Watchable Wildlife Events
April 2013 | May 2013
April Fool's Day in Nature
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Monday, April 1, 2013 - 10:00 AM
Animals play tricks, too! From concealing themselves with super stealthy camouflage to pretending to be dead or injured, animals use these and other adaptations to survive. Walk through the woods with us as we search for these pranksters. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
CSI: Critter Sign Investigation
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Tuesday, April 2, 2013 - 10:30 AM
Become a nature detective and look for "clues" left by wildlife along the trails. For children ages 6 to 10. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Minibeast Adventure
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Wednesday, April 3, 2013 - 10:00 AM
Minibeasts such as spiders, insects and slugs are all around us-lurking in logs, swimming in swamps, and digging in dirt. Let's get out in the woods and look for them! Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Moose and Their Kin
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Saturday, April 6, 2013 - 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Moose belong to an interesting group of mammals called even-toed ungulates. At this indoor/outdoor study, Five Rivers naturalists will conduct an indoor overview of the natural history of this fascinating species, followed by an outdoor walk to compare and contrast the habitat requirements of moose and their close relatives, white-tailed deer. For directions to the center, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Owl Prowl
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Friday, April 12, 2013 - 7:30 PM
Learn about our local owls, and listen for their calls on a walk in the woods. Program sponsored by Friends of Reinstein to raise funds for purchasing new owl mounts. Fee = $2.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $1.00. For adults and children ages 8 and older. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Misunderstood Creatures
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Saturday, April 13, 2013 - 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Some animals have a bad reputation. Come to this family-friendly program to learn about animals that not all of us fully appreciate. We will use games and crafts and go for a walk to delve into the lives of the not-so-cute-and-cuddly. Parent(s) and child(ren) must accompany each other. This program is free of charge, but space is limited. Please call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, April 10. For directions to the center, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
The Ants Go Marching
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Saturday, April 13, 2013 - 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
How does an ant carry 10-50 times its own weight? Come learn about this and other interesting facts about these efficient family-oriented creatures. We will use games and crafts and go for a walk to see whether we can observe ants marching and catch a glimpse of their home. Parent(s) and child(ren) must accompany each other. This program is free of charge, but space is limited. Please call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, April 10. For directions to the center, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Frogwatch
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Friday, April 19, 2013 - 7:30 PM-9:00 PM
Amphibians are disappearing all over the world and for different reasons. Join us to learn why frogs and salamanders are in trouble and to help us monitor how the frogs in our area are doing. Participants will learn to identify species by their calls and then venture out to survey the number of species heard and the intensity of their calls. Waterproof footwear and flashlights recommended. Call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 for more information.
For directions to the center, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Watchable Wildlife: BRINGING BACK the BLUEBIRD
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Saturday, April 20, 2013 - 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
April is a great time to watch for eastern bluebirds, and Five Rivers is the best place to see them. Join us for a brief indoor ceremony celebrating publication of the new Watchable Wildlife Guide to New York. Afterward, Five Rivers staff will lead a search for bluebirds along the center's "bluebird trail." The conservation challenges eastern bluebirds face will be discussed, and tips on how you can help advance bluebird conservation will be provided. For directions to the center, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Citizen Science: WOODCOCK WATCH
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Thursday, April 25, 2013 - 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Join us for the Hudson Mohawk Bird Club's annual woodcock survey. For several decades, changing land-use practices and other factors have adversely affected the American woodcock throughout the eastern seaboard. But, they're doing fine at Five Rivers! Come see for yourself.
For directions to the center, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Full Moon Nature Walk
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Thursday, April 25, 2013 - 8:30 PM
Join us for a moonlit walk through the woods as we look for nocturnal critters and the planet Saturn during the second full moon of spring. Bring binoculars if you have them. For adults only. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Family Full Moon Nature Walk
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Friday, April 26, 2013 - 8:30 PM
Join us for a moonlit walk through the woods as we look for nocturnal critters and the planet Saturn during the second full moon of spring. Bring binoculars if you have them. For adults only. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
May 2013
Exploring Wetlands: Tillman Road
Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Clarence, NY
Thursday, May 2, 2013 - 10:00 AM
Join a Reinstein Woods naturalist at Tillman Road WMA to explore a variety of habitats while looking for animal signs along the trail. Spring will offer us a chorus of frogs and exciting sights as the wetlands wake up from the long winter. Registration required; call the Reinstein Woods Center at 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to Tillman Road WMA, please visit the Watchable Wildlife - Tillman Road WMA web page.
Citizen Science: The EARLY BIRDER
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Thursdays in May - 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM - May 2, 2013; May 9, 2013; May 16, 2013; May 23, 2013; May 30, 2013
Come celebrate the dawn chorus as we monitor the progression of spring bird migration. Binoculars are helpful but not necessary. In case of inclement weather, these programs will be cancelled. For more information, call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291. For directions to the center, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Family Fun: Outdoors After School
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Thursdays Only, May 2, 2013 - June 13, 2013- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Join us for our weekly after-school outings for gradeschool children. A brief indoor introduction will be followed by an outdoor exploration along Five Rivers' trails, searching for signs of the season. Each week a different nature theme will be featured with a strong emphasis on direct interaction with the outdoors. These programs are free of charge, but space is limited. Registration for any date is required by the preceding Tuesday. Parent(s) and child(ren) must accompany each other. In the event of inclement weather, outings will be cancelled. To register or for more information, call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291. For directions to the center, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Early Bird Walk
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 7:00 AM
The early birder catches the early birds! Search for spring migrants in the morning. Bring binoculars if you have them. For adults and children age 8 and older. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Watchable Wildlife: SNIPE HUNT
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Friday, May 10, 2013 - 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
The snipe hunt is one of America's most celebrated forays into futility. Join us as we search field and fen for a rumor of snipe, the whisper of woodcock and other things that go bump in the night. Bring your own "snipe trap," and dress for outdoor fun. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
To register or for more information, call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291. For directions to the center, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Trail Tuesdays
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Turn your love for the outdoors into rewarding action. Assist with projects to help maintain and improve ecosystems and trails throughout the preserve. There is something for almost every age and ability to help with! Refreshments provided. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Sounds of Spring
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 - 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Listen for the sounds of the season on this evening guided walk. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Family Fun: WALK in the WOODS DAY
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 10:00 AM
Join us for a family-friendly program to learn all about trees and the creatures that depend on them as we celebrate National Walk in the Woods Day. We will go outside for an easy walk and gather some interesting things that come from trees. Then we will head indoors for a craft project to learn more about these giants of the plant world. For directions to the center, please visit the Five Rivers web page.
Evening Bird Walk
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 6:00 PM
Take a walk in the woods to look for and listen to birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. For adults and children age 8 and older. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.
Jewels of the Sky
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center, Depew, NY
Saturday, May 25, 2013 - 10:30 AM
On this guided walk we will search for ebony jewelwings and tiger swallowtails as well as other dragonflies and butterflies that may be in flight. Registration required; call 716-683-5959 to sign up. For directions to the center, please visit the Reinstein Woods web page.