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
🍁 It's Maple Sugaring Season at The New Weis Center! 🍁
Group Maple Sugaring Programs
Schedule a 90 minute private maple sugaring program for your troop! Learn 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 our 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!
- Scout troops, schools, clubs, businesses and homeschool groups may schedule a Maple Sugaring program on a date of their choosing on weekdays or weekends in mid Feb-late Mar
- Minimum fee to schedule a group program is $200 (up to 10 participants); $20 for each additional participant over 10. No charge for up to 4 scout leaders/parents or school chaperones
- Small scout troops (under 10) may partner together or register for a public program (see above)
- Since we can accommodate up to 20 participants, small troops or groups may be combined with other troops/groups or non-scout participants
- Contact us to schedule: 973-835-2160 or email: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org
Maple Sugaring Programs for Scout Troops!
Schedule a 90 minute private maple sugaring program for your troop! Learn 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 our 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!
- Scouts Receive a discount! Minimum fee to schedule a group program is $200(up to 10 participants); $18 for each additional participant over 10.
- No charge for up to 4 scout leaders/parents or school chaperones
- Available on weekdays or weekends, mid February through late-March
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, program will be rescheduled
- To schedule, contact us at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org, or call 973-835-2160
🍁It's Maple Sugaring Season at Weis!🍁
Scroll down for public programs or schedule a private one.
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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.
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▶ Sat Feb 28, 12:30-2pm: Public Maple Sugaring Program! 🍁
Join us for a special 90-minute program as we learn 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 our tapped trees where we'll demonstrate how to tap and collect the sap, and taste it at multiple stages of the process. Next we'll see how the evaporator works, and finish with a blind taste test of several types of syrup in the covered pavilion (with heaters). Open to all ages, so grab your family and friends for a fun winter outing! There is an option to purchase organic syrup and maple treats from a wonderful local family farm (cash or Venmo).
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children age 4 and under.
- $18 for members, $20 for non-members
▶ Sun, Mar 1, 1-2:30pm: Public Maple Sugaring Program! 🍁
Join us for a special 90-minute program as we learn 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 our tapped trees where we'll demonstrate how to tap and collect the sap, and taste it at multiple stages of the process. Next we'll see how the evaporator works, and finish with a blind taste test of several types of syrup in the covered pavilion (with heaters). Open to all ages, so grab your family and friends for a fun winter outing! There is an option to purchase organic syrup and maple treats from a wonderful local family farm (cash or Venmo).
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children age 4 and under.
- $18 for members, $20 for non-members
▶ Tue, Mar 3, 1:30-4pm: Homeschool 6-wk session starts!
Nature might look like it is resting, but the winter season is full of quiet activity - if you know where to look! Join us as we use our senses, curiosity, and observation skills to learn about the many fascinating aspects of Winter Ecology. This program uses hands-on science and exploration throughout the NWC property to discover the hidden life of winter and early spring.
- 6-week session on Tuesday
- Ages 5-10
▶ Sat, March 7, 1-5pm: Sustainability Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: requirement 6, 8A, 8B, 8C, & 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
▶ Sun, Mar 8, 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.
▶ Sun, Mar 8, 12-1:30pm: Public Maple Sugaring Program! 🍁
Join us for a special 90-minute program as we learn 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 our tapped trees where we'll demonstrate how to tap and collect the sap, and taste it at multiple stages of the process. Next we'll see how the evaporator works, and finish with a blind taste test of several types of syrup in the covered pavilion (with heaters). Open to all ages, so grab your family and friends for a fun winter outing! There is an option to purchase organic syrup and maple treats from a wonderful local family farm (cash or Venmo).
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children age 4 and under.
- $18 for members, $20 for non-members.
▶ Sun, Mar 14, 11am-12:30pm: Public Maple Sugaring Program! 🍁
Join us for a special 90-minute program as we learn 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 our tapped trees where we'll demonstrate how to tap and collect the sap, and taste it at multiple stages of the process. Next we'll see how the evaporator works, and finish with a blind taste test of several types of syrup in the covered pavilion (with heaters). Open to all ages, so grab your family and friends for a fun winter outing! There is an option to purchase organic syrup and maple treats from a wonderful local family farm (cash or Venmo).
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children age 4 and under.
- $18 for members, $20 for non-members.
▶ Sat, Mar 15, 1-5pm: Environmental Science Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: 2A, 2B, 6A OR 6B (SCOUTS CAN CHOOSE ANY OPTION for requirement 6), 7A, & 11. 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
▶ Sat, Mar 21, 4-6pm: Maple Sugaring & Bonfire Social - Just for Adults! 🍁
Join us for a fun afternoon as we learn about the process, history and ecology of maple sap and syrup. We will 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 that sap is used for. We’ll visit our tapped trees where we’ll learn how to tap, collect, and taste the sap, then see how the evaporator works. Then we will have a blind syrup taste test in the covered pavilion (with heaters)! We'll end the program around a cozy bonfire with time to chat over hot chocolate.
- Adults only (ages 18 and up)
- $22 per person for members, $25 per person for nonmembers
▶ Sun, Mar 22, 1-2:30pm: Public Maple Sugaring Program! 🍁
Join us for a special 90-minute program as we learn 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 our tapped trees where we'll demonstrate how to tap and collect the sap, and taste it at multiple stages of the process. Next we'll see how the evaporator works, and finish with a blind taste test of several types of syrup in the covered pavilion (with heaters). Open to all ages, so grab your family and friends for a fun winter outing! There is an option to purchase organic syrup and maple treats from a wonderful local family farm (cash or Venmo).
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No charge for children age 4 and under
- $18 for members, $20 for non-members
▶ Fri, Apr 3, 7-8:30pm: Family Nature Night & Bonfire Social!
An evening adventure for families of all ages! Join us for a short guided night hike & bonfire social. If you have never experienced the forest at night, here's your chance to experience the magic when the sun goes down! Of course, we'll be sure to end the night with a blazing bonfire!
- Please bring a flashlight or headlamp.
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather the program will be rescheduled.
- $15 pp, or $50 for a family up to 4. Children 5 and below are free; all children must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian.
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sat, Apr 4, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: requirement #5,#6,#7 (choose 2), & #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
▶ Sat, Apr 11, 9:30am-5:30pm: 'Harmony in the Highlands' Spring 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:
🧘 Spring Gentle Yoga with Crystal Eshanov of Sage and Sound Holistic Wellness (Montclair, NJ)
🌲 Seasonal Nature Walk with Foraged Tea (Shinrin-yoku), with Weis Lead Educator Lauren Lynch and Chris Campbell
🎶 Reiki Meditation with a lovely 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, Art & Crafts, 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, Apr 12, 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
▶ Sun, Apr 12, 1-5pm: Plant Science Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: requirement 7, requirement 8 option 3 part D, & Requirement 8 option 3 part E. 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
▶ Sat, Apr 18: EARTH DAY CELEBRATION!
Join us for a FREE Earth Day Celebration as we gather to learn and celebrate all things nature with activities, programs and games for all ages. Take a naturalist-led nature walk, make a fun nature craft, lend a hand with ou gardens and groups spring cleanup and invasive species removes - and be sure to visit our community partner tables. This event is FREE, but donations are always welcome and appreciated!
- No registration required... just stop by.
- All ages are welcome!
▶ Get all the details and see FAQ about this awesome community event
▶ Sun, May 3, 1-5:30pm: Woodcarving Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: 2A (Totin' Chip). 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.
- $45 per scout
▶ Sat, May 9, 9am-12pm: Gardens & Grounds Volunteer Day!
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 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)
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!