RINGWOOD The Weis Ecology Center offers programs for kids and adults throughout the year, and summer provides plenty of opportunities to get outside and learn something. The center, located 150 Snake Den Road in Ringwood, is offering one-day programs, week-long camps for kids, as well as family events.
For more information or to register, contact the Weis Ecology Center office at 973-835-2160 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Visit them online at www.njaudubon.org/centers/weis.
The Weis Ecology Center is one of nine staffed centers operated by the New Jersey Audubon Society. Specializing in full-day and residential environmental education programs for schools, scouts and other youth and adult groups, Weis is also recognized for its popular public programs for adults, kids and families. The Weis Visitors Center, houses their turtle, snakes, seasonal exhibits and an NJAS Nature Store featuring field guides, bird feeders and accessories, kid stuff, regional trail maps and more.
Eat Your Weeds Sunday, July 8 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Believe it or not, many of the plants that are now considered invasive weeds were originally planted for food or medicine. At times it seems like these weeds are taking over the forest, but we are going to fight back and get to the root of the problem (pun intended) by making a gourmet meal out of those little green invaders. Bring your appetite. $12 members, $15 nonmembers.
Junior Naturalists Summer Nature Day Camp
Wednesday, July 11, to Friday, July 13
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Junior Naturalists Camp includes three days of fun and learning for children entering kindergarten. NJ Audubon helps connect your child to nature by exploring, discovering, and enjoying our forests, fields, streams, and ponds. They maximize outdoor adventures to foster a deeper connection with the natural world through engaging, fun, and informative activities. The environmental educators are highly trained and provide additional educator/interns to maintain optimal teacher-child ratios. $50 members; $65 nonmembers. Preregistration is required.
Wonderers Summer Nature Day Camp
Monday, July 16, to Friday, July 20
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Wonderers Camp includes five days of fun and learning for children entering grades 1 and 2. $130 members only (new family membership is $35). Preregistration is required.
Adventurers Summer Nature Day Camp
Monday, July 23, to Friday, July 27
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday: 4 to 9 p.m. for an evening campfire
The Adventurers Camp includes five days of fun and learning for children entering grades 3 and 4. $130 members only (new family membership is $35). Preregistration is required.
Explorers Summer Nature Day Camp
Monday, July 30, to Friday, August 30
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a field trip to Sandy Hook
Thursday: 4 to 9 p.m. for an evening campfire
The Explorers Camp includes five days of fun and learning for children entering grades 5 and 6. $155 members only (family membership is $35). Preregistration is required.
Medicinal Plant Walks with Robin Rose Bennet
Sundays, July 22 and Aug. 19 2 to 4 p.m.
Discover natural remedies for many of your summer ailments with herbalist and author, Robin Rose Bennet. Scratches, stings, and itches are no match for the plants around us. Each program will cover different plants and topics - come for one or both. $10 NJAS or Community Association of the Highlands members, $12 nonmembers.
Plantable Paper Saturday, August 4
10 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of throwing junk mail, newspaper, and paper bags in the trash, we are going to make our own recycled, seeded paper. Send a card that you can plant! $6 members, $9 nonmembers.
Soaked And Slimy Superhero Summer Nature Day Camp
Monday, August 6, to Friday, August 10
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Is your child a Mad Scientist or a Superhero (or both)? After creating our own superhero (or super-villain) personas, well participate in slimy hands-in activities and learn about natures superheroes. A new camp held for the first time this year that promises to be both exciting and educational, this week is open to youth entering grades 1 through 6. $130 members only (new family membership is $35). Preregistration is required.
Amazing Aquatic Adventure II Saturday, August 11
10 to 11:30 a.m. Beat the summer heat with this cool program. Armed with dip-nets and plastic buckets, well 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. $5 members, $8 nonmembers. Family (parents plus children): $15 members, $24 nonmembers.
Weis Wilderness Survival Camp Monday, August 13, to Friday, August 17, 2012
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Survivorman eat your heart out! This week, campers will learn skills to survive in the wild woods around Weis. Shelters, fires, signals, water; well do it all except eat grubs. A new camp held for the first time this year that promises to be both exciting and educational, this week is open to youth entering grades 1 through 6. $130 for members only (new family membership is $35). Preregistration is required.
Family Campfire Saturday, August 18
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bring your family and friends to Weis for a campfire with amazing nighttime activities, songs, stories, and, of course, smores. $6 members, $9 nonmembers. Family: $18 members, $27 nonmembers
Captain Planets Energy Extravaganza Day Camp
Monday, August 20, to Friday, August 24
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Earth, wind, water, fire ( and heart?)! These powerful forces run the world! Learn how they can benefit - and harm - the plants and animals around us, as well as how we can harness their energy for our use. A new camp held for the first time this year that promises to be both exciting and educational, this week is open to youth entering grades 1 through 6. $130.00 members only (new family membership is $35). Preregistration is required.
Weis Womens Hike Sunday, Aug. 25
8 to 10 a.m. Moderately paced, 2 to 3-mile hikes. Join the ladies of Weis for these early morning hikes to some of our favorite scenic spots! A great way to enjoy some 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 (may carpool to the trailhead if needed). Wear appropriate hiking footwear, dress in layers appropriate for weather, and bring plenty of water. Cost: $5.