Weis Quality Time
Programs
for Kids and Families
OPEN HOUSE:
HOLIDAY NATURE FESTIVAL
Saturday, December 6
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Crisp mountain air, free nature walks, free live animal
programs, free crafts for kids, fresh-baked goodies for
sale, friendly faces, and fun for the whole family kick off
our annual fresh-cut Christmas Tree Sale fundraiser. We’ll
see you there! No preregistration required. Admission: Free.
CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
Every Saturday and Sunday, December 6 through 21
Our customers come back year after year! Pick the perfect,
high-quality, farm-raised, fresh-cut tree for your home’s
holiday season. Choose from Fraser or Douglas firs and blue
spruce. Trees range from six feet to ten feet (not all
species available at taller heights). The Weis Tree Yard is
open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on sale days. Prices range
from $32 to approximately $81.
THE NATURE PROGRAM COOPERATIVE PRESENTS:
AN OWL PROWL AT TENAFLY NATURE CENTER
Thursday, December 11
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Hosted by Weis and presented in cooperation with the Tenafly
Nature Center. Join program director Mike Krug and Tenafly
education director Debi Davidson for a hoot of a good time!
After an introduction inside, participants will meet some
live New Jersey nocturnal hunters. We will then journey out
to listen for the stylish vocalizations of our local
inhabitants. Program is intended for adults and families
with children thirteen years or older.
Cost: Free for members,
$5 for nonmembers.
FESTIVAL OF THE WOODS
Fridays, December 12 and 19
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturdays, December 13 and 20
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Come to Weis’s winter workshop, where families mix and
mingle and jingle and snack – all while the little elves
make holiday nature crafts and decorations! After the
crafting is complete, we take a winter wonderland walk to
the fire ring for caroling around the campfire. A visit from
St. Nick himself completes the night. Space is limited –
register early.
Cost: $7 ($21 per family) for members, $11 ($33 per family)
for nonmembers.
SCOUT MERIT BADGE SERIES:
BIRD STUDY MERIT BADGE
Saturday, January 3
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 8
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Birds are some of the most intriguing and beautiful animals
that inhabit New Jersey. It’s no wonder that bird watching
is the quickest 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.
OWL PROWL FOR FAMILIES
Saturday, January 17
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Feathered fun for the family! Join Weis naturalists for an
indoor/outdoor overview of New Jersey’s owls, meet a live
Screech Owl, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and then venture
out to listen for, and learn the calls of wild owls. Dress
for the weather.
Limit: 25 participants.
Free to Critter-Care sponsors.
Cost: $5 ($15 family) for members,
$9 ($27 per family) for nonmembers.
WEIS’S WINTER ECOLOGY CAMP
Friday, February 13, to Sunday, February 15
9:30 a.m. to noon.
For children ages 5 to 7
1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
For children ages 8 to 10
Don’t let your child’s winter break be spent inside! Let
them enjoy and explore the beauty, adventure, and excitement
of the natural world. Topics include forest ecology, nature
journaling, tracks and traces, wildlife ecology, winter
survival, and more. Themes are weather-dependent, and focus
on winter ecology. Parents or chaperones are welcome to
enjoy complementary coffee and tea while their campers are
learning or consider becoming a winter camp counselor to
participate.* This is a perfect opportunity for teens
looking to fulfill Learning Service and community service
requirements! Limit: 25 participants per session.
Cost: $12 per day, $36 for all sessions for members; $18 per
day, $54 for all sessions for nonmembers.
*Call or stop in for an application to become a Weis Winter
Ecology Camp counselor.
OPEN HOUSE
MAPLE SUGARING FESTIVAL
Sunday, February 22
Noon to 4:00 p.m.
One-hour sugaring tours leave the visitor center every
twenty minutes. Experience the maple sugaring process from
tree to tabletop, learn how REAL maple syrup is made, and
taste maple products available for purchase at our Maple
Bake Sale. Before or after the tours, visitors can head off
into Norvin Green State Forest for a midwinter ramble, watch
the winter bird activity from our observation deck, visit
the Red-tailed Hawk or Screech Owls in the aviary, or browse
Weis’s Nature Store. Dress for the weather. It’s a
tree-tapping good time! No preregistration – purchase tour
tickets the day of the festival.
