Weis "Quality Time" Programs
for Kids and Families
BUILDING FOR BIRDS: HOUSES
Sunday, March 1
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Weis's habitat handyman, Bob Weismantel, will guide families through the construction of some simple birdhouses and talk about how your family can create a bird-friendly backyard. Perfect for scouts needing to fulfill Wolf Achievement #5. For children ages 7 to 12. Limit: 12.
Cost (includes supplies and one chaperone/child): $10 members, $12 nonmembers.
NATURE DISCOVERY TIME:
HIKES FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Thursdays: March 12, April 2, and May 14
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Weis with associate naturalists Wendy Rhoads
and Margaret Blewett through short nature discovery hikes and hands-on activities for young naturalists. (This popular program fills up quickly, so register early!)
Cost: $5/hike for kids; adults are free.
BABIES IN BACKPACKS/
TODDLERS IN TOW
Thursdays: March 19, April 16, May 21
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Meet mother and daughter naturalists Laura and Erin and associate naturalists at Weis for these short hikes into
Norvin Green State Forest and other nearby woods. Note: The trails are not stroller-friendly.
Cost/hike: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
PANCAKE BRUNCH FUNDRAISER
DATE CHANGED TO Sunday, April 5
Seatings at: 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 a.m.; 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate the end of the maple sugaring season and the beginning of spring by joining us for a stack of fresh-made, tasty pancakes smothered in Weis-made pure maple syrup. The menu also includes sausage, juice, and hot beverages. Brunch proceeds support Weis's educational efforts. Preregistration is a must, as space is limited and each seating fills. Limit: 40.
Cost: $6.50 members, $9.50 nonmembers; family (parents + children) rates: $24 members, $36 nonmembers.
VERNAL POOLS ALIVE!
For Families
Friday, April 17
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Spring holds many surprises for the curious family, and one of the most exciting surprises are in the vernal pools of our neighborhoods. What is a vernal pool, you ask? Why, it's a temporary pool and a great place to observe various species of frogs and salamanders laying their eggs in the spring. We'll put on waders and boots to count the various species of amphibians using the pool (including egg masses, tadpoles, larvae, and adults), such as Wood Frogs and Spotted Salamanders. Through this program, we will be adding important data to our observations from last year to record the changing status of amphibians. This program is meant for adults, teens, and children who are interested in amphibian biology.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
ALL NATURAL EGG DYING
Friday, April 10
10:00 a.m. to noon
Instead of buying dye at the store, just open up your cupboards or refrigerator! Learn how to dye your eggs with common household foods and items to make a unique color palette. Join in the fun as we prepare over 350 eggs for the hunt on Saturday. Dying materials and "practice" eggs provided - feel free to bring your own eggs to boil, dye, and take home!
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
CAMOUFLAGED EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 11
2:00 p.m. start time
Old traditions - with a different twist! Kids search the fields and forests of Weis for naturally dyed eggs in camouflaged colors: stone gray, grass green, leaf brown, etc. Every participant gets a small bag of treats, plus there are special prizes for lucky hunters and finders of the Golden Eggs! Preregistration is very important, as supplies are limited. Kids hunt (rain or shine) in groups: ages 3 to 4, 5 to 7, and 8 to 10. BYO basket. Limit: 40 per age group.
Cost: $5 per hunter.
SCOUT MERIT BADGE SERIES:
BIRD STUDY
Sunday, April 12
Saturday, May 23
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Birds are among the most intriguing and beautiful animals that inhabit New Jersey. It is no wonder that bird watching is the fastest growing hobby in the state, or that most discoveries are made by amateur naturalists. Discover the birds of the Highlands and earn your merit badge all in one afternoon. Preregistration is a must! Limit: 15 per session.
Cost: $10 members,
$15 nonmembers.
AMAZING MIGRATIONS!
From the water-drenched soil of the ground to the clear blue spring sky, animals are on the move. Learn about migration, with hands-on activities and a down-and-dirty search for all creatures on the move.
For children ages 4-10.
Color and Shape: Bird Walk
Saturday, April 18
10:00 a.m. to noon
Slither, Slide, and Hop:
Amphibian Search
Sunday, May 17
10:00 a.m. to noon
BASICS OF BIRDING: Bird Walks
Sunday, April 26
Saturdays: March 14, May 9
8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Learn the basic skills needed to help identify wild birds in the field or at your feeders on this naturalist-led walk, so you too can find joy in watching birds! Walks will meet at Weis and carpool to local sites.
Cost (includes handouts):
$5 members, $8 nonmembers.
