Reinstein Woods Volunteer Program
We Need Your Help!
If you have enthusiasm and an appreciation for nature, then you're just the type of person we need. It doesn't matter whether you are an amateur naturalist or just interested in the outdoors; we will provide all necessary training and supplies.
We are looking for youth instructors, tour guides, assistant naturalists, research assistants, trail stewards, outreach assistants, nature photographers, and special events volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and helping out in one of these areas, please fill out a Volunteer Information Form (pdf file, 380 Kb).
Youth Instructor
Youth Instructors are needed primarily to teach pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade students on weekdays in fall, winter, and/or spring. Classes are taught outdoors on a variety of environmental topics such as exploring nature, pond life, and animal signs. The emphasis is on developing an appreciation of nature through enjoyable, hands-on activities. Youth Instructors may also lead tours for boy and girl scout groups year-round. Youth Instructors must be at least 18 years old.
Tour Guide
Tour Guides are needed to lead tours for the general public and other organizations, on weekdays and weekends year-round. These tours are nature discovery walks, focusing on the resident wildlife and plants as well as Reinstein Woods history. If you own cross-country skis, you can lead a skiing tour in winter, or you can use a pair of our snowshoes to lead a snowshoe walk. Tour Guides must be at least 18 years old.
Trail Steward
Trail Stewards will monitor the boardwalk and trails to remove fallen branches, debris, and litter. They may also perform other routine maintenance projects, such as raking and wood chipping and cleaning out trash at the creek inlet. Trail Stewards may also refill and clean the bird feeders as needed.
Assistant Naturalist
Assistant naturalists accompany DEC staff on public programs (weekdays & weekends). They assist by helping to locate wildlife, being responsible for equipment, and making sure all participants are able to share fully in the program.
Outreach Assistant
Outreach Assistants are needed to help increase public awareness and support of Reinstein Woods. Activities may include distributing brochures and flyers, assisting with newsletter preparation, presenting slide shows, and promoting Reinstein Woods at local fairs and festivals.
Research Assistant
Research Assistants assist with research projects at Reinstein Woods, such as Frogwatch USA, bird counts, and vegetation surveys. Volunteers are provided with training and other materials to help carry out research.
Nature Photographer
Nature Photographers provide quality slides, photos, digital images, and video of resident creatures and plants, during all seasons, for public outreach programs and on-site displays. If you are interested in donating your time and talent, you can have the opportunity to capture the wealth of living things in Reinstein Woods on film.
Special Events
Special Events volunteers assist with one-time events throughout the year, such as the annual fall festival. They may help plan, prepare supplies, and/or participate at the event.