A Real Sweet Deal on Sunday, February 22: free admission for
individuals or families who join or renew on this day at
Weis.
Cost: $6 per person, $18 per family.
GROUP PROGRAMS
The 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: February and March: Maple
Sugaring – Participants will 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!
Programs for
Adults and Teens
NATURE STUDY
Sowing the Seeds for Open Space: BIRDSEED
SALE
Saturday, December 6, and Saturday, February 7 (pickup
dates)
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
(get extra forms 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. The order form is now
available online by
clicking here.
BASICS OF BIRDING:
BACKYARD BIRD FEEDING
Sundays, December 7 and January 10
Saturday, February 7
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, along with the plans or photograph of
your yard, to the Weis Ecology Center so program director
Mike Krug can help you make the best choices of feeders,
seed type, and placement. Our discussion will be followed by
a short bird walk and observation of the center’s feeding
stations. The cost of this workshop can be applied to a bird
feeder or accessory purchase made in Weis’s NJAS Nature
Store the day of the workshop. Limit: 15.
Cost: $6 members, $9 nonmembers.
BIRDERS WITHOUT BORDERS I: Eagle Watching on the Hudson
Sunday, January 25
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Meet associate naturalist Philip “Flip” De Rea, Debi
Davidson of the Tenafly Nature Center, and Michael Krug,
Weis’s program director, to begin a full day of Bald Eagle
watching. The search will take us up the Hudson and across
the New York border, with possible stops at Bear Mountain,
Croton Point, and George’s Point. Dress for the weather and
bring your best optics. Last year’s highlights included many
Bald Eagles of varying ages, plus Peregrine Falcons. Meets
off-site. Directions sent upon registration. Limit: 15
participants.
Cost (includes handouts):
$15 members, $19 nonmembers.
OWL PROWL FOR ADULTS
Saturday, January 31
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Cool and mysterious, New Jersey’s owls are on the move! Join
Weis’s naturalists for an indoor/outdoor overview of New
Jersey’s owls, meet a live Screech Owl, enjoy a cup of hot
chocolate, and then venture out to listen for and learn the
calls of wild owls. Dress for the weather; held rain or
shine. Limit: 25 participants.
Cost: $5 members, $9 nonmembers. Free to Critter-Care
sponsors.
BIRDERS WITHOUT BORDERS II:
Eagle Watching on the Delaware
Sunday, February 1
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
According to W.H. Hudson, one “cannot fly like an eagle with
the wings of a wren,” as anyone who has seen an eagle in
flight would agree. Meet associate naturalists Suzanne
Serafini, Philip “Flip” De Rea, and Ray Fowlie at Milford
Beach, where the Delaware River defines the boundary between
New Jersey and Pennsylvania, for a morning of eagle
watching. Dress for the weather and bring your best optics.
Directions sent upon registration. Limit: 15 participants.
Cost: $8 members, $12 nonmembers.
WALLKILL RIVER
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Sunday, February 15
2:00 p.m. to dusk
Associate naturalist, Wallkill River NWR volunteer, and
expert birder Ken Witkowski will visit the refuge in hopes
of finding wintering raptors including Rough-legged Hawk and
Short-eared Owls, as well as sparrows and other wintering
passerines. This is a joint program with Sandy Hook Bird
Observatory. No cancellations or refunds. To facilitate
sending directions, please include your e-mail address with
your check or when you register; otherwise please include
your mailing address.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
NATURE
ADVENTURE
TREADING TRODDEN TRAILS (TTT): YOUNG
ADULT HIKES
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
These moderately paced social hikes are meant for adults
ages 18 to 30. A great opportunity to spend time outside,
unwind from projects, and make new friends! Led by an
associate naturalist, each hike will meet at Weis and
carpool to the trailhead if necessary (directions sent upon
registration). Please wear appropriate hiking footwear,
bring plenty of water, and dress in layers for the weather.
