Services Of Reinstein Woods
For more details about any of the following programs, call 716-683-5959 or visit Friends of Reinstein Woods (leaves DEC's website).
Snowshoe and Cross-country Ski Rental
Friends of Reinstein Woods offers snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals. See Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski Rentals for dates, hours and pricing (leaves DEC's website).
Group Tours and Outreach Programs
Guided nature walks and outreach programs for schools, scouts, youth groups and adult organizations are available by appointment. Reinstein Woods is an ideal outdoor classroom for visitors of all ages, and our staff can also visit your school or organization to offer an interactive presentation. Please call 716-683-5959 to schedule guided tours and outreach programs, preferably at least three weeks in advance of the desired date. A minimum of 10 participants (children and adults) is required to schedule a program. For more information about group tours and outreach programs, see School Programs, Youth Programs or Adult Programs (leaves DEC's website).
Day in the Life of the Buffalo River
With the help of local environmental organizations, teachers and their students in grades 6-12 collect scientific data along the Buffalo River and its major tributaries on a single day each fall, creating a "snapshot" of the watershed at one point in time. Students measure water currents, test water chemistry and investigate aquatic life. There is no charge to participate, and teachers receive training, supplies and the opportunity to apply for a free bus to transport students to the study site. The data students collect are posted on the Day in the Life of the Buffalo River webpage (leaves DEC's website) so that classes can compare their results with that of other sites. Contact Reinstein Woods at 716-683-5959 for more information.
Teacher Workshops
Reinstein Woods offers a variety of 3-hour and 6-hour workshops designed to help educators of pre-K to grade 12 students incorporate environmental education into their existing curriculum. These workshops also can be done at an individual school upon request. To request a workshop for your school or organization, contact Reinstein Woods at 716-683-5959, extension 201.
Summer Teacher Institute
Reinstein Woods invites educators to participate in our annual Summer Teacher Institute. Learn how to connect your classroom to the outdoors with hands-on, nature themed activities. This two-day program provides 12 hours of instruction for which in-service or continuing education credit may be available. See the Annual Teacher Institute and Academies page for more information.
Friends of Reinstein Woods
Friends of Reinstein Woods (leaves DEC's website) is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization that supports the environmental education programs offered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Reinstein Woods. They provide vital financial and volunteer support for programs aimed at school children, teachers, youth from underserved neighborhoods and the general public. They also support stewardship projects designed to protect and restore the natural habitats at Reinstein Woods. See the following links for programs offered by Friends of Reinstein Woods:
The following links leave DEC's website.
Service Projects
Service project opportunities are available for schools, scouts, other organizations, and individuals. Projects support the goals and objectives of the Unit Management Plan, and have included invasive plant species removal and construction of deer exclosures to promote forest regeneration.
Scouts Badges
We are usually able to accommodate groups of scouts who are looking to work on a specific badge requirement, for example: tree identification, wildflower identification, birdwatching, etc. If you have scouts who are looking to work on a badge, please inform the staff when you call to schedule a program. You may be asked to provide a copy of the requirements to Reinstein Woods staff prior to the program. We have limited Eagle Scout project opportunities available. Past Eagle Scout projects have included coordinating stream cleanup, constructing deer enclosures, building a composting bin, and rehabilitating trails.
Volunteer Program
DEC is always looking for volunteers to help with leading tours and other activities such as trail maintenance and public outreach. It is a great way to meet new people while helping to protect and promote the Reinstein Woods. For more information, see the Volunteer Program.
Internships
Reinstein Woods offers paid environmental education internships to persons seeking professional experience in the field of environmental education. For more information and an application, visit the Environmental Education Intern Program web page. Educational credit for internships can be arranged with colleges that offer such credit.