Lesson Rotations
The number of lesson rotations we can include depends on the length of your visit
FIELD TRIP PROGRAMS
THE FOREST FLOOR
We will take a closeup look at the habitat of the forest floor, explore the concept of biodiversity, and learn how plant and insect diversity affects the greater ecosystem. Students will assess their own plot to identify different species, and sketch and record the data. We’ll pull it all together with a fun ecosystem group toss activity.
THE FALLEN LOG
Students will explore the concepts of decomposition and nutrient cycling. We will learn about soil and how it is created, try our own soil “recipe”, and discover the importance of leaf litter as a habitat. Then we’ll flip over logs and leaves for a hands-on encounter with decomposers, and learn about the diversity of this microhabitat.
NATIVE SPECIES SCAVENGER HUNT
We’ll discuss what native species are, why they are important for a healthy ecosystem, and the risks that non-native species may pose. Students will team up and hike to a spot in the forest where they will work together to find and record important native plant and tree species. During our journey we’ll learn about the forest ecosystem, discuss interactions between native and non-native flora, and look for signs of seasonal lifecycles.
SURVIVAL SHOWDOWN
What is really important in a survival situation? What is the first priority? What supplies and tools are essential - and which are not? Students will be challenged to make these decisions through fun interactive games. Then we’ll focus on a critical outdoor skill as we break into groups to learn the essential elements and layers of successful fire building, and practice making our own mini survival fires at our firecircle.
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS - STREAM STUDY
Students get hands-on (and feet wet) in this exploration of the Blue Mine Brook, as they survey for macroinvertebrates and identify different species. They will learn how and what these organisms can tell us about water quality without having to do chemical water testing, and discover the different factors that affect healthy water systems, including how man-made environments may affect water quality.
ADVENTURE CHALLENGE - TEAM BUILDING GAMES
This activity is all about students having fun with their classmates as they play team-building games that help to build social skills, problem solving, decision making, and creative thinking. We will do 2-3 active, facilitated challenges that have students working together, practicing communication, and encouraging leadership. Our recreation field is the perfect spot for games such as Ant Tag, Sneaky Fox and Oh! Dear.
OBSERVATION HIKE with SIT SPOT
We will take a guided hike to learn the importance of being observant in the woods. We’ll discuss the ecology of the plants and animals we come across, and search for signs of the season. Prompting students with questions as we encounter intriguing phenomena encourages them to think like scientists. We’ll stop along the way for a short sit spot activity to practice our observation skills, mindfulness, and experience nature using our senses.
GEOLOGY ROCKS!
Students will take a short hike in the forest to explore the history of our natural landscape, and learn how to identify the different types of rocks and minerals we see along the way. During our journey we’ll learn how water erosion, glacial movement and geologic time shaped our environment, and the importance of rocks for various technologies in our lives.
NEW: SOIL STUDY
Get your hands dirty during our new soil analysis program. Soil is the foundation of our planet, so it is essential that we know how to maximize its potential. Through hands on experiments and activities, students will learn to identify the most common soil types, understand the concepts of permeability and filtration, and discover methods to maintain soil quality. We will also learn what effects climate change may have on varying types of soil, and hypothesize how the type of soil and its permeability may impact the land and plant growth.
SUBMIT A FIELD TRIP PAYMENT
Coming Soon: Can't make it to Weis? We will come to you with our NEW To-Go programming!
Maple Sugaring time is almost here! The popular 90 minute Maple Sugaring program can be combined with a Winter Ecology lesson for a special seasonal experience in mid-Feb - mid Mar. Contact us to learn more: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org or 973-835-2160
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
Reserve NOW for Spring 2025!
The New Weis Center is located on 152 acres in the Highlands Region of northern New Jersey. Our beautiful property is a living classroom with forest, hiking trails, a brook, seasonal wetlands, recreation field, covered pavilion, picnic grove, firecircles, rain garden, pollinator garden, and raised bed vegetable/herb garden. In addition, our main building has a large multi-purpose room, observation deck, and multiple restrooms.
Each field study program provides unique learning opportunities. Our terrific staff of educators and naturalists provide an attentive, hands-on learning experience and the applied skills to foster a lifelong curiosity for science and a connection to nature. Educators can choose from 8 different lesson rotations to create a customized program, or contact us for assistance with selecting the programs that complement your classes' curriculum. The lessons will be customized to meet the level of students in grades K-12. The signs and impacts of climate change are woven throughout our programs. If you have students with social, emotional and behavioral special needs, our education team will work with you to make sure the lessons and logistics fit your needs.
To submit a field trip request,click here.
If you have questions prior to submitting the field trip request form, please contact us at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org or 973-835-2160.
Fee: (up to 75 students*)
- $16 per student: 2 1/2 hr max (typically 2 lesson rotations)
- $18 per student: 3 1/2 hr max (typically 3 lesson rotations)
- $20 per student: 4 1/2 hr max (typically 3-4 lesson rotations)
- Note: lesson rotations are typically 45-55 minutes. Time is allotted for a short welcome and intro, lunch in our picnic grove and pavilion, bathroom breaks and a wrap up.
Please Note:
- Minimum $275 trip fee
- *Groups of 75-100 students may be scheduled over multiple days at the standard rates (above), or may come together (same day) for an additional $1 per student
- Minimum trip length is 2 hours, maximum length is 4 1/2 hours
- There is no charge for teachers and chaperones
- In the case of steady rain or temperatures below freezing, the program will be rescheduled. If you require a specific reserved raindate, we will hold it for an additional non-refundable minimum trip fee of $275
- Fee includes a reserved picnic area for lunch
Deposit / Payments:
After we receive your reservation request, a staff member will contact you to confirm the date and time, and discuss details of your program.
A minimum deposit of 1/3 of the total amount is due upon booking; the balance is due on or before the date of your trip. Remit payment:
- ONLINE - using the "Donate" button above
- BY CHECK - made out to "The New Weis Center" and delivered in person or mailed to: 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, New Jersey 07456
Cancellation Policy:
- Our programs are generally rain or shine**; please direct your students and staff to dress accordingly.
- In the case of steady rain or temperatures below freezing the program will be rescheduled.
- 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, you may choose to to reschedule or we will gladly refund your deposit and/or pre-payment in full.
For more information or to schedule, contact us at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org or 973-835-2160