"In our turbulent world, so full of cross-currents, we have found a tiny haven, a place to give a demonstration of how life begins, continues, and with the wonderful interaction developed eons of years ago, recreates itself and goes on in peace and beauty."
-- May Weis, May 19, 1974

150 Snake Den Road Ringwood, NJ 07456 (973) 835-2160 E-mail: weis@njaudubon.org

Visitor Center Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 8:30 - 4:30

• 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 12,000 people annually.

Visitors to Weis can follow the well-marked trails to diverse location on our property, as well as in Norvin Green State Forest, which is located adjacent to the Center. For a camping adventure there are roomy campsites and quaint cabins available for rental at reasonable prices (advanced registration required). The Center itself is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, offering restroom facilities, a gift and bookshop, and information for all.

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 by and visit the Weis Ecology Center and revel in the beauty of the outdoors!

WHAT WE DO

Public programs are part of our diverse offerings here at Weis. These programs are designed as evening or weekend activities and most require pre-registration. Families and adults have the opportunity to register for interpretive hikes, workshops or other events that the Center plans each month. We offer exciting programs throughout the entire year.

The Center also offers environmental education programs to school, scout and special interest groups. The instructors use the forests, fields and streams that grace our property as an outdoor classroom for learning. Classes are specially tailored to meet each age group's needs. With advanced notice, our instructors can even plan sessions for scouts to meet badge work accomplishments.

School and scout can also schedule an overnight stay in our dormitory. Delicious catered meals, fun campfire programs and unique night walks round out a group's overall experience at Weis. Information packets are available at the Center. Give us a call with your address and we'd be happy to mail one to you.

TO GET TO WEIS

From the SOUTH via Garden State Parkway:

1. Take the Garden State Parkway North through the Essex toll plaza.
2. Take a left at exit 155P, which will put you on Route 19 North.
3. Follow Route 19 North to Route 80 west.
4. Take Route 80 west to Route 23 North.
5. Take Route 23 North to Route 287 North.
6. Take Route 287 North to exit 55 (Wanaque-Pompton Lakes).
7. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Ringwood Avenue or Route 511 North.
8. After approximately 4 miles, turn left onto Westbrook Road. This is the first left after the Skyline Family Diner on your right.
9. Westbrook Road forks: bear to the left. After the fork, take the second left turn onto Snake Den Road. Snake Den Road also forks: bear to the left. Look for the Weis Ecology Center sign and outer parking lot about 1/3 mile from this fork.

From the SOUTH via Route 287:

1. Take Route 287 North to exit 55 (Wanaque-Pompton Lakes).

2. Continue using directions #7 -- #9 above.

From the LINCOLN TUNNEL:

1. Take the Lincoln Tunnel to Route 3 West. Continue approximately 10 miles on Route 3 to Route 46 West.

2. Take Route 46 West to Route 23 North

3. Take Route 23 North to Route 287 North

4. Take Route 287 North to exit 55 (Wanaque-Pompton Lakes).

5. Continue by using directions #7 -- #9 above.

From the GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE:

1. Cross the G.W. Bridge to Route 4 West. Continue approximately 10 miles on Route 4 West to Route 208 North.

2. After Route 208 North joins with Route 287 South (approximately 13 miles), take the Skyline Drive exit (Exit 57). At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Skyline Drive and proceed over mountain approximately 5 miles to Ringwood.

3. Turn left at the first stop sign. At the second stop sign, Skyline Drive ends. Turn left onto Route 511 South and continue approximately 1.7 miles to Westbrook Road. Turn Right onto Westbrook Road.

4. Continue by using direction #9 above.

GUIDELINES FOR DAY USE VISITORS

Please help us keep the Center a pleasant place to visit by adhering to our guidelines

• No pets.
• No alcoholic beverages.
• No music or loud, unnecessary noise.
• No off-road vehicle.
• No hunting, fishing, or trapping.
• Grounds are open 9:00 a.m. to dusk; no overnight parking.
• Campfires are allowed by permit and in designated areas only.

The bathrooms will be locked at 4:30 p.m. They will be re-opened the following morning at 8:30 a.m., with the exception of Mondays, Tuesdays and holidays, when the office is closed.

The front gate will be locked at 4:30 p.m. and re-opened the following morning at 8:30 a.m. from October 15 through April 15 of the following year. The gate will remain locked on Mondays, Tuesdays and holidays when the office is closed.

Please follow the above guidelines so that everyone has a pleasant visit at the Center. Thank you.

PROGRAM LISTING

The goal of the Weis Ecology Center is to increase people's awareness of the environment, stress their relationship to it, and stimulate the development of sound environmental ethics.

