News from the Friends of Reinstein

Volunteer Picnic Highlights

On July 22, more than 40 volunteers enjoyed food and camaraderie at the annual Reinstein Woods volunteer picnic. Friends of Reinstein provided the main course, beverages and “Reinstein Floats” for all attendees.

Reinstein Woods Center Director Meaghan Boice-Green noted that the volunteer program could not exist without the support of Friends of Reinstein Woods. She noted that in 2013, volunteers made it possible to share nature’s harmony with more than 11,000 children from school and youth groups, and with about 4,600 people at public programs, the fall festival and other events. Volunteers also improved more than 25 acres of forest through Trail Tuesdays and the Garlic Mustard Challenge. Overall, volunteers donated 4,666 hours in 2013, or the equivalent of 2.25 full-time employees!

Brian Engler was announced as the 2014 recipient of the Al Schick Volunteer Recognition Award. Brian has been volunteering since 2010 and is an avid tour guide who also helps promote Reinstein Woods at off-site events.

Joan Scott was announced as the recipient of the Peter Losi Appreciation Award, given to a volunteer who provides service to Friends of Reinstein Woods. Joan is a true “behind the scenes” volunteer, coordinating the Friends of Reinstein’s online newsletter as well as many email announcements about events like the Fall Festival and Earth Day.

At the picnic we also noted two losses in the volunteer family that happened since the last picnic:

• Roy Seiders: For many years, Roy was a tour guide for Saturday morning tours, sharing nature’s harmony with whoever showed up! He was also instrumental in getting the Niagara Frontier Koi and Pond Club involved in building and maintaining the pond next to the education center. Roy was the 2006 recipient of the Al Schick Volunteer Recognition Award.
• Tom Casey: For several years, Tom worked part-time for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation as a “green thumb” employee, helping out with maintenance at Reinstein Woods. He was a member of Friends of Reinstein and was a great advocate for Reinstein Woods, bringing friends skiing in the woods and to the Friends’ fundraisers.

We also noted an addition to the Reinstein Woods family: Program Coordinator Kristen Rosenburg and her husband Chuck Rosenburg welcomed a son, Colin David, last August. We expect Colin will be volunteering at Reinstein Woods as soon as he can walk!