Weis Quality Time
Programs
for Kids and Families
WINGS OF WONDER:
BUTTERFLIES FOR FAMILIES
Saturday, September 14
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
This is a great opportunity for everyone to learn about the
fascinating facets of a butterfly’s life. The Blewett family
will share information on the life cycle of a butterfly
(metamorphosis); Project Monarch Watch, and tagging
butterflies; host plants; nectar sources; and other
butterfly basics. There will be hands-on activities for even
the littlest members of the family too!
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers; per family (parents and
their children), $15 members, $24 nonmembers.
NATURE DISCOVERY TIME: PRESCHOOLER AND TODDLER HIKES
All dates are Wednesdays:
September 18, October 9, and November 6
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Join Wendy Rhoads and other associate naturalists as they
explore the wild wonders of Weis! These short nature
discovery walks and hands-on activities are perfect for
mommies, daddies, and their toddlers or preschoolers. Babies
in backpacks are also welcome. Limit: ten children.
Cost: $5 per child, parent free!
FALL FOLIAGE HIKE FOR FAMILIES
Saturday, October 11
Sunday, October 12
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Moderately easy (one steep up/down), two-mile hike. Join a
Weis naturalist for a slow-paced hike in Norvin Green State
Forest to see the Highlands in all its autumn glory! The
hike includes a stop at the abandoned Roomey Iron Mine and a
possible side trip to a waterfall. For families with
pre-teens. Hike meets at Weis.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
CAMPFIRE IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH
Saturdays, October 18 and 25
Friday, October 24
7:30 to 9:00-9:30 p.m.
All the fun without the cleanup! Bring your pumpkin(s) and
carving tools to Weis’s dining room to enjoy an evening of
family and friendship. After the jack-o-lantern carving is
complete, get ready to gather ’round the campfire for
marshmallow toasting and stories of the season.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers; per family (parents and
their children),
$15 members, $24 nonmembers.
BUILDING FOR BIRDS: FEEDERS
Sunday, November 16
1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Weis’s Habitat Handyman, Bob Weismantel, will guide families
through the construction of some simple birdfeeders using
mostly recycled materials (provided), and explain the
Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project Feederwatch and how
your family can participate in this ongoing research
project. For children ages 7 to 12.
Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers – includes one chaperon per
child.
OPEN HOUSE:
HOLIDAY NATURE FESTIVAL
Saturday, December 6
10:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Crisp mountain air, nature walks, live animal programs,
friendly faces, fresh-baked goodies, crafts for kids, and
fun for the whole family kick off our annual fresh-cut
Christmas Tree Sale fund-raiser at Weis. We’ll see you
there!
No preregistration necessary.
Cost: free.
SCHOOL AND SCOUT GROUP PROGRAMS
Weis Ecology Center offers year-round day and residential
learning opportunities to schools, scouts, and other groups.
Stop by, visit us online, or call for our program listing.
FEATURED PROGRAM FOR FALL: Interpretive Hike.
Participants learn about different habitats and their
dominant tree species while hiking in Norvin Green State
Forest. Call today for available dates!
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS AND TEENS
Nature Study
THE WONDERFUL WEIS WHALE WATCH II
Saturday, August 23
7:30 to 12:30 a.m.
All the whales in half the time…of making a weekend trip on
your own! Relax during the coach bus ride to and from
Plymouth, Massachusetts, where an eighty-foot, double-decked
boat waits to take us on a 4½-hour round trip to Stellwagen
Bank, the National Underwater Preserve, for whale, dolphin,
and bird watching. Past sightings include Humpback, Minke,
and Finback Whales, Northern Gannet, Wilson’s Storm Petrel,
Basking Shark, and sea turtles. Limit: 49 participants.
Cost: $83 members,
$98 nonmembers.
WILDFLOWER HIKE WITH GEORGE PETTY
Saturday, August 23
10:00 to 12:30 p.m.