OPEN HOUSE: SPRING FESTIVAL AND FAMILY FUN
Saturday, May 2
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Spring is a time of awakening! Join us in the season of renewalfor bird walks, wildflower walks,* hikes,* crafts and games for children, family activities, live animal programs, purchase your season's plants at our Native Plant Sale,* plan your garden with our associate naturalists,* and much more! Break free from that winter cabin fever and join us for our 2009 Spring Festival!
*Events will be taking place during the course of the day, so please e-mail or call ahead for a schedule of events to catch your favorite one(s)!
Cost: Admission is FREE.
MOTHERS' DAY FAMILY HIKE (Moms Hike Free!)
Sunday, May 10
Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Moderately paced, three-mile loop hike. Take your mom to lunch - at the top of a mountain! Weis naturalist Ellie Sroczynski will lead moms and their families up to Wyanokie High Point for a picnic lunch and a 360-degree view of spring's return to Norvin Green State Forest. Pack lunch and water; wear sturdy shoes. Recommended for families with elementary-aged children and above. Limit: 20.
Cost (moms free with a paid registration): $5 members, $8 nonmembers; family rate (parents and their children): $15 members, $24 nonmembers.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Weis Ecology Center offers year-round day and overnight residential learning opportunities for schools, scouts and other groups. Stop by, visit us online, or call for a brochure. Weis also offers birthday parties, off- or on-site live animal programs, and scout badge programs.
FEATURED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR WINTER (February & March): Maple Sugaring - Participants explore the concepts of winter tree identification and physiology, maple sugaring history, and the actual production of maple syrup. Hands-on demonstrations and the "maple challenge" taste test are included. Call today for more information and available dates!
Watch for NEW
2009 NATURE DISCOVERY CLUB ADVENTURES
Wednesday, July 1,
to Friday, July 3;
Wednesday, August 5,
to Friday, August 7;
OR Wednesday, August 19,
to Friday, August 21
Dates tentative. Cost: TBA. Call Weis to receive a Nature Discovery Club flyer which will include finalized dates, cost, full description, and appropriate ages.
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS AND TEENS
NATURE STUDY
Third Annual
Sussex County Birding and Nature Festival
Saturday, May 31,
and Sunday, June 1
Call Weis Ecology Center at 973.835.2160 or Sandy Hook Bird Observatory at 732.872.2500 for more information.
BEECH ROAD BIRD WALKS
Every Thursday, March 19 through May 14
7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Located across Route 511 from the Long Pond boat launch in Ringwood, this area has open water, mudflats, meadows, woodlands, and stream habitats that attract diverse migrating and breeding birds. Join associate naturalist Suzanne Serafini or another Weis naturalist for these weekly snapshots of spring's arrival. Bring binoculars if you have them and meet at the site. Cost: free for members,
$5 nonmembers.
CALLS OF THE WILD: FROGS, TOADS, and SALAMANDERS OF THE HIGHLANDS
Thursday, April 2
7:00 to 9:00 a.m.
The warm nights of spring are filled with the squeaking, peeping, plucking, and croaking of frogs and toads. Herpetologist (frog guy) David Hulmes will be at the Weis Ecology Center to present an A/V program that will help you to tell the "peeps" from the "plucks" and where to look for those silent salamanders. Afterwards we'll head outside to visit some vernal ponds and look for critters. Dress for the weather.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
CAVING 101: The Ins and Outs
Saturday, April 4
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Journey with experienced leaders from the Weis Ecology Center into and out of three different caves in northwestern New Jersey. Be prepared to duck, squeeze, and even crawl! Participants aged 10 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Limit: 12.
Cost: $12 members, $20 nonmembers.
CELERY FARM
Saturday, April 11
Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Allendale Celery Farm expert Rob Fanning will offer an excellent birding experience looking for early spring arrivals at this wonderful Bergen County birding hotspot.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
EARTH DAY WORK DAY & GREEN THUMB GARDEN PREP
Saturday, April 25
10:00 a.m. to noon and/or
Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Which projects we tackle today depends on you! Once we know how many fine folks are coming out to help, we will plan tasks appropriate to their skills and interests. Past projects have included painting, trail maintenance, weeding and planting in our butterfly garden with associate naturalist and gardener Chuck Blewett, light carpentry; and litter patrols. Please let us know if you'll be celebrating the Earth with us on this day - and thanks!
GARRET MOUNTAIN'S
BOTTLENECK OF BIRDS
Sunday, May 3
8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
This is one bottleneck along Route 80 that you won't want to miss! Suzanne Serafini will familiarize you with this gem of a location in West Paterson. Garret Mountain's geography makes it a popular "rest stop" for northbound migrants. Trip meets at Garret Mountain - directions sent upon registration. Limit: 20.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
THE 26th ANNUAL
WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING:
Home Run for Habitat
Saturday, May 9
6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
? For over a century NJAS has been raising public awareness about the many plants and animals that live in and migrate through New Jersey.
