Maryvale Primary Students to Visit Reinstein Woods as Part of “Watershed STEM” Grant

Cheektowaga, NY – Friends of Reinstein Woods, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is engaging kids in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in afterschool programs at Union East Elementary School and Maryvale Primary School in the Town of Cheektowaga. As part of this grant-funded program, Maryvale students will tour Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve on April 15, 2025. Wetland dioramas made by students will be on display at Reinstein Woods from April 12 – 22, 2025. 

“As our world faces growing environmental concerns, it is important for our students to understand the role that science and engineering play in meeting and overcoming the challenges,” said Daniel Haeusser, President of Friends of Reinstein Woods. “This program provides opportunities for these children to strengthen their math and science skills, while motivating them to consider becoming scientists or engineers.” 

Since January, the students have studied their local watershed as part of a $39,168 “STEM in the Schoolyard: Watershed Engineers” grant from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Education. The eeBLUE 21st CCLC Watershed STEM Education Partnership Grants, administered by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), support organizations working directly with 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). 

Each week through May, fourth graders in the Just For Kids after-school program at Union East Elementary and fifth graders in the YWCA’s after-school program at Maryvale Primary School will enjoy hands-on activities to learn about the Scajaquada Creek watershed. The students have enjoyed acting as “scientists” testing water quality, becoming “engineers” by designing water filters, and exploring how animals like beavers and humans have engineered our waterways over time. The program also aims to connect students with local science and engineering professionals. For example, the students learned how scientists at the National Weather Service predict flooding. 

The public is invited to view the students’ work at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center from April 12 to April 22 (Earth Day). The Education Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reinstein Woods is located at 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY 14043. For more information, or for journalists wishing to join the Maryvale tour, contact Reinstein Woods at (716)683-5959. 

About Friends of Reinstein Woods: 

Friends of Reinstein Woods is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization that supports the environmental education programs offered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center. We provide vital financial and volunteer support for programs aimed at school children, teachers, youth from underserved neighborhoods, and the public. We also support stewardship projects designed to protect and restore the natural habitats at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. 

About eeBLUE

A dynamic partnership between the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, eeBLUE is a five-year, $7 million initiative to provide STEM education, empower communities to tackle climate challenges, reach new audiences, and cultivate environmental problem-solvers. Aligned with U.S. Department of Education goals, students participating in the program have shown notable gains in science and data collection skills as well as understanding of the Great Lake ecosystem and individual impacts on the environment. 

About Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Program 

This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children. The 21st CCLC program is the largest out-of-school program in the nation, serving over 1.5 million students in all 50 states. 

About NAAEE 

For five decades, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) has served as the professional association, champion, and backbone organization for the field of environmental education (EE), working with EE professionals across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as globally, to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more equitable and sustainable future. For more information on NAAEE, visit https://naaee.org.

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Buffalo, NY – Friends of Reinstein Woodsis accepting orders for its annual plant sale which includes plants grown from seeds collected in Western New York. Orders will be accepted from February 1 to February 28, 2025. The sale will raise funds to support environmental education programs offered by Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. 

Nineteen native varieties are available for pre-order, including Virginia Mountain Mint, New York Aster, and Red Cardinal Flower. Many of these plants are not widely available at standard garden centers. The sale also includes limited quantities of several plants grown from seed collected in Western New York. 

“Each year we look forward to this plant sale,” said Friends of Reinstein Woods President Daniel Haeusser. “It’s a great opportunity to pick up new additions for our yard, or to donate to others, to provide beautiful native species for our landscape, and to safely attract and benefit wildlife.” 

Orders may be placed online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/plantsale or by requesting an order form by calling (716) 683-5959. Plants will be available for pick-up on Saturday, May 28, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY 14043. Purchases can also be picked up on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 2 pm to 7 pm. 

For more information about which plants are available, descriptions of the plants, or any questions regarding the sale, please call (716) 683-5959 or visit www.reinsteinwoods.org/plantsale. 

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Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Grant Supports Place-based Great Lakes Education

Buffalo, NY – Friends of Reinstein Woods and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are collaborating to present a Niagara River/Lake Erie (NRLE) Classroom workshop series this January and February. The NRLE Classroom program connects students to their local watershed and the Great Lakes through hands-on, place-based field trips and classroom activities. Friends of Reinstein Woods received a $7,315 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to provide water testing equipment, teacher stipends, and free student field trips for participating teachers.

Ten local educators of students in grades 4-12 were accepted into the 2025 NRLE Classroom program. Participants will attend four workshops to plan Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) for students while also being trained in the nationally recognized Project WET (Water Education Today) curriculum. Teachers will receive a $150 stipend for participating in the four-week program.

Participants will become familiar with water quality testing equipment and protocols before planning their spring field trip. The grant covers all field trip expenses, allowing the new NRLE teachers to provide a free, hands-on science experience for their students.

“We have supported watershed experiences through ‘Day in the Life’ field trips for thirteen years,” said Friends of Reinstein Woods President Daniel Haeusser. “We are extremely grateful for the generous support of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, which allows us to expand our network of NRLE teachers and connect more youth to local water quality issues. There is excitement over this important opportunity to connect broader ecological issues to the local Niagara River/Lake Erie environment.”

