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!
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pre-registration and/or 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
▶ Sat, May 4, 1-4pm: BSA Geocaching Merit Badge
- There are 2 pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review them during class: #7, #9
- Wear your uniform and bring a signed blue card
- $29 per scout
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sat, May 4, 6-8:30pm: Adult Watershed Walk & Campfire Social
The rainy season is here, bringing both May flowers as well as flooding concerns. Come learn about the local watershed, measures of stream health, and some methods we use to mitigate stormwater runoff at the New Weis Center. We will go on a tour of our grounds and take a short hike up the Blue Mine Brook, followed by some time to relax and chat around at our rustic campfire circle!
- Ages 18 and up
- Wear suitable footwear and outerwear in case or mud or rain
▶ Sun, May 5, 1-5pm: BSA Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
- There are 3 pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review them during class: #4c, #7a AND 7b
- Wear your uniform and bring a signed blue card
- $32 per scout
▶ Sat, May 11, 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, pruning, litter pickup, gathering branches/sticks for campfires. No gardening experience necessary.
- Counts as community service and conservation hours for students and scouts.
- Bring 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)
Hiking and adventure classes presented by our partnersTrailBound Project
▶ Sat, May 11, 9am-5pm: Women in the Wilderness
▶ Sat, May 18, 9am-1pm: Hiking Gear Essentials
▶ Sat, May 18, 1:30-5:30pm: Hiking Basics & Safety
▶ Sun, May 19, 9am-5pm: Map & Compass Navigation
>Learn more & register for TrailBound Project classes and trips
▶ Sun, May 19, 10-11:30am: Forest Bathing Sensory Walk & Foraged Tea
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
- $15 per person
▶ Sun, May 26, 3-5pm: Acoustic Open Mic
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
▶ Sun, Jun 2, 1-5pm: Scouts BSA Environmental Science Merit Badge
- There are 3 pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review in class: #3e1 or 3e2 (scout’s choice); #3f1 or 3f2 (scout’s choice); #6
- Wear your uniform and bring a signed blue card
- $32 per scout