Friday to Sunday

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

* Hiking Trails: Over 24 miles of trails depart from the Weis Ecology Center’s private grounds and explore adjacent Norvin Green State Forest and the surrounding Highlands.

* Bird Feeding Station:  Visit our observation deck to view our feeders which attract a wide variety of birds including many winter residents and spring arrivals.

* Exhibits: Stop by our visitor center to see our snakes, turtle, and other seasonal displays.

* NJ Audubon Nature Store: Your nearby natural resource for field guides, bird feeders and accessories, children’s gift items, regional trail maps, and more.

 

Spring 2012 

 Weis Quality Time Programs for Kids and Families

 

ALL NATURAL EGG DYING

Friday, April 6

10:00 a.m. to 11:30ish or 11:30ish to 1:00

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 hard-boiled eggs to dye and take home!  Cost: $5.00 members, $8.00 nonmembers.

 

---

CAMOUFLAGED EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 7

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 who find 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: $5.00 per hunter.

 

---

NATURE DISCOVERY TIME: Hikes for Pre-Schoolers

Thursdays: April 19, and May 17

10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Explore the wild wonders of Weis with associate naturalist Margaret Blewett.  These short nature discovery hikes and hands-on activities are perfect for pre-schoolers ages 3 to 5.  Limit: 10.  Cost: $5.00 per child, adults are free.

 

---

VERNAL POOLS ALIVE! For Families

Saturday, April 21

Friday, April 27

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Spring holds many surprises for the curious family, and some of the most exciting surprises are right in the vernal pools of our backyards.  What is a vernal pool, you ask?  Why, it’s a great place to observe various species of frogs and salamanders laying their eggs in the spring-time.  We’ll put on hip waders and boots to count the various species of amphibians (including egg masses, tadpoles, larvae, and adults) such as wood frogs and spotted salamanders.  This program is meant for adults and children alike who are interested in getting their hands dirty in amphibian biology.  Wear clothes to get dirty and rubber boots if you have them.

Cost: $5.00 members, $8.00 nonmembers.

 

---

BIRDING BONANZA

Saturday, May 5

9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

As the weather warms, the birds return to their summer stomping grounds.  But where have they been and why are they back?  Come learn this and the basic skills needed to help identify wild birds in the field or at your feeders so your family too can find joy in watching birds!  Cost: $5.00 members, $8.00 nonmembers.

 

---

MOTHERS’ DAY FAMILY HIKE (Moms Hike Free!)

Sunday, May 13

11:00 to 2:00 p.m.

A moderately paced, 3-mile loop hike.  Take your mom to lunch…at the top of a mountain!  Weis associate naturalist, Ellie Sroczynski will lead moms and their families up to Wyanokie High Point for a picnic lunch with a 365-degree view of spring’s return to Norvin Green State Forest.  Pack lunch and water and wear sturdy shoes.  Recommended for families with elementary-aged kids and above.  Limit: 20.  Cost (moms free with a paid registration): $5.00 members, $8.00 nonmembers.  Family (parents and their children): $15.00 members, $24.00 nonmembers.

 

---

BUGGIN’ OUT

Sunday, May 20

1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Much maligned and misunderstood, insects make up most of the earth’s critters.  Learn about their adaptations, importance, and go on the hunt for these little “monsters”.  Cost: $5.00 members, $8.00 nonmembers.

 

 

 

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS AND TEENS

NATURE STUDY

 

SPRING BIRDING AT GARRET MOUNTAIN

Saturday, April 21

Meet at 8:15 a.m.

Sandy Hook Bird Observatory’s associate naturalist, Carol Hughes will lead our first spring Garret Mountain birding adventure for spring migrants.  Cost: $15.00 members, $20.00 nonmembers.

 

---

BASICS OF BIRDING: Bird Walks

Saturday, April 28

Sundays, May 20

8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Come 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: $5.00 members, $8.00 nonmembers.

 

---

EARTH DAY WORK DAY & GREEN THUMB GARDEN PREP.

Sunday, April 22

10:00 a.m. to noonish (or later)

The 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, light carpentry, and litter patrols.  Please let us know if you’ll be celebrating the Earth with us on this day – Thanks!  This is a great day for scouts looking to do a service project of some sort.

 

---

ALLENDALE CELERY FARM

Sunday, May 6

Meets at 8:15 a.m.

Join Rob Fanning at the Allendale Celery Farm for some early spring arrivals and suprises.  Cost: $15.00 members, $20.00 nonmembers.

 

---

GEOLGY JAUNT

Saturday, May 12

1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

If you ever tried to dig a hole in this area, one thing becomes blatantly clear - we have a lot of rocks.  But what kind are they and how did they get here?  For one reason or another, a lot of people are intimidated by learning about the geology around us, but during this hike you will discover that geology ROCKS!  Join a Weis naturalist for this non-intimidating hike.  Cost: FREE for members, $8 nonmembers

 

---

Nature Adventure

 

WEIS WOMEN’S HIKES

March 17, April 14, May 19

8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Moderately paced, 2 to 3-mile hikes.  Join the ladies of Weis for these early morning hikes to some of our 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 needed).  Wear appropriate hiking footwear, dress in layers appropriate for weather, and bring plenty of water.  Hazardous driving conditions will cancel.  Cost: $5.00.