Springtime is speeding right along. Every day, there are many new things to see. Eastern forktail damselflies have crawled out of ponds and perch on vegetation allowing their delicate wings to dry. Wild flowers and other herb layer vegetation are busy taking advantage of full sun before the tree canopy blocks out light. Black cherries and choke cherries are flowering. Red maple branches are heavy with samaras. Wild flowers such as Jack-in-the-pulpit and dame’s rocket are in bloom. Yellow warblers, Baltimore orioles, Eastern kingbirds, and ruby-throated hummingbirds have been seen around the preserve. The male orioles visit our jelly feeder while taking a break from protecting their territories. A pair of geese have three goslings close by them as they nip the new plant growth along spring pond. Listen for the green frog’s “gunk” call while enjoying the blooming pink fragrant water lilies the next time you are at Lily Pond. Soon, you may see newborn fawns stumbling around the trails at Reinstein Woods.

Are you interested in what’s happening on the trails of Reinstein Woods? Check back periodically for updates on “Nature Sightings at Reinstein Woods”. Feel free to leave a comment below if you would like to add your own wildlife sighting.

The ice and snow have melted at Reinstein Woods, and signs of spring are all around. Quaking aspen and red maples are beginning to flower. Spotted salamanders (pictured) have made their way to woodland pools to lay their eggs. A chorus of spring peepers, chorus frogs, and leopard frogs can be heard along pond edges as you walk through the preserve. Wildflowers are beginning to sprout and soon the forest floor will be green with life. Trout lilies are showing their mottled green leaves. A patch of bloodroot is already flowering, but most of their blossoms remain wrapped in their leafy cloak. Mourning cloak butterflies are seen perched on sunlit logs and leaves on the ground. Green Darner dragonflies have completed their journey north. On warm, sunny days they lay their eggs in ponds at Reinstein Woods.

Are you interested in what’s happening on the trails of Reinstein Woods? Check back periodically for updates on “Nature Sightings at Reinstein Woods”. Feel free to leave a comment below if you would like to add your own wildlife sighting.

Are you interested in whats happening on the trails of Reinstein Woods? Check back periodically for updates on “Nature Sightings at Reinstein Woods”. Feel free to leave a comment below if you would like to add your own wildlife sighting.

There is a lingering snowpack in the forests of Reinstein Woods, and the ponds remain completely iced over. Eastern chipmunks dig through the snow and find their way to our bird feeders. Male red-winged blackbirds return to marshes in the southern part of the preserve. Their “conk-la-ree” calls carry while they set up their territories. The black-capped chickadees song changes to “fee-bee” as Canada geese honk loudly while waddling around on frozen ponds. Turkey vultures spiral north eagerly awaiting what’s uncovered as snow melts. American robins scout thawed grassy areas for worms and other invertebrates. Keep an eye out for frogs and salamanders which will be active soon. Soon the ponds will be filled with the spring peeper’s chorus.

 By Michael Adriaansen

WNY Nature Preserves and DEC Join Forces to Combat an Invasive Plant Species

Scout groups, civic organizations, families and individuals are invited to participate in the “Garlic Mustard Challenge,” a friendly competition to remove a harmful plant from Western New York. The Buffalo Audubon Society, Western New York Land Conservancy, Friends of Reinstein Woods, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have joined forces to improve the habitats of three natural areas by ridding them of garlic mustard. The challenge starts Saturday, April 18.

“Garlic mustard is an invasive species that is harming forests in Western New York,” said Reinstein Woods Center Director Meaghan Boice-Green. “The Garlic Mustard Challenge gets people outside in nature and uses their collective volunteer power in an exciting and effective way.”

Garlic mustard was originally brought from Europe as a source of food, but it escaped from gardens and has invaded forests throughout the eastern United States, crowding out native wildflowers like trillium and Dutchman’s breeches.

