This is part of a new series of educational nature videos from Reinstein Woods

Vernal Pools provide an important habitat for insects and other invertebrate animals. You can often find beetles, caddisflies, phantom midge larvae, aquatic sowbugs, and scuds swimming in these shallow pools. Almost all of the creatures in the video live in a vernal pool at Reinstein Woods; can you figure out which one was filmed elsewhere?

Created by Mike Adriaansen.

Stop and Listen

Sit in one spot and close your eyes. Listen to the sounds around you. What can you hear? Try to find the closest sound and the furthest sound.

Download .pdf here

Need help finding gratitude? Consider reflecting on the “Thanksgiving Address” of our Haudenosaunee neighbors.

“Ganö:nyök” in the Seneca language

Video by the Onondaga Historical Society

“Our parks and trails are more important than ever to our physical and mental well-being. To ensure these treasured outdoor spaces stay open, please take the #ParksPledge to keep parks and trails safe for everyone, and urge your family and friends to do the same. Take the pledge here.

I pledge to:
– Avoid crowded areas – if a park or trail is crowded, be ready to change plans. Also, steer clear of places people tend to congregate: parking lots, playgrounds, picnic areas, overlooks
– Practice social distancing – stay 6-feet away from individuals outside of immediate household members
– Stay local – recreate close to home and keep visits short

And, of course, if you’re not feeling well or have any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home. “

Thanks for this Parks & Trails New York!

Relaxing Body Scan

Focus on the sensations in your body. Starting at your toes, slowly move your way up tot your head, focusing on how each part of your body feels in this moment.

The “14 Days of Mindfulness” series is designed to be done anywhere near nature. From within the forest to a window looking out at a patch of blue sky. Take a few minutes each day to center yourself and connect to the natural world around you.

Mindfulness practice doesn’t need to be done in the forest. Find a reflection spot in the sun, near a tree, or even looking at a mossy patch in the sidewalk.

Challenge 14: Go cloud watching!
Take out an easy cloud ID chart from NASA and see what’s gliding by. Think you’ve got the hang of it? Make it a daily contribution to science using the Globe Observer app! Links below:

See Chart Here

Download App Here

Challenge 13: Create a minibeast palace!

You can create a habitat for tiny creatures in your neighborhood using sticks and leaves and even small logs. Check out this tip sheet from the Woodland Trust for pointers.

At Reinstein Woods, our primary concern is the safety and health of our visitors, volunteers and staff.

To limit the potential spread of the Corona virus, the Education Center and bathroom building are closed until at least April 15. If you need to contact us, please leave a message at (716) 683-5959, or email reinsteinwoods@dec.ny.gov.

All publicly scheduled events through April 15 are cancelled. Check here and or our facebook page for building and program updates.

We invite you to share in nature’s harmony on a walk through Reinstein Woods. Our grounds and trails will remain open daily from sunrise to sunset. With 292 acres of forest and wetlands, we offer the perfect location to practice “social distancing” (6′ apart) as you enjoy our trails. You can greet other visitors with jazz hands and a smile.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

-Reinstein Staff