Hazardous driving conditions will cancel.
Cost: $5.
Sunday, January 18
This six-mile loop will explore some of the highlights
of Ringwood State Park and the Ramapo County
Reservation. Hike the Halifax Trail over Mount Defiance,
past Spruce Swamp, and along Bear Swamp Lake. Finally,
stop at Ilgenstein Rock and take in the view of the NYC
skyline. Hike meets at Weis and will carpool to the
trailhead.
Sunday, February 8
A seven-mile loop through southern Harriman State Park,
this hike will start out with a scramble through the
Cascade of Slid and then follow Stony Brook towards Pine
Meadow Lake. The route will then turn south and climb
Raccoon Brook Hill, the Russian Bear, and finally stop
for the view at Ramapo Torne Overlook. Hike meets at
Weis (carpool to the trailhead).
Sunday, March 1
This seven-mile loop through Abram S. Hewitt State
Forest will follow Bearfort Ridge up to Surprise Lake.
The hike will use a small section of the Appalachian
Trail near the N.J./N.Y. border, and will be following a
ridgetop with fantastic views of Greenwood Lake. Hike
meets at Weis and may carpool to the trailhead if
necessary.
WEIS WOMEN’S HIKES
Saturday, January 10
Saturday, February 14
8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Moderately paced, two- to three-mile hikes. Join Wendy
Rhoads and Weis 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 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 and may carpool to the
trailhead if necessary. Wear appropriate hiking footwear,
dress in layers for weather, and bring plenty of water.
Hazardous driving conditions will cancel.
Cost: $5.
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, dress in layers appropriate for
weather conditions; bring lunch and plenty of fluids.
Limit: 25 participants. Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.*
HIKE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Saturday, December 6
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with a fun, challenging
local loop hike. Afterward, enjoy the Weis Holiday
Nature Festival, complete with food, crafts, gift ideas,
and Christmas trees. Hike meets at Weis. Nine miles.
NEW! JACKIE JONES AND BIG HILL
Sunday, January 4
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Celebrate the New Year with a beautiful hike overlooking
Lake Welch and the Harriman reservoirs. We will also
visit the Orak ruins and a fire tower. Seven to nine
miles.
NEW! SCHOOLEY’S MOUNTAIN
Sunday, February 22
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Explore the historic Morris County Highlands. Highlights
include views, waterfalls, Lake George, old rock quarry,
and a floating bridge. Eight miles.
PANCAKE BRUNCH HIKE
Sunday, March 29
9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This challenging hike through Norvin Green State Forest
features steep climbs, great views, and a short
bushwhack. Join us afterward for a full pancake brunch,
with homemade maple syrup (additional fee for brunch).
Eight to nine miles.
* 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.
BEGINNER’S CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CLINICS
Saturdays and Sundays: January 3 and 4; 10 and 11; or 17 and
18
9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., or 2:00 p.m.
Three identical one-and-one-half-hour sessions are offered
on each date. Learn the basics of cross-country skiing on
flat and sloping terrain from our personable and patient
instructors, and then refine your technique on our field.
When registering, please reserve the number of skis and
poles you need and boot sizes, as well as alternate time and
date choices. Limit: 20 participants.
(No snow conditions: We go anyway, as long as the field is
frozen, and offer only one session per day. Saturdays, 11:00
a.m., Sundays, 2:00 p.m.)
Cost (includes Weis ski equipment rental): $15 members, $20
nonmembers.
Cost for instruction only*: $10 members, $15 nonmembers.
*Learn with skis that you bring to the clinic.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRIP:
HIGH POINT STATE PARK
Saturday, January 24
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
An opportunity to celebrate snow and winter while they’re
here! Participants meet at Weis and carpool to High Point
Cross-Country Ski Center, where we’ll ski groomed trails and
experience nature in winter. This excursion is for
experienced skiers and graduates of our Beginner’s Clinics
(see above).
Limit: 20 participants.