? And for over twenty years NJAS has been celebrating and highlighting this biodiversity with a friendly competition, the World Series of Birding, where teams try to spot as many species of birds as possible in just one day of birding in the Garden State.
? Now you can join Weis Ecology Center's team, the Passaic Pewees, for a full day of birding at the hottest hot spots in Passaic County. Led by Suzanne Serafini and sanctuary director Karla Risdon, the Passaic Pewees seek teammates and sponsors to help raise money in support of Weis's environmental education efforts.
Join the team by pledging $1 per species seen (limited to 20 teammates), OR support the team with a per-species pledge of any amount. For more information about the event and other ways you can get involved, click here.
NATURE ADVENTURE
WEIS WOMEN'S HIKES
Saturdays:
March 7, April 4, and May 23
8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Moderately paced, 2- to 3-mile hikes.
Join Wendy Rhoads and Weis's sanctuary director Karla Risdon, along with Laura Hoogstrate and/or Penny Galvany, for these early morning hikes to some of their favorite scenic spots! A great way to enjoy some time outdoors, get some exercise, and get home early enough to spend the rest of the day with family and friends! Hikes meet at Weis (may carpool to the trailhead if necessary). Wear appropriate hiking footwear, dress in layers appropriate for weather, and bring plenty of water. Hazardous driving conditions will cancel. Cost: $5.
NATURE DAY CAMPS
***Early bird registration prices below effective through March 15, 2009***
Our day camps give children entering kindergarten through eighth grade opportunities to discover and explore the wonders of the natural world through fun, hands-on activities and adventures. Call or stop in for a registration packet. Space is limited and camps tend to fill up.
JUNIOR NATURALISTS/
PARENTS AT PLAY**
Three days of fun and learning for children ENTERING kindergarten.
Wednesday, August 5,
to Friday, August 7
10:00 a.m. to noon
Cost: $35 members,
$45 nonmembers.
**Parents at Play: Parents of Junior Naturalists can sign up to take short hikes/adventures while their children are attending camp. We'll begin after they get started and return before they end. Cost (per day): $6 members, $10 nonmembers or (for the week) $18 members, $30 nonmembers. OR volunteer this time to work on improvements in Weis's Native Plant and Butterfly Garden.
WONDERERS
Five days of fun and learning for children ENTERING grades 1 and 2.
Monday, July 13,
to Friday, July 17
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $90 members,
$135* nonmembers.
ADVENTURERS
Five days of fun and learning for children ENTERING grades 3 and 4.
Monday, July 27,
to Friday, July 31
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. except Thursday, 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. for an evening campfire program.
Cost: $90 members,
$135* nonmembers.
EXPLORERS
Five days of fun and learning for children ENTERING grades 5 and 6.
Monday, August 10,
to Friday, August 14
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday;
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday for a trip to Sandy Hook;
4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday for an evening campfire program.
Cost (includes field trip):
$115 members, $160* nonmembers.
TRAIL BLAZERS
Five days of adventure learning for youth ENTERING grades 7 and 8.
Tuesday, July 7,
to Saturday, July 11
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday;
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday for a field trip;
3:00 p.m. Thursday to 10:00 a.m. Friday for an overnight campout. Cost: $180 members,
$225* nonmembers.
*Nonmember rates include an NJAS family membership; successive children attend at the member rate
***Early bird camp registration prices above effective through March 15, 2009***
Weis Wyanokie Wanderers: Club Hikes*
Strenuous hikes led by Don Weise.
The terrain is steep and the pace is fast, good cardiovascular fitness required. Participants must wear appropriate hiking footwear and dress in layers appropriate for weather conditions; bring lunch and plenty of fluids.
Limit: 25 participants. Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.*
PANCAKE BRUNCH HIKE
Sunday, April 5
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tap into the energy of a Highlands hiking tradition since 1997 as Weis taps the maple trees for a post-hike brunch! A 9- to10-mile scenic hike through Norvin Green State Forest. Pancake brunch afterward optional. Meets at Weis.
STONETOWN PEAKS & SPRINGFEST
Sunday, May 2
9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Numerous views of the reservoirs and new trails. Finish at Weis for the Spring Festival. 9 miles and a few steep climbs. Meets at Weis.
HARRIMAN 7 HILLS HIKE
Sunday, May 24
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dramatic views, a lakeside lunch, and extra-steep terrain make for a fine, challenging day. 9 miles. Meets off-site.