A morning filled with late-blooming wildflowers! Learning
when and where to look for them will increase your chances
of being able to see these sometimes inconspicuous plants in
bloom. Associate naturalist George “The Professor” Petty
leads this exploration through occasionally damp woodlands
with two or three moderately steep climbs. Proper footwear
and water required. (Heavy soaking rain postpones to next
day.) Hike meets at Pyramid Mountain; directions will be
sent upon registration. Limit:12.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
WILDFLOWERS OF PYRAMID MOUNTAIN
Saturday, September, 6
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join associate naturalist George Petty on this expedition to
observe late-blooming summer wildflowers. Bring your field
guide, proper footwear, and water. If it’s a nice day, the
hike will conclude with a climb to the top of Pyramid
Mountain to enjoy the view. Last year’s hike saw
thirty-eight species. Some highlights may include: cardinal
flower, Joe Pye weed, bottle gentian, turtlehead,
goldenrods, and silverrod. (Heavy soaking rain postpones to
next day.) Hike meets at Pyramid Mountain; directions will
be sent upon registration. Limit: 12 participants.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
BEECH ROAD BIRD WALKS
Every Thursday, September 11 through October 16
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 for these weekly snapshots of the changes
that come with fall. Bring binoculars if you have them and
meet at the site.
Cost: free to members,
$5 nonmembers.
HISTORIC HAWK WATCH: Montclair Lookout
Sunday, September 14
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Since its founding in 1957, approximately one million
migrating hawks have been counted at the Montclair Hawk
Watch. Peak flights during the fall occur between the middle
and end of September – making this the perfect time to go
and hopefully see some of the 15,000 Broad-Winged hawks that
may pass the lookout during this window of time. The
lookout, an NJAS sanctuary, is the second oldest continuous
hawk watch in North America. NJAS staff and volunteers will
be on hand during this visit to explain the dynamics of hawk
migration and assist with the identification of raptors.
Directions will be sent upon registration.
Cost: free to members,
$5 nonmembers.
SOWING THE SEEDS FOR OPEN SPACE: BIRD SEED SALE
Saturday, September 27
(pickup date)
Saturday, December 6
(pickup date)
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Help preserve open space in New Jersey! When you purchase
your birdseed in support of this fundraising effort by NJAS,
you are providing food for wildlife and supporting local
farms. New this year, you may purchase local, New
Jersey-grown black oil sunflower seed. Order forms are
mailed to members about six weeks before each pickup date
(extra forms can be picked up at WEC, or call and we’ll mail
you one). To order seed, simply return the completed form
and payment to Weis two weeks before the pickup date.
BASICS OF BIRDING: BACKYARD BIRDFEEDING
Saturdays, September 27, November 15
Sundays, September 28, October 5, November 9
1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of feeding wild birds (and not the bears or
squirrels) in winter. What works depends on your yard and
which species you want to attract. Bring your questions,
stories, and problems to Weis, so our program director, Mike
Krug, can help you make the best choices in feeders, seed
type, and placement. Our discussion will be followed by a
short bird walk and observation of the center feeding
stations. The cost of this workshop can be applied to a bird
feeder, accessory, or bird seed purchase made in Weis’s
Nature Store the day of the workshop. Limit: 15
participants.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
BASICS OF BIRDING: AUTUMN HAWK WATCH
Saturday, October 4 or
Saturday, November 1
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Join associate naturalist Suzanne Serafini and Weis’s
program director Mike Krug and learn new I.D. skills or
brush up on old ones. We will begin with a short slide show,
handouts and discussion at Weis followed by an outing to
nearby Mount Peter to take in the migration phenomenon.
Limit: 15 participants.
Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers (includes handouts).
PINE BARRENS
Sunday, October 5
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Botany, birds, natural history, and a little human history
in New Jersey’s most remarkable natural region, the Pine
Barrens. We will visit the dwarf pitch pine forest of the
East Plains, Webbs Mill bog, Whitesbog Village and possibly
a few other small spots if time permits. The group will have
an opportunity to see some of the results of the large
forest fires of May, 2007 and to observe first-hand the Pine
Barrens’ extraordinary adaptations to burning; adaptations
that have evolved over the fire-ravaged millennia, and which
enable many plant species to regenerate quickly. Meet at
9:00 a.m. at Lucille’s Restaurant on Rout 539 in Warren
Grove, Ocean County (come earlier if you’d like breakfast).
Bring rubber boots if you have them.
Leader: Rick Radis and perhaps a guest leader. Limit: 20
participants.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
SUNRISE MOUNTAIN BIRDING
Sunday, October 12
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join associate naturalists Philip De Rea and Ray Fowlie atop
1,653-foot Sunrise Mountain for a fall birding adventure!
According to A Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey, this is
the most popular hawk watch in the northern portion of our
state – come find out why! Directions will be sent upon
registration.
Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.
