NEWSLETTER
Celebrating 40 Years of Reinstein Woods
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 26th annual Fall Festival at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center in Cheektowaga on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to spend the day enjoying nature activities, exhibits, guided walks, live animals, and more. The festival is free and open to the public.
“In 1986, Dr. Reinstein’s estate and Julia Boyer Reinstein donated approximately 270 acres of land to DEC to create Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve,” Reinstein Woods Center Director Kristen Rosenburg said. “We are excited to celebrate 40 years of Reinstein Woods by inviting the public for a celebration of the start of the fall season.”
Friends of Reinstein Woods Board President Daniel Haeusser said, "Each year we look forward to everyone from the community coming together at Reinstein Woods, ushering in the fall season as the leaves begin to change and the air crisps. Everyone is welcome here to enjoy nature. Thank you to NFTA Parks Adventure Bus who helps make this truly available for all."
Visitors can experience the woods on guided walks led by a DEC Forester, the Buffalo Ornithological Society, and the WNY Young Birders Club. A scavenger hunt leads families on an adventure to find some of the more than 20 nature and environmental organizations at the festival, including Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve, Western New York Land Conservancy, Erie County Soil & Water Conservation District, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Festivalgoers can practice bird observation skills at the Spotting Scope station and visit with Buffalo Audubon Society’s ambassador Eastern Screech-Owl. Kids of all ages can enjoy crafts, face painting, and costumed forest characters.
Special presentations happen throughout the day, including a drone demonstration by a DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officer and musical entertainment. Festivalgoers can purchase treats available at Boy Scout Troop 500’s food stand.
Visitors are encouraged to green their transportation by riding the Parks Adventure Bus to the festival. The bus will arrive at the festival throughout the day. More details can be found on the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority website.
Reinstein Woods is located at 93 Honorine Drive, off Como Park Boulevard in Cheektowaga. For a complete list of festival activities, call 716-683-5959 or visit the festival webpage.
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