STORM KING MOUNTAIN
Sunday, June 14
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Storm King and Breakneck Ridge tower above the Hudson River to form a dramatic gateway. Experience Storm King and Butter Hill from top to bottom on a challenging, rewarding 9- to 10-mile hike. Meets off-site.
*You do NOT need to be a member of the WWWs to attend these hikes, but card-carrying WWW Hiking Club members get guaranteed admittance to twelve monthly WWW hikes and two annual challenge hikes at a flat annual rate of $60. New WWW members are welcomed with a pack patch and a Weis trail map T-shirt.
Baker's Dozen Challenge: West Milford 13ers
Attention, hikers, take the Baker's Dozen Challenge and learn some of the greatest hikes in the Highlands region, sharpen your trail-finding skills, and earn your membership into the West Milford 13rs organization! Call for more details.
NEW!
WILDFLOWER HIKES
WITH AUTHOR GEORGE PETTY
Precious and ephemeral, spring wildflowers are a real treat. Learning when and where to look for them will increase your chances of being able to catch these sometimes inconspicuous plants in bloom. Associate naturalist and author George Petty will share his knowledge and experience. All hikes carpool from Weis at 10:00 a.m., or meet at the trailhead parking lot at 10:30 a.m. Directions sent upon registration. (Heavy soaking rain postpones hikes to the next day.) Wear appropriate hiking footwear, dress in layers appropriate for weather, and bring plenty of water. All hikes, except the Blue Mine Brook walk, are included in George's book, Hiking the Jersey Highlands, and are numbered in the description below so you can follow along with your copy. George will have copies of his new book available for purchase and signing. Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
BLUE MINE BROOK
Saturday, April 18
Wildflowers of early spring along Blue Mine Brook, from the farm ruins to the Blue Mine and back. An easy/moderate hike of about 2.5 miles, with one steep, rocky climb on the Mine Trail past the Roomy Mine. Depart from Weis Ecology Center at 10:00 a.m. and return before lunch. Hiking shoes or very strong sneakers and a container of water required. Expected flowers include trailing arbutus, anemones, trout lilies, dwarf ginseng, hepatica, early violets, Solomon's seal, early saxifrage, pussy toes, and perhaps columbine.
LONG POND IRONWORKS:
HIKE #21
Saturday, April 25
This moderate hike in part follows a woods road built in the mid-nineteenth century to carry ore from the Patterson Mine to the Long Pond Ironworks. The summit of Big Beech Mountain is just over 1,200 feet high, the tallest peak in the Sterling Forest tract. Open ledges at the south end of the Big Beech Ridge offer year-round views. Expected wildflowers include: bloodroot, rue and wood anemones, spice bush, shad bush, trout lilies, hepaticas, violets, early saxifrage, and the scarce yellow corydalis. Bring water and lunch. 4.4 miles
BLUE MINE BROOK:
SPRING FESTIVAL HIKE
Saturday, May 2
Wildflowers of early spring along Blue Mine Brook, from farm ruins to the Blue Mine, and back. An easy/moderate hike of about 2.5 miles, with one steep, rocky climb on the Mine Trail past the Roomy Mine. Depart from Weis Ecology Center at 10:00 a.m. and return before lunch. Hiking shoes or very strong sneakers and a container of water required. Expected flowers include fringed polygala, anemones, trout lilies, dwarf ginseng, hepatica, early violets, Solomon's seal, early saxifrage, pussy toes, and perhaps columbine.
CARRIS HILL: HIKE #22
Saturday, May 9
Expected wildflowers include: anemones, fringed polygala, pink lady slippers, spring beauties, and pinkster on this moderate/strenuous hike. Waterproof footwear is required. Bring water and a lunch. There is a steep ascent with excellent views from the Carris Hill summit and later of the beautiful Chikahoki Falls. A long, moderate climb tests your muscles toward the end. 4.1 miles
HIGH POINT-IRON MINES LOOP: HIKE #18
Saturday, May 16
Join us at Weis for a moderate/strenuous climb to the High Point summit and a ramble past the Roomy Mine in a search for pink lady's slippers, pinkster, anemones, columbine, wild geranium, and other spring wildflowers. Waterproof boots will be needed if the brooks are high. Bring water and a lunch. 3.3 miles
HIGHLANDS HIKES
Moderately paced hikes led by an associate naturalist.
