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 advance payment is required for most programs. Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building.
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▶ Sat, Nov 15, 9am-1pm: Hiking Gear Essentials (TrailBound Project)
Years of experience in local, domestic, and international trips, paired up with Search and Rescue has led to a tried and true list of gear that every hiker should have. In this course, we’ll go over all of these items and talk about why we stand by them. Students here will have the opportunity to see these items firsthand, and they’ll leave with a new understanding of being prepared for the outdoors.
- Led by the Trailbound Project
- Open to ages 10 and up, minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
> REGISTRATION
▶ Sat, Nov 15, 1:30-5:30pm: Hiking Basics & Safety
It’s everyone’s worst nightmare to have something go wrong on a hike. However, most issues can be prevented by heading out with a little knowledge and a good plan. In this course, we’ll be covering a variety of topics, but they all boil down to improving our knowledge base and safety.
- Led by the Trailbound Project
- Open to ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
> REGISTRATION
▶ Sun, Nov 16, 9am-1pm: Firemaking
Do you struggle to start a fire or keep one going? Are you confident you can start a fire in an emergency - in a driving rain? In the snow? Fire keeps us warm, dries us out, and keeps us company. It can save your life. This class prescribes exactly what to carry and fine-tunes your technique for reliable results.
- Led by the Trailbound Project
- Open to ages 12 and up, minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
▶ Sun, Nov 16, 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:
🌲 Forest Bathing Walk with Foraged Tea (Shinrin-yoku), with Weis Lead Educator Lauren Lynch and Chris Campbell
🎶 Himalayan Sound Healing with special guest Crystal Eshanov of Sage and Sound Holistic Wellness (Montclair, NJ)
🌀 Chakra Balancing & Aromatherapy, with Weis Naturalist Chris Campbell
🖋 Nature Journaling & Intention Setting
🔥 Sunset Campfire Gathering
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!
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sun, Nov 16, 1-5:30pm: Plant Science Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #7, #8 option 3D, #8 option 3E. 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
- $35 per scout
▶ Sun, Nov 16, 1:30-3:30pm: Drinking Water Treatment (TrailBound Project)
What if you ran out of water on your hike? Do you know where to find more? Do you know what’s safe to drink and what needs to be treated? Do you carry too much water because you're afraid you might run out? This class addresses these concerns and students come away with complete confidence in water treatment.
- Led by the Trailbound Project
- Open to ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
▶ Sat, Nov 22, 1pm-2:15pm: DIY Pumpkin Birdfeeder
Build your own pumpkin bird feeder from scratch! Learn about fall bird migration and feeding patterns. Enjoy the wildlife and autumn scenery at Weis.
- Includes pumpkin, starter seed, & apple cider
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sun, Nov 23, 1pm-5pm: Landscape Architecture Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #1 & #5. 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
- $35 per scout
▶ Sun, Nov 30, 1-2:30pm: Natural Winter Wreaths (8-adult)
Decorating for the season is always better with a DIY spirit - and natural materials! We'll start with an easy walk to explore our local winter plants and gather materials, then return to the covered pavilion (with patio heaters) to learn how to use flexible branches to create a base wreath, candle ring, or door hanger Then it's time to get creative with our nature-inspired decorating while sipping hot chocolate or cider.
- All supplies will be gathered or provided, including pine cones, acorns, dried fruit and ribbons. If the temperature is too cold, we may move indoors to create our wreaths after the walk to gather materials.
- Open to ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
- Got a GROUP? To schedule a private program for your scout troop, club or organization, contact us at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org
▶ Sun, Nov 30, 3-5pm: Winter Wreaths & Bonfire Social (adults only)
Join us for a special Winter Wreath Making program and close out the night with a cozy bonfire! Enjoy a relaxing afternoon just for adults! First we'll go on a short walk to ID winter flora, gather natural materials, to design and create your own winter wreath, candle rings, or door hanger. Afterwards, we’ll gather around a blazing bonfire for some hot chocolate.
- All supplies will be gathered or provided, including pine cones, acorns, dried fruit and ribbons. If the temperature is too cold, we may move indoors to create our wreaths after the walk to gather materials.
- Open to ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
- Got a GROUP? To schedule a private program for your scout troop, club or organization, contact us at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org
▶ Sat, Dec 6, 12-4pm: Wonders of Winter Special Event!
▶ Sat, Dec 13, 1pm-5pm: Forestry Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: 5a, 5b OR 5c (SCOUTS CAN CHOOSE ANY OPTION for requirement 5) & 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.
- $35 per scout
▶ Sat, Dec 13, 1-2:30pm: Natural Winter Wreaths (6-adult)
Decorating for the season is always better with a DIY spirit - and natural materials! We'll start with an easy walk to explore our local winter plants and gather materials, then return to the covered pavilion (with patio heaters) to learn how to use flexible branches to create a base wreath, candle ring, or door hanger Then it's time to get creative with our nature-inspired decorating while sipping hot chocolate or cider.
- All supplies will be gathered or provided, including pine cones, acorns, dried fruit and ribbons. If the temperature is too cold, we may move indoors to create our wreaths after the walk to gather materials.
- Open to ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
- Got a GROUP? To schedule a private program for your scout troop, club or organization, contact us at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org
▶ Sat, Dec 13, 3-5pm: Winter Wreaths & Bonfire Social (adults only)
Join us for a special Winter Wreath Making program and close out the night with a cozy bonfire! Enjoy a relaxing afternoon just for adults! First we'll go on a short walk to ID winter flora, gather natural materials, to design and create your own winter wreath, candle rings, or door hanger. Afterwards, we’ll gather around a blazing bonfire for some hot chocolate.
- All supplies will be gathered or provided, including pine cones, acorns, dried fruit and ribbons. If the temperature is too cold, we may move indoors to create our wreaths after the walk to gather materials.
- Open to ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
- Got a GROUP? To schedule a private program for your scout troop, club or organization, contact us at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org
▶ Sun, Dec 14, 1pm-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: Pre-requisites MUST be completed prior to the in-person class: 3a,3b,4a,5,7a,7b,7c, & 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.
- $35 per scout
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Mon, Dec 29 & Tue, Dec 30, 9am-3pm: Winter Break Fun Days
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!