RINGWOOD -- The Weis Ecology Center is hosting a maple sugaring festival on Feb. 22 from noon to 4 p.m. One-hour sugaring tours will leave the visitor center every 20 minutes. Maple products will be available for purchase. Before or after tours, visitors can participate in other festivities, head off into Norvin Green State Forest for a mid-winter ramble, watch the winter bird activity from the observation deck, or browse the New Jersey Audubon Society Nature Store. No registration is necessary; purchase tour tickets the day of the festival, first-come first-serve. The cost is $6 per person, $18 per family (parent/child).

For more information, contact NJAS' Weis Ecology Center office at (973) 835-2160 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday or visit 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood. Visit online at www.njaudubon.org.

Botanical garden presents Winter Walk

RINGWOOD -- As part of its 'Garden Saturday' series, the New Jersey Botanical Gardens will sponsor Winter Walk at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden on Morris Road, on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. A $3 donation is requested. Participants can explore the Garden's trails with members of the Adirondack Mountain Club. The walk will last 2 to 3 hours. It will be a moderate hike, but may include some ups-and-downs and rough terrain. Bring water and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center.

The event is weather-dependent, but snow on the ground won't be cause for cancellation. Participants may wish to bring snow shoes.

For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, call (973) 962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

Trout Unlimited hosts fund-raising benefit

LAFAYETTE -- The Fred S. Burroughs North Jersey Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its annual fund-raising banquet on March 21 at the Olde Lafayette House. Cocktail hour with an open bar will be from 6 to 7 p.m., and dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will be raffles and auctions.

Tickets are $49 per person and $95 per couple; discounted tables for 10 are available for $450.00. Visa and Mastercard will be accepted.

Tickets are available by contacting Dave King at (973) 875-9917, or by e-mail at dking@brittashan.com. RSVP by March 13.