WALLKILL RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Saturday, October 25
8:45 a.m. to midafternoon
The 8,000-acre refuge is located on the western edge of the
Highlands and the eastern edge of the limestone valley in
Sussex County. October is an excellent time to see many
species of sparrows, raptors, and waterfowl. We will walk
several miles on wide, level trails. Led by Ken Witkowski,
this is a joint trip with the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
HIKING FOR HAWKS: RACCOON RIDGE
Sunday, November 2
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Raccoon Ridge in Blairstown, Warren County, offers great
rewards to those fit enough to take the moderately strenuous
hike along the Appalachian Trail to get there. Join
associate naturalists Philip De Rea and Ray Fowlie for this
all-day excursion to the spot where the Kittatinny Mountains
narrow to just one ridge, funneling all the southbound hawks
1,200 feet above the Delaware River. A Guide to Bird Finding
in New Jersey says, “This is the best place in northern New
Jersey to see Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Goshawk, Golden
Eagle, and Common Raven during fall migration.” Directions
sent upon registration. Limit: 20.
Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.
Nature Adventure
WEIS WOMEN’S HIKES
Saturdays, September 20, October 11, November 8
8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Moderately paced, two- to three-mile hikes. Join Wendy
Rhoads, Penny Nichols Galvany, Laura Hoogstrate, and
sanctuary director Karla Risdon for these early morning
hikes to some of their favorite scenic spots! A great way to
enjoy time outdoors, get some exercise, and get home early
enough to spend time with family and friends! Each hike will
meet at Weis and carpool to the trailhead if needed. Please
wear appropriate hiking footwear, bring plenty of water, and
dress in layers for the weather.
Cost: $5 per hike.
TREADING TRODDEN TRAILS: YOUNG ADULT HIKES
Sundays, September 7, October 12, November 2
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
These moderately paced hikes are meant for adults ages 18 to
30. A great opportunity to spend some time outside, unwind,
and make some new friends! Led by an associate naturalist,
the locations are TBA. Each hike will meet at Weis and
carpool to the trailhead, if needed. Please wear
appro-priate hiking footwear, bring plenty of water, and
dress in layers for the weather.
Cost: $5 per hike.
HIGHLANDS HIKES
Moderately paced hikes lead by Charlie Toole
Charlie’s hikes offer an opportunity to visit and explore
some of the many special places in the Highlands region.
Participants must wear sturdy hiking footwear and dress
appropriately for the conditions. Bring lunch and plenty of
fluids. Hikes return on or around 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
BUCK MOUNTAIN SHORT LOOP – NORVIN GREEN
Sunday, September 21
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Blue Mine Brook, Assiniwikam, and Buck Mountain are just
some of the great views of the area near Weis on this loop
hike. Hike meets at Weis. Four-and-a-half miles.
INDIAN TRAIL LOOP – STERLING FOREST
Sunday, October 19
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Take in a restored historic iron furnace along with great
views of Harriman and Sterling Forests, Little Dam Lakes,
Green Pond, and Wildcat Mountain. Hike meets at Weis. Four
miles (optional fifth mile on the AT).
PINE MEADOW LOOP – HARRIMAN
Sunday, November 16
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
From the southern visitor center by Route 17, the New York
State Thruway, and Stony Brook, this hike will include lots
of riverside scrambling, lunch at Pine Meadow Lake, and take
in great views from Raccoon Brook Hill and Halfway Mountain.
Hike meets at Weis. Four-and-a-half miles.
Weis Wyanokie Wanderers: Club
Hikes*
Strenuous hikes led by Don Weise.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
BREAKNECK RIDGE AND SUGARLOAF
Sunday, September 14 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Voted America’s favorite day hike, this trail is the
steepest in the New York metro area. Requirements: good
agility, cardiovascular fitness, comfortable with heights.
Stunning view. Hike meets off-site. Nine steep miles.
STOCKBRIDGE AND BLACK MOUNTAINS
Sunday, October 5 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This challenging Harriman loop hike features a beautiful
fall view and the seldom-visited Dunn Mine, as well as
Silvermine and Nawahunta Lakes, Hippo Rock, and a cave
shelter. Hike meets off-site. Nine to ten miles.
SUNRISE MOUNTAIN AND STOKES
Sunday, October 26 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Explore wild Stokes State Forest amid peak foliage.
Highlights include Stony Lake, Sunrise Mountain, a fire
tower, and a scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Hike
meets off-site. Nine to ten miles.
DEEP HOLLOW TO HELL HOLE
Sunday, November 16 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Late fall beauty and variety: climb steep Popolopen Torne
and Long Mountain (Torrey Memorial), visit two lakes, and
see the rushing waters of the “Hell Hole.” Hike meets
off-site. Nine to ten miles.
