Weis "Quality Time" Programs
for Kids and Families
FATHER’S DAY HIKE
(Dad hikes FREE!)
Sunday, June 21
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Let your Dad leave the housework and home repair behind
today! This special outing is so dads and their families can
spend quality time together. Led by a Weis naturalist, this
moderately paced, two- to three-mile hike in Norvin Green
State Forest is recommended for families with
elementary-aged kids and above. Appropriate footwear is
required; bring a lunch and plenty of fluids. Limit: 25.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
FIVE FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN DAYS
Back by popular demand – these short programs and adventures
are designed for families looking to beat the heat and the
summertime blahs with something to do outdoors together.
Limit: 25.
Cost (per program): $5 members, $8 nonmembers; family
(parents & their children) maximum: $15 members, $24
nonmembers.
1 – SUNSET HIKE
Friday, July 3
7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Join associate naturalist Eve Tomczak for a moderately
strenuous, interpretive hike to Wyanokie High Point to
watch the sun set. This hike is best suited for families
with pre-teens and older. Please wear appropriate
footwear, bring water and a flashlight or headlamp for
the return trip. Severe weather will cancel this hike.
2 – HABITAT HUNT:
A Day in the Life of a Forest
Saturday, July 4
9:30 to 11:00 p.m.
Come explore the Weis woodland habitat with one of our
naturalists to find out what lives there, their habits
and habitats, and why they’re important – from the
tiniest insect to the biggest bear. This morning is full
of nature activities and games and is sure to please!
Program is best suited for elementary-aged children –
younger siblings are welcome.
3 – AQUATIC ADVENTURE
Friday, July 3, or Saturday, July 4
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Everything needs water to live – and some more than
others! Armed with dip nets and plastic buckets, we’ll
be exploring the Blue Mine Brook to look at different
organisms’ aquatic adaptations. This program is best
suited for elementary-aged children – younger siblings
are welcome.
4 – ROCKS ROCK!
Friday, July 24,
or Saturday, July 25
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Join a Weis naturalist on a guided hike to the Roomey
Iron Mine! We’ll be stopping along the way to talk about
the different things we see, and most importantly, the
unique geology of our area. This program is best suited
for older elementary-aged children and pre-teens.
5 – SURVIVAL SHELTERS
Saturday August 15,
or Sunday, August 16
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Would you know what to do if you were caught in a
survival situation? Come learn how to build a simple
survival shelter, and have a lot of fun too! Led by a
Weis naturalist, this program is best suited for older
elementary-aged children and pre-teens.
NATURE DAY CAMPS
Our day camps give children entering
kindergarten through eighth grade opportunities to discover
and explore the wonders of the natural world through fun,
hands-on activities and adventures. Call or stop in for a
registration packet. Space is limited and camps tend to fill
up.
JUNIOR NATURALISTS/
PARENTS AT PLAY**
Three days of fun and learning for children ENTERING
kindergarten.
Wednesday, August 5
to Friday, August 7
10:00 a.m. to Noon
Cost: $35 members, $45 nonmembers.
**Parents at Play: Parents of Junior Naturalists can sign up
to take short hikes/adventures while their children are
attending camp. We’ll begin after they get started and
return before they end.
Cost (per day): $6 members, $10 nonmembers, or (for the
week) $18 members, $30 nonmembers. OR volunteer this time to
work on improvements in Weis’s native plant and butterfly
garden.
WONDERERS
Five days of fun and learning for children ENTERING grades 1
and 2.
Monday, July 13,
to Friday, July 17
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $90 members, $135* nonmembers.
ADVENTURERS
Five days of fun and learning for children ENTERING grades 3
and 4.
Monday, July 27,
to Friday, July 31
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. except Thursday, 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
for an evening campfire program.
Cost: $90 members, $135* nonmembers.
EXPLORERS
Five days of fun and learning for children ENTERING grades 5
and 6.
Monday, August 10,
to Friday, August 14
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday;
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday for a trip to Sandy Hook;
4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday for an evening campfire program.
Cost (includes field trip): $115 members, $160* nonmembers.
TRAIL BLAZERS
Five days of adventure learning for youth ENTERING grades 7
and 8.
Tuesday, July 7,
to Saturday, July 11
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 8:30 a.m. to 4
p.m. Wednesday for a field trip; 3:00 p.m. Thursday to 10:00
a.m. Friday for an overnight camp-out.
Cost: $180 members, $225* nonmembers.
*Nonmember rates include an NJAS Family Membership;
successive children attend at the member rate
Watch for NEW
2009 Nature Discovery Club Adventures
Call Weis Ecology Center at 973.835.2160 to be added to our
mailing list for the Nature Discovery Club flyer which will
include finalized dates, cost, full description of programs,
and appropriate ages.
Programs for Adults and Teens
Nature Study
COMPASS AND ORIENTEERING FOR ADULTS AND
TEENS
Saturday, June 6
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Join us for this outdoor favorite, as we learn how to use a
compass and topographical map to complete Weis’s compass
course. Then we will bushwhack from one point to another in
Norvin Green State Forest. This program is intended for
those adventure seekers ages 10 and up! Participants must
wear appropriate hiking footwear, and dress appropriately
for the conditions; bring lunch and plenty of fluids. Limit:
15.
