS
Pre-registration and/or advance payment may be required. Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building.
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▶ Tue & Thu, Sep 19-Nov 9: Wholesome Hearts Nature Program, 10:00am-1:00pm (age 3-6)
Join us as we embrace the beauty of fall with this 8-week program for ages 3-6. Classes are twice a week on Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 10:00am-1:00pm. We will celebrate autumn equinox, learn all about The Harvest Moon, and dive deep into the mystery of leaves, trees, seeds, apples and pumpkins. We will experiment with natural pigments, imprints, impressions and make beautiful creations to bring home and treasure. Homesteading practices will be worked in routinely as we garden, plant, cook and work with our hands in a wide variety of ways. Observation skills will be enhanced as we practice the art of nature journaling. And making lasting connections will be at the forefront as we explore and create while letting our senses be the guide.
- This class is taught by our program partner Andrea LaRegina, founder of Wholesome Hearts Nature Program. Learn more about Andrea.
- All materials are included
- This is a drop-off program, but caregivers are welcome to stay onsite (there are several outdoor seating areas and wi-fi is available near the main building) or participate until they feel comfortable
- Class is rain or shine; please dress for all weather. In the case of severe weather, we will move to one of our indoor spaces
- Full refunds will be issued for cancellation requests received at least two weeks before the first class. We do not offer partial refunds if you miss a class.
- $990 per child
▶ Sat, Sep 23, 9:00am-1:00pm: Knot Tying (8-adult)
Class is taught by our program partner TrailBound Project
> Learn more & register
▶ Sat, Sep 23, 1:30-5:30pm: Tarp Shelters (8-adult)
Class is taught by our program partner TrailBound Project
> Learn more & register
▶ Sat, Sep 23, 9:00am-5:00pm: Intro to Bushwhacking (12-adult)
Class is taught by our program partner TrailBound Project
> Learn more & register
▶ Sun, Sep 24, 3:00-5:00pm - Acoustic Open Mic! (last one for 2023)
Is your special talent craving a relaxed, rustic venue? Join us in a beautiful wooded setting for an afternoon of live music. Come to play, or just to listen and enjoy! We'll gather outside near the old farmhouse (c.1800's) for an afternoon of acoustic music (originals and covers) in a variety of genres. Seating is available at picnic tables, or bring a folding chair if you prefer. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments, but note that smoking and alcohol are not permitted on the property. All ages welcome.
- Signup to perform between 2:30-3:00pm; live music is from 3:00pm-5:00pm
- $5 cover per person (performers and audience)
> No registration required
▶ Mon, Sep 25 - School Break Firemaking Skills & Bonfire! (2 times & age groups)
Making fire is a natural curiosity, so let’s create a rewarding and fun outdoor experience together. We will have some fun while teaching fire safety and the elements of fire. We will use different techniques and natural materials to start our fire, and end the program by working together as a team to create a blazing campfire & making smores!
- Wear boots or sturdy shoes
- $25 Weis members; $30 non-members
> Ages 6-10: 9:00-11:00am REGISTER NOW!
> Ages 11-16: 12:00-2:00pm REGISTER NOW!
▶ Wed, Sep 27-Oct 18, 1:30-3:30pm: 4-week Homeschool Session 1 (age 6-10)
▶ Sat, Sep 30, 1:00-4:00pm: Scouts BSA Geocaching Merit Badge
- There are 2 Pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review in class: #7, #9
- $29 per scout
▶ Sat, Oct 1, 10:00am-4:00pm - Splintwork Basketry
Basketry is the art of working with flexible organic materials - bark, sapling, fibers, splints, etc. - and interweaving them into usable containers of various sizes. Baskets can be made from a variety of natural materials - tree bark, fibers, splints, vines, saplings, roots, pine needles, and more. They can be woven into any size or shape, and are commonly used for plant collection, nut harvesting, transporting goods, and even boiling water and cooking in! Baskets were an essential tool for our ancestors, and are still highly valued today. Whether you're looking to make a collection basket, a long-term pack basket, or a simple container for household goods, this technique is for you!In this program, we'll dive into one of the most basic styles of basic weaving: splintwork. We will spend our time weaving a small, model-sized basket to teach you the basic principles. After that, there is no limit to what is possible with this simple technique!
