Gather the family for October events at Weis Ecology Center

Ringwood — Fall is such a beautiful time of year in our area and Weis Ecology Center has plenty of things to do for families. Here are some of the "quality time" programs at Weis for kids and families. Birds Abound- Backyard Bird Basics and Feeding for Families Saturday, Oct. 1, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Learn the basics of being and feeding wild birds (and not the bears or squirrels). What do birds eat? Why do some birds migrate? How can I attract more birds to my yard? These questions and more will be answered in this class. Participants will then head outside for a short bird walk and observation of the center feeding stations. The cost of this workshop - $5 for members of New Jersey Audobon Society and $8 for non members - can be applied to anything bird related at Weis’s Nature Store the day of the workshop. Fall Foliage Hikes for Families Sunday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, 1 to 3 p.m. These moderate two-to-three mile hikes are slow paced. Join a Weis naturalist for the hikes in Norvin Green State Forest to see the Highlands in all her autumn glory. These are for famiies with pre-teens. Meet at Weis. The cost is $5 for members, $8 for nonmembers. Campfire in the Pumpkin Patch Saturday, Oct. 22, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Have all the fun of a campfire and pumpkin carving without the cleanup. Bring your pumpkins and carving tools to Weis’ dining room to enjoy an evening of family and friendship. After the jack-o-lantern carving is complete, get ready to gather 'round the campfire for marshmallow toasting and stories of the season. The cost is $5 for members and $8 for nonmembers or families who are members, parents and their children, pay $15, $25 for nonmember families. 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, or visit online at www.njaudubon.org/centers/weis. Weis is located at 150 Snake Den Road in Ringwood.