UPCOMING EVENTS
Pre-registration and/or advance payment may be required. Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building. COVID-19 Policy: masks must be worn indoors
▶ Tuesdays, Jan 25-Mar 15: Homeschool Winter Ecology 8-week session
▶ Fridays, Jan 28-Mar 18: Afterschool Frosty Fridays 8-week session
▶ Sat, Jan 29, 1:00-3:00pm: Emerging Ecologist - Winter Survival Day! (POSTPONED from Sat, Jan 15)
Get ready to learn new outdoor skills and put them to the test as we compete to survive the harsh winter weather for our teen Survival Day! Fires will be lit, shelters will be built - and one team will triumph. Dress warm for this fun outdoor day of wilderness skills!
- Grades 6-9
- $8 per person
▶ Sun, Jan 30, 2:00-3:30pm: Winter Geology Hike (POSTPONED from Sat, Jan 16)
Join us as we take a easy/moderate hike through the forest to focus on an area of the forest we often overlook: geology! Taking advantage of our leafless trees to survey the landscape, we will look for geologic clues to piece together the picture of the forces that shaped this land, examine the minerals that make it up, and learn the unique geologic history both across New Jersey and right here at Weis.
- Ages 6 to adult
- $8 per person
▶ Sat, Feb 19 &, 3:30pm; Sun, Feb 27: 3:30pm; Sat, Mar 5: 1:00pm: Maple Sugaring Public Programs!
Join us for a program about the process, history, and ecology of maple sap & syrup. Programs are 1 1/2 hours and open to all ages, so bring your friends and family! 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 the 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, of course!
- All ages
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, program will be rescheduled.
- $10 per person
Schedule a private Maple Sugaring program for your group, troop, company or club!
You may also schedule a 1 1/2 hour private session just for your group, troop, homeschool class, family or friends! Please contact sarah@highlandsnaturefriends or call 973-835-2160 to schedule a date; weekdays or weekends, mid February through early March.
▶ Sun, Feb 20, 1:00-2:30pm: Great Backyard Bird Count
We’ll take an easy walk around the grounds, stopping at the bird feeding station, and count the birds we see. We’ll record & submit this data to eBird, where it is used at Cornell University and other research sites. We’ll discuss basic field ID and how to use eBird when birding on your own. No birding experience necessary.
- Ages 6 to adult
- FREE - but registration is required
▶ Mon, Feb 21 & Tue, Feb 22 (Presidents' Day recess), 9:00an-3:00pm: School break Nature Camp
Exploring the outdoors in the winter gives us a new understanding on how the forest cycles and about the lives of the animals that live there. This camp day is all about our local forest animals: who hibernates, who migrated, and who withstands the harsh winter weather. Join us as we learn about animal tracking and amazing seasonal adaptations, while observing the wildlife that lives year-round in our forest.
- Grades 1-5
- Register for one or both days
- Discounts for members & siblings
▶ Sat, Mar 5, 3:30-5:00pm: Emerging Ecologist - Maple Sugaring!
Part of our Jr. Naturalist programs for grades 6-9, this is a fun program 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 the 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, of course!
- Special session just for teens and tweens in grades 6-9
- $10 per person
▶ Sat, Mar 19, 9:00am-1:00pm: Scouts BSA Merit Badge - Citizenship in the Community
- Prerequisites #3, 4, 5, 7, 8
- $24 per scout
>REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sun, Mar 20, 1:00-2:30: Signs of Spring Nature Walk
To celebrate the first day of spring, we'll take a walk through the forest and along the stream, looking for signs that the season is shifting. Spring peepers, budding trees, and spring ephemeral wildflowers will be some of the stars of this hike.
- All ages welcome
- $8 per person
▶ Thu, Apr 14, 4:00-8:00pm: Scouts BSA Merit Badge - Communications
- Prerequisites #3, 4, 5, 7, 8
- Includes pizza
- $24 per scout
▶ Mon, Apr 18 - Fri, Apr 22, 9:00am-3:00pm: Spring Break Nature Camp
- Grades 1-5
- Register for individual days or the full week
- Discounts for members & siblings
▶ Mon, Apr 18 - Fri, Apr 22, 9:00am-3:00pm: Emerging Ecologist Spring Break Program
- Grades 6-9
- Register for individual days or the full week
- Discounts for members & siblings
- Details & registration coming soon...
▶ Sun, Apr 24: Earth Day Celebration!
- FREE event - all ages welcome
- Details & registration coming soon...
EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Programs for individuals and groups of all ages
Education
- Public programs: include guided nature walks and talks byWeis staffand guest experts, historical and culture programs, as well as special presentations and events.
- After-school nature programs for grades 1-8
- Primitive survival skills classes taught by Joe Blevis of Earth Living 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 and 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
"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
"Music at Midvale" Concert Series! Our 2021 Series included performances by Rave Tesar, E'lissa Jones and Loretta Hagen. Artists profiles
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 Sr. Educator & Naturalist Sarah Crosby. 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 Weis 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!
Please support The New Weis Center by making a tax-deductible DONATION, which entitles you to many member benefits. Learn more