Prices for day-use programs:

(Price includes program, staff and grounds use. Does not include use of the dining room or the meeting room)

• $3.00 per person per program for a 1 to 2 hour program, with a minimum of $45 per program.
• $6.00 per participant for a 2 to 4 hour program, with a minimum of $90 per program.

Class content can very according to group size, age, specific curriculum needs, or badge work requirements.

Classes are held outdoors -- please dress according to weather conditions.

LIVE ANIMAL PROGRAMS

OFF-SITE: $180+.585/mile. (Non-profit rate (Schools, Scouts) $155+.585/mile per program)

Additional programs at the same location on the same date: $95/program (max. 3 programs)

ON-SITE (Program at Weis): $100/program

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

(Offered April-January): Prices include three 1-2hr. programs, staff, facilities and grounds use, including the campfire circle.

• Minimum charge of 20 participants; maximum occupancy of 60 per group.
• Additional 1 to 2-hour programs can be booked at the day use rate. (See above)

Meal Prices (per person)

• Youth Menu (8 and under): Breakfast $7.50, Lunch $8.50, Dinner $9.50, Snack $4.00
• Adult Menu (9 and up): Breakfast $7.50, Lunch $8.50, Dinner $9.50, Snack $4.00

Residential Lodging Fees (per person per night)

• Weekday: Third Floor dormitory (43 beds) $15; Second floor guest rooms (22 beds) $20
• Weekend: Third Floor dormitory (43 beds) $18; Second floor guest rooms (22 beds) $22

EVENING PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTIAL GROUPS

Campfire Potpourri: Learn how to build and maintain a safe campfire, then enjoy stories and activities around your fire (Grades 1 - 6)

Owl Prowl: Following a discussion about New Jersey's owls, participants meet Windy and Winky, our resident screech owls, and see first-hand the features and adaptations of birds of prey. (Grade 2 and up).

Sensory Night Walk: This 45 minute woodland walk is enhanced with sensory activities and discussions of nocturnal life. (Grade 2 and up).

Fees for these programs are: $180 for one program plus mileage; $275 for two programs (at the same location on the same day) plus mileage; $370 for three programs (at the same location on the same day) plus mileage. The mileage fees are 58.5¢ per mile round trip (to and from your location). We recommend a maximum of 60 participants per program and suggest reserving your preferred date approximately 60 days in advance. We require a $45 deposit (per date) in advance to reserve any of these programs. Payment in full is due on the day of the program. Please call us at (973) 835-2160 if you have any additional questions or would like to reserve a date. Thank you.

Snakes Alive:  This program provides an overview of New Jersey's snakes and is followed by a live encounter with two of these incredible reptiles up close. A Corn snake and a Rat snake provide living examples of snakes' special adaptations. (Kindergarten through adult)

Hunters of the Sky: Meet a live Screech Owl or Red Tailed Hawk, two examples of the numerous raptor species that live and migrate through the fields, forests, and wetlands of New Jersey. Learn about each raptor's special adaptations and have an up-close and personal encounter with beaks, feathers, talons, and calls. (Grade 3 through adults)

All About Owls:  Meet a live Screech Owl, a nocturnal raptor that nests and hunts in the fields, forests, and wetlands of New Jersey. Learn about the owl's special adaptations and have an up-close and personal encounter with beaks, feathers, talons, pellets, and calls. (Grade 3 through adults)

Meet the Wildlife of NJ/The Highlands: Learn first-hand about New Jersey's wild inhabitants and the special adaptations they have for surviving in our field, forest, and wetland habitats. Meet a live snake, a Box Turtle, and a Raptor (Red-tailed Hawk or Screech Owl). (Grades 3 through adult, families)

ON-SITE PROGRAMS:

Group Initiatives: The program involves an array of physical problem solving activities that foster efficient cooperative and communicative skills among small groups of participants striving to achieve common goals. (Grade 4 and up).

Bird Basics:  Through games and activities, including building a bird nest and bird watching, participants will discover the physical adaptations and behavioral differences among bird species.                            (Grades 2- adult)

Compass Skills: Participants will learn the parts of a compass and how to use a compass to locate directions. Small teams will then work together using this new skill to complete the compass course(s) we have designed. (Grade 4 and up).

Stream Study:  Through the use of collecting equipment and identification slides, participants will observe the inhabitants of a freshwater stream and explore their life cycles and adaptations. Also included are activities and discussions focusing on water quality and the water cycle.  (Grades 3 - adult)

Interesting Insects: Participants will examine the characteristics and adaptations of insects to their environment, including metamorphosis, during the course of an outdoor search for these organisms. (Grades 1 - adult)

Interpretive Hikes: Two to four hour interpretive hikes are available to Wyanokie Falls, High Point, Chikahoki Falls, and other sites in Norvin Green State Forest. Lunches are eaten on the trail. (Grade 4 and up).

