Reinstein Woods - Wild Wednesday

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

Together, kids and their parents or caregivers can enjoy a fun hour-long outdoor activity. For children in grades K-5.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs; call 716-683-5959 to register for an in-person program. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• You must pre-register by phone; you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. *Registration for popular programs is limited to 3 people per party.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Facebook LIVE - Bear-Safe Camping

https://www.facebook.com/watch/NYSDEC/

Tune in for a LIVE Q&A with DEC Biologists Katrina Talbot and Dave Kramer on how to safely camp while reducing the chance of a bear conflict. 

Additional information on New York's black bears >>

Instagram Live - Bear-Safe Camping

https://www.instagram.com/nysdec/

Tune in for a Live Q&A with DEC Biologists Katrina Talbot and Dave Kramer on how to safely camp while reducing the chance of a bear conflict. 

Additional information on New York's black bears >>

Five Rivers: Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

For more than 15 years, data collected at Five Rivers has been contributed to this continent-wide citizen science project conducted through the University of Minnesota. You can join volunteers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in conserving monarchs and advancing understanding of butterfly ecology and migration in general. Wear long pants and bring a sun hat and water. We will meet at the visitor center. Go to www.mlmp.org to learn about the project.

Space is limited and registration is required. Call 518-475-0291 by the Saturday prior to register. 

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Reinstein Woods - Pollinator Full Moon Walk

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

Discover who is feasting on nectar at night as we celebrate Pollinator Awareness Week and the full moon.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs; call 716-683-5959 to register for an in-person program. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• You must pre-register by phone; you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. *Registration for popular programs is limited to 3 people per party.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Facebook LIVE - Seining on the Hudson

https://www.facebook.com/watch/NYSDEC/

Join DEC educators and local college interns for seining on the Hudson! We will be trying to catch fish from the Hudson River using a 25-foot seine net. This is part of a continuing series of seining posts throughout the summer, as a part of DEC'S Virtual River series. 

For more information about the Virtual River series, including educator tools and lesson plans >>

Free Fishing Weekend in New York State

https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/89821.html

During Free Fishing Weekends, anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required! 

All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.

Use NYS Free Fishing Days to:

• Try fishing for the first time.
• Haven't fished in a while? Remember the joy of catching a fish again for free!
• Become an ambassador to the sport; take a friend fishing for the first time.
• Invite a friend to New York to fish.
• Take a spouse or significant other fishing.
• Take the family fishing...and don't forget the grandparents!

Five Rivers: Outdoors Day - How to Do It: Fishing

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Celebrate one of New York State’s free fishing weekends by joining us for a parent and child catch-and-release fishing clinic. Staff from DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife will share information about fishing equipment, techniques, regulations, consumption advisories, and good places to fish. Bring gear if you've got it; we have a limited number of rods and reels available for loan.

Space is limited and registration is required. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, June 23, to register

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Reinstein Woods - Intro to Orienteering

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

Learn everything you need to know to enjoy the multiple orienteering courses in Western New York.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs; call 716-683-5959 to register for an in-person program. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• You must pre-register by phone; you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. *Registration for popular programs is limited to 3 people per party.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Five Rivers: Outdoors Day - Let's Go Camping

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Stop by our information table and learn about camping all over New York State. We will have one of DEC’s recreation specialists on hand to answer any questions you might have and make recommendations.

Social distancing and mask wearing are required. Call 518-475-0291 if you have any questions..

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Free Fishing Weekend in New York State

https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/89821.html

During Free Fishing Weekends, anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required! 

All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.

Use NYS Free Fishing Days to:

• Try fishing for the first time.
• Haven't fished in a while? Remember the joy of catching a fish again for free!
• Become an ambassador to the sport; take a friend fishing for the first time.
• Invite a friend to New York to fish.
• Take a spouse or significant other fishing.
• Take the family fishing...and don't forget the grandparents!

Five Rivers: Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

For more than 15 years, data collected at Five Rivers has been contributed to this continent-wide citizen science project conducted through the University of Minnesota. You can join volunteers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in conserving monarchs and advancing understanding of butterfly ecology and migration in general. Wear long pants and bring a sun hat and water. We will meet at the visitor center. Go to www.mlmp.org to learn about the project.