These hikes offer an opportunity to visit and explore some of the many special places in the Highlands region. Participants must wear appropriate hiking footwear and dress appropriately for the conditions; bring lunch and plenty of fluids. Hikes meet at Weis unless otherwise noted.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: WAWAYANDA STATE PARK
Sunday, March 8
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Short but tough, this hike includes
a mile long, steep climb up the Appalachian Trail to the best views in the park., then a gradual decline through Wawayanda State Forest.
3 miles.
STERLING FOREST:
INDIAN TRAIL LOOP
Sunday, April 19
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
A great way to spend your Sunday! This moderate loop will offer some of the best views of Harriman and Sterling State Forest! Highlights include: Little Dam Lake, Green Pond, and the Wildcat Mountains. 4-5 miles.
BUCK MOUNTAIN SHORT LOOP
Sunday, May 2
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Explore the wonders that exist right in Weis's own backyard with a moderate loop hike. This hike will depart from the center, and offers spectacular views from the Pine Paddies, Buck and Assiniwikam Mountains. 4-5 miles.
WEEKDAY and WEEKEND
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Your Time Is Valuable to Us!
Program Support: programs that need hands-on volunteers before, during and (for a short while) after each event; Pancake Breakfast & Brunch* (March 29), Camouflage Egg Hunt* (April 11)
Earth Work Day*: Celebrate Earth Day & help Weis to look beautiful!
(April 25)
Nature Day Camp*: Our Nature Day Camps use teen counselors to work with the educators and children. There is an application process.
(July/August.)
Animal Care*: For those animal lovers who would like to get their feet wet caring for some of our educational animals.
Reception: Friendly folks to meet and greet center visitors, answer the phone, process Nature Store sales, and/or work with computer databases.
Gardening: Help keep our facility inviting for visitors and our Native Plant and Wildlife Garden free of invasive species. At your convenience; please call ahead.
Public Programs: Weis welcomes skilled amateur (or professional) naturalists and outdoorsy folks to propose classes, walks, and workshops they might like to lead.
* Programs appropriate for teen/Service Learning volunteers
SANCTUARY NOTES
Weis Ecology Center gratefully acknowledges the following people for their help and support:
Fall Program and Field Trip Leaders: Chuck and Margaret Blewett, Deb Davidson, Philip "Flip" De Rea, Ray Fowlie, Penny Galvany, Laura Hoogstrate, George Petty, Wendy Rhoads, Ellie Sroczynski, Eve Tomczak, Jenna Tomiello, Charlie Toole, Don Weise, Ken Witkowski.
Eagle Scout Projects: Adam Blewett, Chase Brush, Steven Heerema, and Justin Kuo.
Program Support Staff: Chuck and Margaret Blewett, Deb Davidson, Philip De Rea, James Fivehouse & APO comrades, Ray Fowlie, Gomes Family, Madonna Hayes, Tom Heerema, Janelle and Meg Heise, Laura Hoogstrate, Barry Milligan and Family, Laura Moskin, Collin Philhower and Family, Rick Radis, Wendy Rhoads, Teri Rocco, JJ Rusher, Suzanne Serafini, Lauren Sidow, Charlie Sontag, Rachael Sussman, Jenna Tomiello.
Technical Support: Bill Boesenberg (www.snakes-n-scales.com), Joe Hayes, Al Ligertwood, Mike Lyncheski/The Harrier Group, Len Soucy/The Raptor Trust, Joe Troy/Green Mountain Tree Experts, and Holly VanDyk.
Gardening and Invasive Plant Management: Chuck Blewett and family, and Mike Gaeckle.
Resource and Display Donations: Blewett Family, Gomes Family, Madonna Hayes, Jean Huntington, Menshen Packaging USA, Reckitt Benckiser, Wendy Rhoads, Teri Rocco, Norman Schantz & William Paterson University, Suzanne Serafini, Mary Jo Sichak, Isobel Wayrick, Rick Weiman, Bob Weisemantel.
Trail Maintenance: Estelle Anderson and Bob Jonas (NYNJTC).
Critter-Care Sponsorships
Weis Ecology Center has a small menagerie of animals that participate in educational programs and visit schools and libraries throughout the year (our Environmental Edu-Critters). You can help defer the expenses of their upkeep by becoming a Critter-Care Sponsor! Contact the Center for more information and to sign up.
Adopt-a-Sugar Maple
"The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit."
- Nelson Henderson
Invest in the future by adopting one of Weis's sugar maples and thereby supporting our environmental education endeavors.
Cost: $30 members, $40 nonmembers. Contact the Center for more information and to sign up.
Supporters receive:
? An attractive adoption certificate.
? A plaque posted on a Weis maple for the sugaring season
? Two tickets to the Pancake Brunch (March 29, 2009).
? An 8oz. jar of homemade Weis maple syrup.