Sr. Educator/Naturalist Sarah Crosby

​All students benefit from connecting with the natural world. We offer hands-on, experiential field study programs for grades K-12. Please contact us if you are interested in a program or subject that is not listed below. We strive to develop inclusive programming, and welcome students with unique social, emotional and learning needs.


We are accepting reservations for small, outdoor 2021 trips. 


For more information, please email our Sr. Educator Sarah Crosby at: sarah@highlandsnaturefriends.org or call 973-835-2160​.

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COVID-19 GUIDELINES: We are open for OUTDOOR programs and are following recommended health and safety guidelines. Masks MUST be worn at all programs and when using the indoor restrooms; social distancing will be maintained to the extent possible.

FIELD TRIP PROGRAMS

Studies show that kids who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than those who spend more time indoors.

  • It builds confidence and teaches responsibility
  • It makes them think
  • It reduces stress and fatigue
  • It promotes creativity and imagination
  • It provides different stimulation, and activates all the senses
  • It gets kids moving, which is good for kids’ bodies and can make them more focused

The Center's facilities include hiking trails, a brook, recreation field, covered pavilion, picnic grove, rain garden, and main building with a large multi-purpose room and a separate classroom. In warm weather, we can include a visit to the neighboring Highlands Natural Pool for a swim!


Each field study program provides unique learning opportunities. Programs can include up to 4 individual lesson rotations, depending on the length of your trip and the students' age. You may select activities from multiple themes to create a customized program for your students.


Our staff provides an attentive, hands-on learning experience and the applied skills to foster a lifelong curiosity for science and nature. Programs are designed around NJ state standards and curriculum, and provide experiential learning while immersed in the natural beauty of the Ramapo Mountains. 


Our programs are rain or shine; so please dress appropriately!

​Fee:

  • $15 per student for trips under 2 1/2 hours; $20 per student for trips between 2 1/2 - 4 1/2 hours. Maximum of 75 students.
  • Groups of less than 15 students will be billed the minimum $225 trip fee.
  • Larger groups can be scheduled over several days. Requests for same day groups over 75 students may be accommodated upon request for an additional fee. Please contact us to discuss large group trips: info@highlandsnaturefriends.org or 973-835-2160.
  • There is no charge for teachers and chaperones.
  • If you require a raindate, we will hold it for an additional non-refundable minimum trip fee of $225.


Deposit / Payments:

After we receive your online reservation request, we will contact you to confirm the date and discuss details of your program. We will also send your invoice; this may be paid in full prior to the trip, or you can send a deposit (at least a third of the invoice total) and then bring a check for the balance the day of your trip, or mail it to the address below. Your reservation is not confirmed until the deposit is received!

  • Checks should be made out to: "HIGHLANDS NATURE FRIENDS", and can be mailed to: 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, New Jersey 07456


Cancellation Policy:

  • Our programs are rain or shine*; please direct your students and staff to dress accordingly.
  • ​If your school must cancel their trip, please note that there is a $50 fee for cancellations LESS THAN 2 weeks prior to the date of the trip.​ If The New Weis Center makes the decision to cancel due to extreme weather or another emergency, we will gladly refund your deposit or pre-payment in full.