More than 200 people enjoyed Winter Wonderland at Reinstein Woods this past Saturday.  Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing were very popular activities. Younger visitors particularly enjoyed the snow maze, snow painting, and winter crafts. Visitors also learned about ice fishing equipment, cut holes in the ice, and staged pictures with jigging rods that are used for ice fishing. This was a great event for making the most out of winter. If we missed you this year, we hope you will join us next year!

Friends of Reinstein Woods, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), is renting snowshoes and cross-country skis to the general public at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve on several Sundays this winter.

Weather permitting, snowshoes and skis will be available between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on four Sundays: January 19, February 2, February 16, and February 23, 2014. The fee is $5 per pair of skis or snowshoes. Members of Friends of Reinstein can rent for the discounted rate of $2 per pair. Friends of Reinstein will accept only cash on Sundays.

Visitors can also rent snowshoes and cross-country skis during Reinstein Woods’ normal business hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. During regular business hours, credit cards can be used for rentals totaling $10 or more.

Reinstein Woods is located at 93 Honorine Drive, off of Como Park Boulevard in Depew. The nature preserve has several miles of wide, relatively level trails through forests and wetlands, providing an ideal location to try snowshoes or cross-country skiing for the first time. In addition, Reinstein Woods also offers many “Learn to Ski” and guided snowshoe experiences during the winter months. For a schedule of events, visit www.dec.ny.gov or call Reinstein Woods at (716) 683-5959.