News from the Friends of Reinstein

Environmental Education Interns Adjust to Changing Environment

Each year, Reinstein Woods excitedly offers individuals a 3 to 8 month opportunity to gain skills in environmental education. Typically, interns participate in training workshops, lead tours, help facilitate summer camp, and expand their knowledge of the natural environment at Reinstein Woods and beyond.

With the unprecedented changes this year, the intern experience has a different intensity. Intern Theo Berenson has focused on developing his skills as a naturalist by taking frequent hikes to work on plant and animal identification.

Theo also has been researching some projects for Reinstein Woods when we are able to return. Theo is drafting a Zero Waste Policy for Reinstein Woods as well as working on developing a “Sensory Walk” for Reinstein Woods visitors who have autism.

Intern Nick Morelli’s “COVID contributions” to education at Reinstein Woods include a “mindfulness walk”- a series of prompts for visitors to the Lily Pond Loop Trail, a new “EcoTinker” backpack for children to borrow once the education center reopens, and a “Bucket List” of Reinstein Woods activities for visitors to achieve over their lifetime!

He’s also presenting a virtual workshop on nature art to Reinstein Woods’ volunteers.

“I’ve learned that adapting to scenarios to meet the needs and accessibility of the public is one of the biggest priorities in wildlife education,” said Nick. “It’s not always what you teach, it’s how you teach it.”