Teachers come from six school districts (Amherst, Buffalo, Cheektowaga Central, Orchard Park, Frontier, Eden) and from Cattaraugus Allegany BOCES.   

Media members are invited to learn more about the program during the “Day in the Life of the NRLE Watershed” workshop on January 21. To attend, contact Joann Flores at (716) 683-5959.

About Friends of Reinstein Woods:

Friends of Reinstein Woods is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization that supports the environmental education programs offered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center. We provide vital financial and volunteer support for programs aimed at school children, teachers, youth from underserved neighborhoods, and the public. We also support stewardship projects designed to protect and restore the natural habitats at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve.

About The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo:

For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.

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The $25,435 grant will fuel the Pathways to Environmental Learning Project

Buffalo, NY – Friends of Reinstein Woods received a competitive grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to support a program that will connect local students to their environment and science-based careers. The Pathways to Environmental Learning (PEL) program will connect 10 teenagers at Cheektowaga High School with local community leaders working on climate action, show them job opportunities and empower them to act as environmental leaders.

“It is our duty to equip our youth with the knowledge, connections and resources to strengthen the environmental community,” said Friends of Reinstein Woods President Eric Gallo. “We intend to build pathways for youth from racially diverse backgrounds to engage with their environment and gain the confidence to pursue environmental careers.”

This program will provide personal, face-to-face interactions between students and government and nonprofit staff, increasing the likelihood that students will consider these types of jobs in the future. This Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo grant is a critical investment in stewarding our significant environmental resources and preparing the next generation of environmental advocates.

“The New York State Department Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders to explore exciting and rewarding careers in the climate and environmental field, especially those whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented in these careers,” said Reinstein Woods Center Director Meaghan Boice-Green. “We are excited that this program will build a pathway for local students to connect with DEC and encourage them to pursue careers in conservation, as a diverse and empowered workforce is key to meeting the greatest challenges of our time.”

During the school year, students will meet once a week with environmental professionals, learn about local climate resiliency efforts, and explore and test local waterways. The students will have opportunities to put their new knowledge to immediate use by leading science activities for elementary students in a local after-school and developing and leading an Earth Day community service project.

“We are pleased that this program will connect students with their local environment, introduce them to real scientists working in their community, and broaden their science and communication skills,” said Karin Cyganovich, Cheektowaga High School Principal. “We are eager for our students to have this unique opportunity outside the formal school setting.”

Friends of Reinstein Woods is considering this effort to be an inaugural year for what they intend to be a long-term program. The PEL program will compensate its participants, which allows students to fully commit to the program and attend all sessions instead of seeking other after-school employment options that may not have an educational focus. The grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo ensures that this pilot year will provide the students with ample opportunities and interactions to make the program a success.

About Reinstein Woods:

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is a 292-acre complex of wetlands, ponds, and forest. Friends of Reinstein Woods is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization that supports the environmental education programs offered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Reinstein Woods. We provide vital financial and volunteer support for programs aimed at school children, teachers, youth from underserved neighborhoods, and the general public. We also support stewardship projects designed to protect and restore the natural habitats at Reinstein Woods.

About Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.

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The expanded market will host more than 45 vendors and food trucks

Buffalo, NY – Friends of Reinstein Woods invites the WNY community to its annual Artisan Market on Saturday, July 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This free, rain-or-shine event will take place at Reinstein Woods, 93 Honorine Dr. Depew, NY 14043. This year’s market will feature more than 45 artisans and vendors selling handmade jewelry, soy candles, paintings, photographs and more.

“We are always excited to spend a day at the woods, enjoying nature’s harmony, and this event also lets us support local businesses at the same time,” said Friends of Reinstein Woods President Eric Gallo. “We hope to see a lot of familiar faces and new families come out to support these local artisans, as well as discover everything that Reinstein Woods has to offer them!”

The event, sponsored by M&T Bank and West Herr, will also feature kids crafts, a basket raffle and five different food truck vendors. All proceeds go to furthering Friends of Reinstein Woods’s mission: to promote knowledge of nature through awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of the unique and diverse environment of Reinstein Woods and its programs.

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is a 292-acre complex of wetlands, ponds, and forest. Friends of Reinstein Woods is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization that supports the environmental education programs offered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Reinstein Woods. We provide vital financial and volunteer support for programs aimed at school children, teachers, youth from underserved neighborhoods, and the general public. We also support stewardship projects designed to protect and restore the natural habitats at Reinstein Woods.

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Yesterday, AM Buffalo hosts Emily Lampa and Mercedes Wilson came to Reinstein Woods to learn how to cross-country ski! Educator Mike Adriaansen showed them the equipment and gave them some tips before they got into their skis. Check out the action here!

Friends of Reinstein Woods is hiring a Development and Marketing Associate to work closely with staff and volunteers to promote the long-term financial well-being of Friends of Reinstein Woods. The Associate will be responsible for diversifying the organization’s funding streams and growing our donor base. This is a full- time position. Occasional weekend and evening hours related to special events required.

For details about the job, see the attached announcement. Application deadline: January 15, 2023.