Cost (per program): $15members, $20 nonmembers; family
(parents & their children) maximum: $45 members, $60
nonmembers.
MERIT BADGE SERIES
All sessions cost $12 for members, $18 for
nonmembers. Limit: 15 per session. Preregistration is a
must!
BIRD STUDY MERIT BADGE
Sunday, June 7
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Birds are among the most intriguing and beautiful animals
that inhabit New Jersey. It is no wonder that bird watching
is the fastest growing hobby in the state, or that many
finds are made by amateur naturalists. Discover the birds of
the Highlands, and earn your merit badge all in one
afternoon.
PLANT SCIENCE MERIT BADGE
Sunday, July 5
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Plants supply the food we need, purify the air we breathe,
provide shelter and warmth, but can also be poisonous and
dangerous things in the forest. Can you tell the difference?
Come to Weis to learn how to identify plants and then
discover what secrets they have in store for us.
FORESTRY MERIT BADGE
Saturday, July 25
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Step into our forests and see what makes this delicate
ecosystem thrive, as insects buzz, millipedes crawl under
logs, and birds sing from the treetops. We will discover how
to observe and see the whole forest, as well as learn what
our role is in its use and preservation.
MAMMAL STUDY MERIT BADGE
Saturday, August 8
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Mammals are on the move at Weis! They are some of the most
popular animals in the world, yet still some of the most
secretive. So we are out to find them through observations,
tracks, traces, and other activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MERIT BADGE
Sunday, August 9
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
It is becoming a necessity to understand more of our
environment. Get a jump-start by completing your merit badge
through hands-on procedures used by environmental
scientists.
GO GREEN SERIES
XERISCAPE YOUR GARDEN
Saturday, June 13
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Xeriscaping is gardening and landscaping through water
conservation practices and smart planning. Through a
PowerPoint presentation and hands on techniques, learn what
the principles of xeriscape are, and how to practice water
conservation in the garden.
Cost: $12 members, $18 nonmembers.
VERMI-COMPOSTING
Saturday, June 20
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What is vermi-composting? It is using worms to recycle our
food scraps. Each year the U.S. discards 96 billion pounds
of food, producing twenty-four percent of our municipal
waste. Why throw that away? Compost it! With the help of our
red wriggler worms, we will save money, recycle our food,
produce great soil, and keep it away from the bears.
(Includes a personal, recycle compost bin.)
Cost : $12 members, $18 nonmembers.
BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES OF THE WALLKILL NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE
Sunday, June 28
9:00 a.m. to early afternoon
Enjoy the birds, butterflies, and more that famous Canal
Road has to offer! This walk, led by associate naturalist
Ken Witkowski, meets at the Wallkill National Wildlife
Refuge in Vernon, N.J. Directions will be sent upon
registration.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
TURNING BAT HABITS INTO GOOD
Friday, July 24
7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Maligned and misunderstood for years, the humble bat is, in
truth, a fascinating and beneficial member of society. This
program, presented by researcher Dr. Lance Risley of William
Paterson University, begins indoors with a PowerPoint
slideshow on bats, their adaptations, and their many good
habits. Then, we’ll venture outdoors to look for – and, with
the aid of an electronic bat detector – listen to our
neighborhood bats. Interested youth are welcome.
Limit: 25.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
THE WONDERFUL WEIS WHALE WATCH I & II
Saturday, July 18
and Saturday, August 22
7:30 a.m. Saturday to
MIDNIGHT Sunday
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 80-foot, double-decked
boat waits to take us on a 4.5-hour round trip to Stellwagen
Bank – the National Underwater Preserve – for whale,
dolphin, and bird watching. Last year we saw approximately
thirty-two different individual Humpback Whales, including
mothers with calves. Past sightings have also included:
Minke and Finback Whales, Northern Gannet, Wilson’s Storm
Petrel, Basking Shark, and sea turtles.
Cost: $75 members, $90 nonmembers.
Birds of New Jersey:
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Saturdays: July 25 or August 8
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Emeralds and rubies are never more precious than when they
combine to form these elegant garden jewels. Join us on our
outdoor observation deck to learn all about the
Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s amazing adaptations, perilous
life, and how to attract these chittering dynamos to your
backyard habitat, and keep them coming back. Cost (includes
handouts):
$5 members, $8 nonmembers.
HIKING 101
Saturday, August 1
10:00 a.m. to Noon
Have you been thinking about getting into hiking, or are you
already a hiker and you want to know just a little bit more?
Whether you’re venturing into the woods for fitness,
enjoyment, or just to get away from it all, this class is
designed to teach you the basics you should be aware of
before you leave home. We’ll be covering local trail
information, equipment you should have, and even how to use
a compass! Limit: 20.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
NATURE ADVENTURES
WEIS WOMEN’S HIKES
Saturday, June 13
8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Moderately paced, two- to three-mile hikes. Join Wendy
Rhoads and 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 time with family and friends! Each hike will
meet at Weis and carpool to the trailhead if needed. Please
wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water.
Cost: $5.
