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.
- Primitive survival skills classes taught by Joe Blevis, founder of Winding Waters Earth Skills. Topics include firebuilding, primitive cooking, shelter making, bird languages, basketry, local plants, awareness & movement.
- Group programs: including field trips for schools,homeschoolers, rec departments and area camps.
- Nature focused day camps during thesummerand winter and spring schoolbreaks.
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 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 and performance guidelines
Photography
- Exhibit of landscape and nature photographs, taken locally by Joann Lightbody, a lifelong Ringwood, NJ resident. Joann has captured the beauty of the area in her photos, which are on display in the main building.
- Enjoy an exhibit of inspiring nature photography by talented local artists Vera Lazar, Tom Tarbutton, and Karin Ahmed! Main building.
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 Lauren Lynch
Seasonal programs - Including Pumpkin Chunkin' (fall), Natural Wreath Making (winter) and Maple Sugaring (Feb/Mar)
Swimming is available at our partners the Highlands Natural Pool, which is adjacent to our property. Experience a mountain-stream fed 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!
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
Scroll down for details about our Maple Sugaring programs!
Support The New Weis Center by making a tax-deductible DONATION and receive special member benefits! Learn more
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pre-registration and/or advance payment is required for most programs. Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building.
Don’t miss out! Sign up to receive emails about upcoming programs and events
▶ Wednesdays, Nov 29, Dec 6, 13 & 20: 4-week Late Fall Homeschool Session
- There are several pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review in class. Pre-requisites: #1a, #3 (write speech in advance, we will present during the class), #5, #6, #8, #9
- $32 per scout
- Groups (10 and up) may schedule a program privately on a date of their choice. Contact us for details.
- Open to ages 8 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- All tools, supplies, trimmings and ribbon provided!
- $18 per person
▶ Wed, Dec 27-Fri, Dec 29, 9am-3pm: School Break Nature Camp (Ages 6-10)
> Details and registration
- There are several pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review in class. Pre-requisites: #3a, #4 a,b, #5, #7 a,b,c, #8
- $32 per scout
- Bring your own yoga mat
- Ages 13 and up; 18 or younger must be accompanied by an adult
- $30 per person
One of the most gratifying primitive skills is the art of cooking over an open fire. Instead of using modern amenities like steel pots and tin foil, we will cook ourselves a feast using cooking techniques that have been developed by indigenous cultures around the world. Using clay, coals, sticks, stones, steam and smoke to unlock the unique flavor in the food, we'll cook up an absolutely delicious meal. Part of this class may include harvesting wild edible plants as part of our meal. Price includes all food; vegetarians and gluten-free eaters are welcome!
- Ages: 10+; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
- This is an outdoor program, please dress accordingly.
- This class is taught by our program partner Joe Blevis, founder and owner of Winding Waters Earth Skills.
- $55 per person (includes all food!)
▶ Sun, Jan 28, 1-5pm: Scouts BSA Communications Merit Badge
There are several pre-requisites that must be done beforehand; we will review in class.
- Pre-requisites: #1a, #3 (write speech in advance, we will present during the class), #5, #6, #8, #9
- $32 per scout
▶ Sat, Feb 17, 10-11am: Goat Yoga with Totes Goats!
Check in begins promptly at 10:00am, followed by approx. 30 minutes of vinyasa yoga with Eileen Yeager, and wrapping up with time to take pictures and hang out with the lovely goat "staff". Any questions, please email: Totesgoatsnj@aol.com
- Bring your own yoga mat
- Ages 13 and up; 18 or younger must be accompanied by an adult
- $30 per person
▶ Coming in 2024... more TrailBound Project classes!
Classes are taught by our program partner TrailBound Project
Coming in Feb-Mar 2024: Maple Sugaring Programs!
Public Programs
Join us for a 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 learn how to tap, collect and taste the sap, then see how the evaporator works. We'll finish with a blind syrup taste test 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 local organic syrup if you like (cash or Venmo).
- Available dates: Feb 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, Mar 2, 3
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- $18 per person
Private Group Programs
- 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-mid Mar
- Minimum fee to schedule a group program is $225 (up to 10 participants); $18 for each additional participant over 10
- 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