Reinstein Woods School Year Education Lessons
Reservations
Call 716-683-5959 for a lesson reservation. Please be sure that the date is acceptable to your group and that you will be able to arrange transportation before making the reservation, as we are often unable to reschedule classes.
Please contact us a minimum of three weeks before your desired date. May, June, and October are our busiest months; call early to reserve dates. Reservations for spring tours are taken after January 1, and reservations for fall tours are accepted beginning in the last week of August.
After making a reservation, you will receive a confirmation letter and pre-visit materials.
Cancellations
If you must cancel your group tour for any reason, please contact us at 716-683-5959 at least one hour before the designated lesson time. We reserve the right to cancel a tour in unsafe conditions (e.g. thunderstorms, high winds). You may call us to check the weather conditions at Reinstein Woods before departing from your school if the weather is questionable.
Lunch Facilities
Full service bathrooms are available; however, there are no picnic facilities at Reinstein Woods. Picnic pavilions and restrooms are available at neighboring Stiglmeier Park (Town of Cheektowaga) on Losson Road. Please contact the Cheektowaga Parks Department at 716-656-2280 for more information.
Guided Outdoor Lessons
DEC staff and volunteers will lead your students on an outdoor exploration of nature. These lessons are taught completely outdoors, last 1½ hours, and are offered year-round (unless otherwise noted).
Exploring the Outdoors
Grades PreK - 1
A close-up look at nature, emphasizing the development of exploration and wonder at the mysteries in the outdoors. Students are encouraged to discover and share the excitement of finding a caterpillar or a chipmunk hole. Hands-on, inquiry-based activities help young children to feel comfortable in the outdoors and to appreciate the beauty and fragility of our environment.
Animal Signs
Grades 2 - 4
An introduction to some New York State wildlife and their habitats. Students will search for "clues" - footprints, gnawed trees, and holes - that animals have left and will use these clues to learn about animals' needs, life processes and interrelationships. Hands-on, inquiry-based activities and natural objects such as animal pelts and feathers will illustrate wildlife adaptations.
World of the Pond
Grades 4 - 8
Students will explore the rich and diverse ecosystem of the pond. After examining the physical characteristics of the pond, students will collect aquatic organisms and observe them closely. The students can then identify these inhabitants of this exciting miniature world and develop explanations about their interconnectedness. Offered May-June and September- October only.
Fantastic Forests
Grades 5 - 8
An exploration of the forest ecosystem at Reinstein Woods. Students will learn about the parts of trees and layers of the forest. Interactive activities include taking measurements, counting tree rings, and describing characteristics of our local trees.
Winter Challenges
Grades 3 - 12
Students will discover how wildlife survive the cold challenges of the winter season by taking a guided walk on snowshoes to search for animal homes, tracks, and other signs. This program is only offered for small groups (maximum 24 students), due to limited snowshoe supply. Offered December- February only.
In-school Programs
A DEC naturalist will bring nature to your classroom in these exciting educational programs, which last about 45 minutes. Maximum of 25 students per session.
Mammals: More than Meets The Eye
Grades 4 - 6
Using skulls and furs from New York State mammals, students will explore how the physical features of different species help them to survive in their environment.
CSI: Critter Sign Investigation
Grades 4 - 8
Examine evidence left by insects, birds and mammals and interpret these "clues" to learn about the lifestyles of local wildlife.
Recycling Jeopardy
Grades 6 - 8
Learn about the three "R's"-reduce, reuse, recycle-and what you can do to help. Then test your knowledge of recycling by playing "Recycling Jeopardy!"
General Information
Lessons may be scheduled on weekdays, for morning or afternoon times, based on staff and volunteer availability. There is a requested fee of $1.00 per student for outdoor lessons and $25.00 per in-school program session (payable to "Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve, Inc."); however, groups with financial limitations may request a fee waiver. Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve, Inc. is a non-profit (501-c-3) organization which supports education programs at Reinstein Woods.
Weather
Students must be prepared to encounter unfavorable weather conditions! Watch the weather forecasts and encourage parents and students to do the same. Please make every effort to see that students are prepared for any possible weather conditions. We reserve the right to refuse to take any student outdoors who is not appropriately dressed for the weather.
Group Size and Chaperones
To provide the most effective outdoor experience, large classes are divided into smaller groups. The maximum size allowed is 15 students for each Reinstein Woods instructor, and a maximum of 75 students per lesson per day. Large groups may be divided over multiple days. Schools must provide at least two adults for each group of 15 students. Adults must be prepared to participate fully in all activities and to assist the instructor with some tasks when requested to do so. Teachers and chaperones are responsible for the discipline of the group.
