NJ Audubon president explains reasons behind closing Weis Ecology Center in Ringwood

Despite a series of steps taken by its governing body in recent years to stave off such drastic measures, the Weis Ecology Center will close permanently on Dec. 31.

The New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) has owned the 100-plus acre property located on Snake Den Road since 1994. Many area families are familiar with the ways in which Weis made the Great Outdoors accessible for residents of all ages. Local children have attended summer camp, learned to make maple syrup, and gotten up close and personal with the likes of hawks, snakes, and butterflies thanks to the educational programs presented at Weis over the years. Nature lovers bought bird seed and Christmas trees from fundraisers held there. Hikers enjoyed miles of remote trails and breathtaking views in Norvin Green State Forest from Weis’ parking lot.

And although NJAS President Eric Stiles has assured Suburban Trends that the parking lot and trailheads buffering the northern border of Norvin Green will remain accessible to visitors as long as the nonprofit owns the land, he explicitly stated that every other function of the facility will end with 2012.

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