- Just 40 miles west of New York City
- Approximately 30 minutes from Route 80
- Easy access from George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel or Tappan Zee Bridge
- Approximately 15 minutes from Route 287
In 1974, Walter and May Weis purchased 160 acres of land in Ringwood, NJ, in order to realize their dream of preserving land for the purpose of environmental education. Thus, the Weis Ecology Center, a private, non-profit organization, was created to offer the public a unique opportunity to learn about the Northern New Jersey Highlands Region. Today Weis educates over 20,000 people annually.
VISIT WEIS': Aviary built by a crew of dedicated volunteers and home to Weis’ Red-tailed Hawk and Screech Owl; Bird Feeding Station where the feeders viewed from our observation deck attract a wide variety of birds including our resident hummingbirds during the summer; Butterfly Garden/Model Backyard Habitat May ~ September to watch the birds, butterflies, and caterpillars which frequent our garden or pick up ideas to improve your own yard; Demonstration Sugarbush to witness first-hand the maple sugaring process February ~ March, and don't forget to come back for our Open House in Febuary as well as our Pancake Brunch in March featuring our signature maple syrup; Nature Store your nearby natural resource offering children's gift items, field guides & books, bird feeders & accessories; stop in our Visitor Center to see our live snakes, turtle, and other seasonal/photography displays; and pick up a trail map which will open the door to the 24+ miles of trails that depart from the Weis’s private grounds to explore Norvin Green State Forest and the surrounding Highlands.
Enjoy a scenic view of the Wanaque Reservoir from Wyanokie High Point.
Visit our butterfly/songbird garden.
Sit by the flowing water of Chikahoki Falls.
Come visit Weis and revel in the beauty of the outdoors!
Consider becoming a Volunteer!
Weis has a large number of volunteer projects from database management to bulk mailings to gardening to invasive species management to public program assistance. Please contact Phaedra Demers, Teacher-Naturalist to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how your interests can help us at Weis. Your time is valuable to us, so thank you! Weis couldn't serve all the audiences we do without our volunteers.