Space is limited and registration is required. Call 518-475-0291 by the Saturday prior to register. 

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Five Rivers: Family Fun: Bee Curious

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Ever wondered if all bees live in colonies or make honey? What about where they live, what they eat, and what their favorite food is? Come join a Five Rivers naturalist at our curiosity party to learn more about these important pollinators. You will bee amazed by what these insects can do. 

Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, June 30 to register.

Reinstein Woods - Birding by Ear

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

Practice identifying common bird species by ear.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs; call 716-683-5959 to register for an in-person program. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• You must pre-register by phone; you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. *Registration for popular programs is limited to 3 people per party.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Five Rivers: Citizen Science: Annual Butterfly Count

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

We will meet at the visitor center and then head outside to look for and watch the amazing "flying flowers" found at Five Rivers. Join us for a close-up look at common butterflies of the Capital District as we continue our annual bio-survey. Nets (for catch and release) or binoculars are welcome. Space is limited.

Please call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, June 30 to register.

Five Rivers: Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

For more than 15 years, data collected at Five Rivers has been contributed to this continent-wide citizen science project conducted through the University of Minnesota. You can join volunteers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in conserving monarchs and advancing understanding of butterfly ecology and migration in general. Wear long pants and bring a sun hat and water. We will meet at the visitor center. Go to www.mlmp.org to learn about the project.

Space is limited and registration is required. Call 518-475-0291 by the Saturday prior to register. 

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Five Rivers: Family Fun: Scavenger Hunt

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Pick up a scavenger hunt list at the visitor center and head outdoors. Our scavenger hunt suggests fun activities to complete alone or with friends and family. Check the activities off your list as you complete them. Complete at least 12 of the activities and receive a free poster at the visitor center!

Reinstein Woods - Jewels of the Sky

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

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.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs; call 716-683-5959 to register for an in-person program. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• You must pre-register by phone; you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. *Registration for popular programs is limited to 3 people per party.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Five Rivers: Guided Walk: Shadows and Shade

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Follow the Vlomankill upstream and downstream amidst the hemlocks as we explore Fordham’s Crossing and the Vlomankill Trail. What makes this place any different than a hot desert canyon? Could it be the hemlocks casting their cooling shadows?

Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, July 7 to register.

Five Rivers: Summer Programs for Families

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Each summer, the Friends of Five Rivers offer outdoor programs to help parents and children grow in their understanding and appreciation of the natural world through shared activities. Parents or caregivers and children must participate together. Registration is required.

Summer Family Fun is a four-morning program for children ages 2–8, which will be offered July 12–16, August 9–13, and August 16–20. Go to www.friendsoffiverivers.org/  for complete information, including fees and a registration form.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Five Rivers: Monday Funday: Meet the Animals

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Join a naturalist at this afternoon program for children in grades K–5 and their caregivers. Meet some of the ambassador animals that call the visitor center their home up close. Learn about their characteristics, their adaptations, and how you can help to protect New York State’s wildlife.

 Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Friday, July 9 to register.

Five Rivers: Summer Programs for Families

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Each summer, the Friends of Five Rivers offer outdoor programs to help parents and children grow in their understanding and appreciation of the natural world through shared activities. Parents or caregivers and children must participate together. Registration is required.

Summer Family Fun is a four-morning program for children ages 2–8, which will be offered July 12–16, August 9–13, and August 16–20. Go to www.friendsoffiverivers.org/  for complete information, including fees and a registration form.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Five Rivers: Summer Programs for Families

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Each summer, the Friends of Five Rivers offer outdoor programs to help parents and children grow in their understanding and appreciation of the natural world through shared activities. Parents or caregivers and children must participate together. Registration is required.

Summer Family Fun is a four-morning program for children ages 2–8, which will be offered July 12–16, August 9–13, and August 16–20. Go to www.friendsoffiverivers.org/  for complete information, including fees and a registration form.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Reinstein Woods - Insect Exploration Walk at Billy Wilson Park

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

Join us as we explore the pond and fields at Billy Wilson Park for insects that call it home. Note: This program takes place at Billy Wilson Park, Amherst. 