HIKE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Saturday, December 6 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with a fun, challenging local
loop hike. Afterward, enjoy the Weis Holiday Nature Festival
and Bird Seed Sale, complete with food, crafts, gift ideas,
and Christmas trees. Hike meets at Weis. Nine miles.
*You do NOT need to be a member of the WWW to attend these
hikes, but card-carrying WWW Club members are guaranteed
admittance to two monthly WWW hikes and two annual Challenge
Hikes at a flat annual rate of $60. New WWW members are
welcomed with a Weis Trail Map T-shirt and a WEC Pack Patch.
WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
You and your time are valuable to us!
Nature Store inventory: Sunday, August 31. Help us
count our stock.
Program support: Campfire in the Pumpkin Patch*
Saturdays, October 18 and 25, and Friday, October 24
Holiday Nature Fest*
Saturday, December 6
We need hands-on volunteers before, during, and (for a short
while) after each of these family-oriented public programs.
Bakers: Saturday, December 6, for the Holiday Nature
Fest Bake Sale
Tree yard helpers*: Saturdays and Sundays in
December.
Reception: Friendly folks to meet and greet center
visitors and hikers, answer the phones, and/or process
Nature Store sales.
Gardening: Help keep our facility and our Native
Plant and Wildlife Garden inviting for visitors. Or help
keep our sanctuary free of invasive species. Can be
scheduled at your convenience, but please call ahead.
Public programs: Weis welcomes skilled amateur or
professional naturalists and outdoor folks to propose
classes, walks, and workshops they might like to lead.
* Programs appropriate for teen Service Learning volunteers
SANCTUARY NOTES
The Weis Ecology Center gratefully
acknowledges the following people for their help and support
last spring.
Spring program and field trip leaders: Deb Davidson,
Philip De Rea, Ray Fowlie, Laura Hoogstrate, David Hulmes,
Jerry and Sue Kerns, Penny Nichols-Galvany, Mara Marks,
Wendy Rhoads, Suzanne Serafini, Charlie Sontag, Eve Tomzack,
Charlie Toole, Don Weise, Bob Weismantel, and Ken Witkowski.
Program and support staff: Dennis Arnold, Adam,
Chuck, Corenna, and Margaret Blewett, James Crowell, Debi
Davidson, James Fivehouse, Ray Fowlie, Madonna Hayes, Ali,
Dave, and Tom Heerema, Cliff and Jean Huntington, Barry
Milligan, Lisa Montagnino, Nancy Morton, Collin, Caliegh,
and Liam Philhower, Wendy Rhoads, Mark Roberts, Evelyn and
Teri Rocco, Suzanne Serafini, Brian Sickle, Charlie Sontag,
Jenna Tomiello, Holly Van Dyk, Tommy Wacthler, Bob
Weismantel, and Don Weise.
Adopt-a-Maple sponsors: Lisa Acosta (from Renee
Kornbluth), Argos (from Charles and Tomi Gerber), in memory
of Lorry Boyle (from Amy Boyle Giesel), Fowlie Family (from
Meryle Fowlie), Ray (and Max) Fowlie, Renee Kornbluth (from
Lydia Wolnianski), Carl Lieberman (from Alan Lieberman),
Gregory Marcel Lake, Penny Nichols-Galvany, Angie Otto, Mary
Jo Sichak, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Weis (from Don Weise), Paula
and Chris Williams (from Chris Williams).
Earth Day workers: Chuck and Margaret Blewett, Dave
Bronovick, Linda and Rich Greendyk, Julie McDonald, Taylor
Family, Jay Nugent, Chris, Jeannine, Cedric and Corra Perry,
Collin, Kaliegh, and Liam Philhower, Stephan Szardenings,
Ellie Sroczynski and 4-H group.
Critter-care sponsors: Charles, Tomi and Chase
Gerber.
Technical support: Bill Boesenberg
www.snakes-and-scales.com, Joe Hayes, Al Ligertoward, Mike
Lyncheski/Harrier Group, Len Soucy/The Raptor Trust, Joe
Troy/Green Mountain Tree.
Resource and display donations: Estelle Anderson, Ken
Malkin, Norman Schantz.
Trail maintenance: Estelle Anderson and Bob Jonas (NYNJTC).
Business supporters: Prime 15 Steakhouse, Rick Weiman
& Waldwick Plastics Corporation.