Iron Mine Study: Participants will utilize flashlights to explore an iron mine abandoned in the mid-1800's. Included in the 2-hour walk are discussions on the early mining process, inhabitants of a cave, and the impact of humans on the landscape. (Grades 3 - adult).

Maple Sugaring: (February and March only): This active presentation introduces tree identification and physiology, maple sugaring history, and the actual processing procedure that can be done in the home. Human impact on the industry and the " maple challenge" taste test are included. (Pre-school and up).

Non-Competitive Games: This program involves an array of "new games" and other activities designed to promote fair and honest play in a fun way. (Grade 2 and up).

Orienteering: During this 3-hour class, participants will learn the parts of a compass, how to read a topographical map, and how to "bushwhack" from one point to another in Norvin Green State Forest. (Grade 5 and up). Pre-requisite: Compass Skills.

Sensory Adventure: Participants will gain a better awareness of wildlife's dependency on their natural senses as a result of the sensory awareness activities utilized in this class. (Pre-school - Grade 2).

Shelter Building: Participants will cover topics including tips on preparing for an outdoor excursion, prioritizing needs, and building a natural shelter. (3rd grade and up).

Talking Trees: The inner workings of a tree and the physical characteristics defining some common species are highlighted during this class. Additional topics include other local plants in Northern New Jersey and human uses of this valuable resource. (Grades 1-6).

Wildlife Ecology: From insects to mammals, the tracks, the signs and adaptations of local wildlife species will be examined, along with the impact of humans on the needs of various wildlife species in New Jersey. (Grades 1 - adult).

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (Groups must supply own equipment)

• Outdoor Ping-Pong tables
• Recreation field
• Hiking trails

RENTAL INFORMATION

New Jersey Audubon Society's Weis Ecology Center offers facilities for public use, including cabins, campsites and dining room/meeting room.

Our rental season runs from April 1 to October 31. Priority will be given to full season rentals. From October 15 through April 15, the front gate, which allows vehicular access to the Center's grounds, is locked at 4:30 p.m. and re-opened at 8:30 a.m. the following morning, except Mondays, Tuesdays and holidays. The Reception Center's bathroom and shower facilities are locked at 4:30 p.m. and re-opened the following morning, except Mondays, Tuesdays and holidays.

To Apply:

Call or stop in to request a cabin lease and to check on availability. Complete the lease and return it with your reservation fee (check or money order) payable to Weis Ecology Center/NJAS, at 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456. The reservation fee is refundable up to one month prior to confirmed reservation date, after which the reservation fee is non-refundable.

Upon receipt of the first month's rent, the reservation fee becomes a security deposit. The security deposit does not serve as the last month's rent. References will be requested, and confirmation of rental will be sent. If a requested cabin is not available, a substitute cabin will be offered or the reservation fee will be returned.

Cabin Rental Includes:

Use of the cabin (within the guidelines of the lease), hiking trails and recreation field.

Monthly rentals do not include Memorial Day weekend or Labor Day weekend unless the entire month of May and/or September is paid for. Holiday weekends may be available. Please see the fee schedule.

Cabin Information:

The availability of furniture is not guaranteed by the Center.

The cabins are not heated. They also do not contain kitchen or bathroom facilities. It is suggested that camp stoves (such as Coleman) and ice chests be used for cooking and cold storage. Ringwood and West Milford provide sufficient grocery stores, and restaurants in the area are adequate. Bathroom and shower facilities are located in the basement of the Reception Center.

The cabins may not be sublet under any circumstances.

Only one person should be responsible for paying the rent each month so that one check is submitted for payment (for bookkeeping purposes).

Monthly Rates: April 1 through October 31

• $225 per month for a one room cabin. Note: Two month minimum rental.
• $260 per month for a two room cabin. Note: Five month minimum rental.

Camping Fee Schedule:

The Center's wooded campsites are available year-round. Campers are required to pay the balance due and sign for their fire permits in the office before 4 p.m. on the day of arrival.

Rates are as follows:

• $3.50 per person per night;
• Scout Group Discount: First 10 campers at $3.50, and then $2.50 per person per night for the 11th person on up.

DINING ROOM/MEETING ROOM RATES:

• $50.00 per room for a 1/2 day, from 9:00am to 12:30pm or 12:30pm to 4:00pm
• $100.00 per room for a full day, from 9:00am to 4:00pm