Fortunately, garlic mustard is easy to identify and easy to remove by hand, even for a child. Last year, hundreds of volunteers participating in the challenge removed more than 5,100 pounds of garlic mustard. This year, volunteers can sign up to remove garlic mustard at three locations:

• Buffalo Audubon’s Beaver Meadow Nature Center in North Java (Wyoming County)
• DEC’s Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in Cheektowaga (Erie County)
• Western New York Land Conservancy’s Kenneglenn Preserve in Wales (Erie County)

Buffalo Audubon and Reinstein Woods will hold kickoff events on Saturday, April 18 at 11 a.m. Participants will learn how to identify and remove the plant, as well as how the competition will work. Entire groups may attend or send a representative and begin pulling garlic mustard that day. Groups will be welcome to remove garlic mustard as often as they like until the final pull date of Thursday, June 18.

The teams that pull the most garlic mustard throughout the season will win prizes, including a weekend stay at the cabin at Beaver Meadow, snowshoe and ski rentals at Reinstein Woods and more.

The nature preserve that harnesses the most volunteer power will be crowned the “Challenge Champion.” The winners will be announced during an award ceremony on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Kenneglenn Nature Preserve in Wales.

“This is a great way for people to become stewards of their local environment,” said Land Conservancy Stewardship Director Kathleen McCormick. “Everyone’s a winner when we help the land.”

Attendance at the April 18 event is encouraged but not mandatory. Groups interested in participating can call the numbers below to register for each site.

• Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, North Java: (585) 457-3228
• WNY Land Conservancy’s Kenneglenn Nature Preserve, Wales (716) 687-1225
• Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, Depew (716) 683-5959

For more information, contact Matt Nusstein at Reinstein Woods (716) 683-5959 or search for “Garlic Mustard Challenge” on Facebook.

Support Friends of Reinstein Woods during “Spring It On,” a 24-hour fundraising event sponsored by United Way!

 When: 

Kick-off: 8:00 AM on Thursday, March 19

End Time: 8:00 AM on Friday, March 20

 Our goal is to raise $1000 for the continued protection of Ash trees from the destructive Emerald Ash Borer Beetle. You can make your pledge by visiting our fundraising page.

Thank you for your support!
Friends of Reinstein Woods

Explore. Discover. Connect.

Those three words capture the very essence of the “Kids in the Woods” summer camp. Side by side, campers and counselors explore nature all day long, making countless exciting discoveries. By making these discoveries, campers make a personal connection with nature. A sense of joy and spontaneity is paramount to the camp.

Counselors seek to guide and supplement the experience, not dictate it. Our focus is inspiring a sense of wonder in campers and forging lasting connections with nature. We aspire to be role models that teach kids how to love, respect, and have fun out in nature. If we don’t come back as muddy and breathless as the campers, then we didn’t do our job right.

When I designed the camp, I was greatly inspired by explorers, naturalists, and writers. They all had the same message: immersion in nature is a joyous and essential part of childhood. Let me show you how the ideas that inspired the camp translate into powerful experiences.

~ Brittany Rowan, Camp Director

“It is not half so important to know as to feel.” ~ Rachel Carson
“Every child should have tadpoles, frogs, mud, trees to climb, butterflies, pinecones, rocks to roll…”
~ Luther Burbank

“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.” ~ John Muir

“If children are to keep alive their inborn sense of wonder, they need the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”
~ Rachel Carson

“It is a happy talent to know how to play.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Dry words and dry facts will not fire hearts.” ~ John Muir

“The sensory approach is vital for the personal awareness of nature that we hope to achieve. Doesn’t it accomplish more to immerse the campers in nature than to tell them about it?” ~ Steve Van Matre

“When your child comes home messy, your child probably…
Worked with a friend
Solved a problem
Created a masterpiece
Learned a new skill
Had a great time.”
~ Sandy Dixon

“For special places to work their magic on kids, they need to be free to climb trees, muck about, catch things, and get wet – above all, to leave the trail.” ~ Robert Michael Pyle

Greetings from the frozen North!

When my wife and I returned in February from a warm Florida vacation, my initial thought was “are you kidding” after seeing the snowy landscape.  I’m old enough to remember the days when snow was over the roof tops, there was no such thing as wind chill and you stayed outside all day and half of the night. But, this winter seems to be breaking all the records, imagined or otherwise.

My thoughts quickly improved, based on two recent events at “The Woods” which made me adjust my attitude concerning the winter season.

The first event was Winter Wonderland. Not only was the attendance fantastic, over 500 strong, but the families and kids had a great time and enjoyed the outdoors. I didn’t hear one complaint about the weather, the guests had fun, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow painting, ice fishing and watching the rescue dog Jackson perform.

