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 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!
Celebrate the season at this FREE community event! Get all the details and be sure to stop by.
▶ 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, 10-11:30am: Winter Nature Walk: Moss & Lichen
Venture into the brilliant world of bryophytes (& lichen)! The colder months are a wonderful time to focus on mosses and lichens, including identifying their differences and similarities, and diving into their role and resilience. Join us for this easy guided walk on our private trails, as we explore the winter landscape at Weis and learn about the relationship these ancient organisms have with humans and the natural world.
- Led by Weis Educator and Naturalist Nicole Vaccaro
- Ages 6 to adult
- Dress appropriately, as the program will be held outdoors
- $10 per person
▶ 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
Details and registration end of Nov
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!