HIGHLANDS HIKES
Sundays: June 7, July 12, August 9
All hikes are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Moderately paced hikes led by an associate naturalist.
Highlands hikes offer an opportunity to visit and explore
some of the many special places in the Highlands region.
Participants must wear hiking footwear, dress appropriately
for the weather conditions; bring lunch and plenty of
fluids. Hikes meet at Weis unless otherwise notified –
locations to be announced.
Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
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 and dress in layers appropriate
for weather conditions; bring lunch and plenty of fluids.
Limit: 25 participants. Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.*
HARRIMAN SEVEN HILLS HIKE (WWW)
Sunday, May 24, 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Dramatic views, a lakeside lunch, and extra-steep terrain
make for a fine, challenging day. Discover the steep, new
route up Ramapo Torne on the HTS Trail. Nine miles. Meets
off-site.
STORM KING MOUNTAIN (WWW)
Sunday, June 14, 9:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.
Storm King and Breakneck tower above the Hudson River and
form a dramatic gateway. Experience Storm King and Butter
Hill from top to bottom on a challenging, rewarding hike.
Nine to ten miles. Meets off-site.
HANK’S POND AND FIRE TOWER (WWW and BD)
Saturday, July 11, 8:30 A.M. to2:00 P.M.
Enjoy the natural air conditioning of a windy fire tower and
visit the clear, blue waters of Hank’s Pond. These lands are
accessible by permit only.
Choose from two groups: Six to seven miles or nine miles.
ADIRONDACKS HIGH PEAKS WEEKEND (WWW)
Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23
The ultimate peak-bagging weekend! Destinations may include
Cascade, Phelps, Porter, and Pitchoffs.
Additional fee.
NORTH-SOUTH LAKE LOOP (WWW)
Sunday, September 13, 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Possibly the most beautiful spot in the Catskills, North
Mountain and the Great Wall of Manitou overlook two lakes,
with the Hudson Valley thousands of feet below. Nine miles.
Meets off-site.
*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.
WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Your Time Is Valuable to Us!
- Computer Skills: Assist with maintaining and adding
to Weis’s Website using FrontPage, developing store and
registrant databases.
- Gardening: Help keep our facility inviting for
visitors, and our Native Plant & Wildlife Garden free of
invasive species. (At your convenience – please call
ahead.).
- Nature Day Camp*: Our Nature Day Camps use teen
counselors to work with the educators and children. There is
an application process. (July/August)
- Nature Store Inventory: A handful of folks are
needed to help count our stock (August 30).
- Public Programs: Weis welcomes skilled amateur (or
professional) naturalists and outdoorsy folks to
propose classes, walks, and workshops they might like to
lead.
- Reception: Friendly folks to meet and greet center
visitors, answer the phones, and/or process Nature Store
sales.
* Programs appropriate for teen/Service Learning volunteers
SANCTUARY NOTES
The Weis Ecology Center gratefully
acknowledges the following people for their help and support
last winter:
Winter Program and Field Trip Leaders: Deb Davidson,
Philip De Rea, Ray Fowlie, Laura Hoogstrate, Penny Nichols-Galvany,
Wendy Rhoads, JJ Rusher, Suzanne Serafini, and Don Weise.
Program Support Staff: Adam, Chuck, Corenna, and
Margaret Blewett; Debi Davidson, Gloria Deane, Ray Fowlie,
Madonna Hayes, Tom Heerema, Laura Hoogstrate, Cliff and Jean
Huntington, Barry Milligan, Lisa Montagnino, Wendy Rhoads,
Evelyn and Teri Rocco, Suzanne Serafini, Mary Jo Sichak,
Jenna Tomiello, Holly Van Dyk, R.J. Weber, Bob Weismantel,
and Don Weise.
Tree Yard Helpers: Dennis Arnold; Blewett Family;
Danielle Capozzi; Philip De Rea; Penny Galvany and Family;
Dave Heerema; Jakki Lerro; Kailyn Hess; Jay Nugent; Lauren
Sidow; Kelsey Wasilewski; Tom Heerema & the Verizon Elves:
Jim Boyce, LeReese Davis, Jay Dunham, Lorraine Valdes-Hyman.
Critter Care Sponsors: Anne Darling, Christine Hatke,
Renee Kornbluth, Ironia Elementary 2nd Graders, Helen Michna,
Jane Simpson, Christine Yap
Technical Support: Bill Boesenberg/Snakes and Scales
(
www.snakes-and-scales.com ), Joe Hayes, Mike Lyncheski
and Al Ligerwood/The Harrier Group, Len Soucy/The Raptor
Trust, and Joe Troy/Green Mountain Experts.
Resource and Display Donations: Estelle Anderson,
Menshen Packaging USA, Reckitt Benckisser, Suzanne Serafini,
Norman Schantz & William Paterson University, Isobel Wayrick,
Rick Weiman.
Trail Maintenance: Estelle Anderson and Bob Jonas (NYNJTC).
Gardening and Invasive Plant Management: Chuck
Blewett and Family; Mike Gaeckle
Business Supporters: Prime 15 Steakhouse, Rick Weiman
& Waldwick Plastics Corporation.