- This class is taught by our program partner Joe Blevis, founder and owner of Winding Waters Earth Skills. Learn more about Joe and his programs
- Ages 16+
- Please bring a lunch and/or snack and reusable water bottle (no single use plastics please)
- Rain or shine. Depending on the weather, class will either be held in the main building or the covered pavilion.
- $105 per person
▶ Sat, Oct 7, 9:00am-12:00pm: Scouts BSA Bird Study Merit Badge
- There are 3 Pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review in class: #8a or b (scout's choice), #10b, #11
- $29 per scout
▶ Sun, Oct 8, 10:00-11:30am - Forest Bathing Walk (2nd Sunday of every month, May-Nov)
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.
- Ages 13 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- Next 2023 dates: Nov 12
- $15 per person
▶ Sun, Oct 8, 9:00am-1:00pm - Hiking Gear Essentials
Class is taught by our program partner TrailBound Project
> Learn more & register
▶ Sun, Oct 8, 10, 1:30-5:30pm - Hiking Basics & Safety
Class is taught by our program partner TrailBound Project
> Learn more & register
▶ Sat, Oct 21, 9:00am-12:00pm - Volunteer Day! (Last one for 2023)
We welcome volunteers (scouts, individuals, families, groups, clubs) to stop by and help with some much needed cleanup in our gardens and grounds, including invasive species removal, spread woodchips on pathways pathways, mulching, planting, pruning, litter pickup, gathering branches/sticks for campfires. No gardening experience necessary.
- Counts as community service and conservation hours for students and scouts.
- Bring a rake and gloves if you have them. Suggested age: 8+; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.> No registration required, but please let us know if you are bringing a group (5 or more)
▶ Sat, Oct 21, 9:00am-5:00pm - Map & Compass Navigation
Class is taught by our program partner TrailBound Project
> Learn more & register
▶ Sat, Oct 21, 9:00am-1:00pm - Firestarting
Class is taught by our program partner TrailBound Project
> Learn more & register
▶ Sat, Oct 21, 1:30-3:30pm - Drinking Water Treatment
Class is taught by our program partner TrailBound Project
> Learn more & register
▶ Sun, Oct 22, 1:00-5:00pm: Scouts BSA Forestry Merit Badge
- There are 2 Pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review in class: Pre-requisites: #5 a or b or c (scout's choice), and #8
- $32 per scout
Pumpkin Chunkin!
Fall is coming, and with it comes a fun outdoor tradition at Weis: PUMPKIN CHUNKIN! Choose a pumpkin to carve or decorate, then launching it across the field with our mighty trebuchet and see how far it flies. Pumpkin Chunkin can be scheduled as a private program for scout troops or any other group or club, OR individuals and smaller groups can register for a public program via Eventbrite.
- Program length is 1 1/2 - 2 hours, depending on the number of participants
- We supply the pumpkins to carve, decorate and launch (1 per person), tools for carving, and markers for decorating
- Great idea for a fall birthday party!
Private programs:
- May be scheduled on weekdays or weekends between Oct 14-Oct 31
- Minimum fee to schedule a group program is $225 (up to 10 participants); $18 for each additional participant over 10
- Program works best with medium-large groups. We encourage small scout troops (under 10) to partner together, or to register for a public program (see below)
- Since we can accommodate up to 40 participants, small troops or groups troops may be paired with other small troops/groups or non-scout participants. Depending on your group size, we may be able to arrange a separate carving/decorating area and trebuchet upon request.
- No charge for teachers, group chaperones or scout troop leaders (not participating)
- To schedule, contact Erica at: 973-835-2160 or erica@highlandsnaturefriends.org
Public programs (ages 6-adult):
Public sessions are open to individuals, small groups (under 10 people), families and friends!
- Sun, Oct 22, 10:00am-12:o0pm - $18 per person
- Sat, Oct 28, 10:00am-12:o0pm - $18 per person
> REGISTER NOW!
Scroll down for details about our Pumpkin Chunkin program coming in October!
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.
- Primitive survival skills classes taught by Joe Blevis, founder of Winding Waters Earth Skills. Topics include firebuilding, primitive cooking, shelter making, bird languages, basketry, local plants, awareness & movement.
- Group programs: including field trips for schools,homeschoolers, rec departments and area camps.
- Nature focused day camps 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 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
- 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 inspiring nature photography by talented local artists Vera Lazar, Tom Tarbutton, and Karin Ahmed! Main building.
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!