The second event was an evening snowshoeing tour. On a clear 12 degree February evening, five individuals with disabilities who had never used snowshoes had a great time trekking for almost an hour on the frozen trails. Each explorer took turns leading the group, asked many questions and was excited about being outdoors. It was not the participants who got tired; it was me, the tour guide.

I’m sometimes negative about the winter weather, but I’m always amazed at the active winter related activities that I witness at Reinstein Woods. Lots of individuals and families enjoy the winter season here, either for the first time or as a regular customer.  I’m grateful that Reinstein Woods provides these opportunities and that I can play a small role in these worthwhile experiences.

Stay Warm – Spring Will Arrive!!!!!

Mike Gettings

President, Friends of Reinstein Woods

More than 500 visitors celebrated “Winter Wonderland in the Woods” on Saturday, February 7 at Reinstein Woods. Visitors enjoyed learning to cross-country ski, snowshoe and much more. The ice fishing demonstrations, snowball target, live animals and winter-themed crafts were also very popular. Below is a glimpse of some moments from the event.

SPCA Presentation

Snow Shoeing

Amphibious Vehicle – Niagara Frontier Search and Rescue

Niagara Frontier Search and Rescue

Ice Wreath

Snow Sculptures

Friends of Reinstein Woods

Winter Crafts

Winter Wonderland

Snow Sculpture

Winter Wildlife Presentation

Keeping Warm

Snowball Target Practice

Snowball Target Practice

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

Snowman

Enjoying the Trails

Cross-Country Skiing

Ice Fishing Demonstrations

Owl Visitor

Earth Spirit Exhibit

Button Making

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with Friends of Reinstein Woods, invites the public to celebrate “Winter Wonderland in the Woods” on Saturday, February 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in the town of Cheektowaga, Erie County.

“Many people make New Year’s resolutions to live healthier and get out more,” said Center Director Meaghan Boice-Green. “This event is a great opportunity to explore new forms of outdoor recreation in a beautiful setting.”

Visitors can try snowshoes and cross-country skis for free in a demonstration area (weather permitting). Snowshoe rentals will also be available for those desiring a longer snowshoe experience. Children will be able to try snowshoeing (regardless of the weather) and take part in a winter scavenger hunt. An ice-fishing demonstration area will introduce youngsters to this winter sport. Kids also can test their snowball-throwing skills and express their creative side in the snow art area.

After enjoying outdoor activities, families can warm up inside the education center with refreshments sold by Friends of Reinstein Woods. The S.P.C.A. Wildlife Department will present informative talks on wild bird rehabilitation throughout the day, and “Nature Mary” will present an interactive program on “Winter Survival Techniques.” The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will be on hand to help kids make nature crafts while they learn about wildlife active in the winter. There will be door prizes, costumed characters, exhibits and more.

Registration is not required for this event. Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is located at 93 Honorine Drive, off of Como Park Boulevard in Cheektowaga. For more information, contact Reinstein Woods at 683-5959, or visit the Winter Wonderland event page.

As the season change (it’s still fall as I write), we at Reinstein Woods look forward to the upcoming Holidays. It seems that the general trend lately by the retail community is to extend the holiday “season” by pushing the end of year holidays earlier and earlier.

Nature has a different way of doing things, and we are reminded of that every day. Nature ignores the commercial rush, instead following its own time table. At Reinstein Woods we are lucky to have the opportunity and environment to witness nature at its best – we simply have to slow down and enjoy it!

I think another way to appreciate nature, and in turn, the holidays, are through the eyes of children. I’m always amazed at the excitement expressed by kids when they explore nature.  That excitement is also expressed during the holidays. But we always ask our children to be patient, waiting for the big day, when we ourselves are busy fighting crowds and trying to grab the best deal. Like nature, it’s sometimes better to slow down and to appreciate the moment.

On behalf of Friends of Reinstein Woods, I wish you joy as you share the Holiday season with family, friends and those you love and care about. Don’t forget we are all part of a larger environment, and take the time to appreciate it.

Share in Nature’s Harmony, 

Mike Gettings, President
Friends of Reinstein Woods