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs; call 716-683-5959 to register for an in-person program. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• You must pre-register by phone; you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. *Registration for popular programs is limited to 3 people per party.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Five Rivers: Summer Programs for Families

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Each summer, the Friends of Five Rivers offer outdoor programs to help parents and children grow in their understanding and appreciation of the natural world through shared activities. Parents or caregivers and children must participate together. Registration is required.

Summer Family Fun is a four-morning program for children ages 2–8, which will be offered July 12–16, August 9–13, and August 16–20. Go to www.friendsoffiverivers.org/  for complete information, including fees and a registration form.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Five Rivers: Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

For more than 15 years, data collected at Five Rivers has been contributed to this continent-wide citizen science project conducted through the University of Minnesota. You can join volunteers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in conserving monarchs and advancing understanding of butterfly ecology and migration in general. Wear long pants and bring a sun hat and water. We will meet at the visitor center. Go to www.mlmp.org to learn about the project.

Space is limited and registration is required. Call 518-475-0291 by the Saturday prior to register. 

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Five Rivers: Summer Programs for Families

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Each summer, the Friends of Five Rivers offer outdoor programs to help parents and children grow in their understanding and appreciation of the natural world through shared activities. Parents or caregivers and children must participate together. Registration is required.

Summer Family Fun is a four-morning program for children ages 2–8, which will be offered July 12–16, August 9–13, and August 16–20. Go to www.friendsoffiverivers.org/  for complete information, including fees and a registration form.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Reinstein Woods - Turtle Walk

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

Discover turtles living at Reinstein Woods on this guided walk.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs; call 716-683-5959 to register for an in-person program. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• You must pre-register by phone; you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. *Registration for popular programs is limited to 3 people per party.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Five Rivers: Monday Funday Explorers: Creek Critters

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Join a naturalist at this afternoon program for children in grades K–5 and their caregivers. Be prepared to get wet as we explore the Vlomankill to look for and examine the critters that live in the water. Please bring closed-toed shoes, such as rainboots or old sneakers. Meet at the visitor center.

 Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Friday, July 16 to register.

Reinstein Woods - Summer Teacher Institute: Day in the Life of Watersheds

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

Summer Teacher Institute: Day in the Life of the Niagara River/Lake Erie Watershed

Dive into watershed STEM, become a certified GLOBE educator, and plan a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience for your students in this immersive two-day training. Participants will be eligible to borrow Watershed STEM kits throughout the schoolyear. For educators of students in grades 5-12. Twelve CTLE hours provided. $25 fee to cover program experiences. 

Register online at https://reinsteinwoods.org/explore/programs-services/educator-workshops/

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs.
• Call 716-683-5959 for more information about this event.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
  
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Reinstein Woods - Summer Teacher Institute: Day in the Life of Watersheds

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

Summer Teacher Institute: Day in the Life of the Niagara River/Lake Erie Watershed

Dive into watershed STEM, become a certified GLOBE educator, and plan a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience for your students in this immersive two-day training. Participants will be eligible to borrow Watershed STEM kits throughout the schoolyear. For educators of students in grades 5-12. Twelve CTLE hours provided. $25 fee to cover program experiences. 

Register online at https://reinsteinwoods.org/explore/programs-services/educator-workshops/

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs.
• Call 716-683-5959 for more information about this event.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
  
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Reinstein Woods - Fairy Houses at Amherst State Park

http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

Join a naturalist from Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in creating a house to attract nature’s fairies. Once you learn how, you can make one anywhere. For children age 5- 10 and their caregivers. Note: This program takes place at Amherst State Park.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs; call 716-683-5959 to register for an in-person program. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• You must pre-register by phone; you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. *Registration for popular programs is limited to 3 people per party.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Five Rivers: Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring

https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

For more than 15 years, data collected at Five Rivers has been contributed to this continent-wide citizen science project conducted through the University of Minnesota. You can join volunteers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in conserving monarchs and advancing understanding of butterfly ecology and migration in general. Wear long pants and bring a sun hat and water. We will meet at the visitor center. Go to www.mlmp.org to learn about the project.

Space is limited and registration is required. Call 518-475-0291 by the Saturday prior to register. 

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.