Cost (includes Weis ski equipment rental): $30 members, $40
nonmembers.
HIGHLANDS HIKES (HH)
Sunday, December 14
Sunday, January 11
Sunday, February 1
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Moderately paced hikes led by an associate naturalist.
Locations to be announced. Highlands Hikes offer an
opportunity to visit and explore some
of the many special places in the Highlands region.
Participants must wear appropriate hiking footwear, dress in
layers and appropriately for weather conditions; bring lunch
and plenty of fluids. Hikes meet at Weis unless indicated
otherwise.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
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.
WEIS WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
You and your time are valuable to us!
Tree Yard Helpers*: Assist customers
in the selection of their trees and help secure them to
their vehicles. (Saturdays and/or Sundays, December 6 to
21).
Birdseed Sale*: Assist customers and carry their
birdseed to their vehicles (December 6 and February 7).
Bakers: For the Nature Fest Bake Sale (December 6)
and the Maple Sugaring Festival (February 22).
Computer Skills: Assist with maintaining and adding
to Weis’s Web site using FrontPage and maintaining and
developing our store’s new POS system.
Cross-Country Ski Instructors: Saturday and/or
Sundays, January 3-18.
Nature Store Inventory: Folks are needed to help
count our stock (February 28).
Program Support: Holiday Nature Fest* (December 6),
Festival of the Woods (December 12, 13, 19, and 20), Maple
Sugaring Festival (February 22). Programs need hands-on
volunteers before, during, and (for a short while) after
each event to assist with setup, implementation, and
breakdown.
Reception: Friendly folks to meet and greet center
visitors, answer the phone, and/or process Nature Store
sales.
Weis’s Winter Ecology Camp counselors*: February 13
to 15. Work with our educators and children in a fun and
educational camp environment. There is an application
process.
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 support:
Summer Program and Field Trip Leaders: Chuck and
Margaret Blewett, Debi Davidson, Tom, Dave and Steven
Heerema, David Hulmes, Mara Marks, George Petty, Wendy
Rhoads, Lance Risley, Ellie Sroczynski, Eve Tomczak, Charlie
Toole, Don Weise, Ken Witkowski.
Program Support Staff: Derrick Andersen, Deb
Davidson, Philip De Rea, Madonna Hayes, Teri Rocco, Suzanne
Serafini.
Nature Day Camp Counselors: Denis Arnold, Danielle Capozzi,
Carolyn Daily, Filip Deptula, Jakub Deptula, Marta Deptula,
Summer Johnson, Christina Lokai, Samantha Maticka, Katie
Meyer, Michael Nedilsky, Trevor Smith, Ashley Thompson,
Thomas Wachtler, Alec Wasilewski, Stephan Wasilewski,
Johnathon Wilson.
Technical Support: Bill Boesenberg of
www.snakes-n-scales.com , Joe Hayes, Mike Lyncheski, and
Al Ligertwood, The Raptor Trust, and Joe Troy.
Gardening and Invasive Plant Management: Chuck
Blewett and family.
Resource and Display Donations: Norman Schantz and
William Paterson University, Suzanne Serafini, Mary Jo
Sichak, and Isobel Wayrick.
Trail Maintenance: Estelle Anderson and Bob Jonas (NYNJTC).
Weis Passaic Pewees World Series of Birding Team:
Margarette Blewett, Lois Ferguson, Tom Heerema, Jay Nugent,
Karla Risdon, Mark Roberts, Mike and Nancy Romanik, Suzanne
Serafini, Howard Seufert, Holly Van Dyk.
World Series of Birding Donors: Tony Defina, Renee
Dols, Pauline Maniscalki, Ray Mulvaney, Brian Palestis,
Beverley Robertson, Gerry Sherman, Georgina Soojian, Rick
Weiman, and Charley West.
Special Appreciation: Many thanks to Abi Dimaggio and
Samantha Loscalzo, our 2008 environmental educators! They
were a huge asset to Weis’s educational programming, and we
wish them much success in all of their future endeavors.
