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0Adult Organization Programs
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in collaboration with Friends of Reinstein Woods offers exciting environmental education programs including guided tours and outreach presentations for garden clubs, senior centers, social clubs, and other adult organizations.
Guided Tours
Reinstein Woods staff and trained volunteers will lead your adult organization on an outdoor exploration of nature. These programs are conducted outdoors, last about 1 ½ hours, and are offered year-round (unless otherwise noted).
- Please contact us a minimum of three weeks before your desired date. February, May, June, and October are our busiest months; fill out the online request form early to reserve your preferred dates.
- Please be sure that the date is acceptable to your group before making the reservation, as we are often unable to reschedule groups.
- Children are welcome to join adult organization guided tours but must be included in the group size when making a reservation.
- A minimum of 10 participants (adults & kids) is required to schedule a guided tour.
- The maximum size allowed is 20 people (adults & kids) for each Reinstein Woods nature guide. Larger groups can be divided into smaller groups with multiple guides, depending on volunteer and staff availability.
- Guided tour fee = $5/person; Winter Challenges (includes snowshoe rental) = $10/person.
Nature Walk
An introduction to local wildlife and their habitats, as well as trees and plants of the woods. Natural objects such as pelts and feathers will illustrate wildlife adaptations, and visitors are encouraged to use their senses to explore the outdoors.
Evening Adventure
Participants will use their senses while experiencing a walk in the woods in the evening. Learn about animals that are active at night, and the adaptations they use to survive.
Winter Challenges
Participants will discover how wildlife survive the cold challenges of the winter season by taking a guided walk on snowshoes to search for animal homes, tracks, and other signs. Snowshoe rental is included. Offered December- February only.
Adult Organization Guided Tour FAQs
What should we do before we arrive?
- Please reply to the confirmation email to let us know you have received and read all the materials. Forward the email to all who will be participating in the tour, so they are also prepared.
- Read the pre-visit information and use it to prepare the participants. You have scheduled an educational tour, not just a recreational outing. Make sure everyone is prepared to listen and observe!
What if our participants have special needs and/or disabilities?
Let us know ahead of time if any participants have disabilities or special needs, so that we may provide the best possible experience! We can accommodate a wide range of special needs if we know what to expect in advance. If anyone in the group is mobility impaired or uses a wheelchair, we must be notified before you arrive so we can plan trail routes accordingly.
What if the weather is bad?
We will lead tours rain or shine; however, we will cancel in case of thunderstorms, snowstorms, high wind warnings and extreme heat advisories. Participants must be dressed for the weather–whatever it may be! If you decide to cancel due to poor weather conditions, you must call us at least one hour before the start time (716-683-5959 or the volunteer # listed on the confirmation letter, for tours scheduled outside business hours).
How long will the tour last?
Guided tours last about 90 minutes. We suggest planning on about a two-hour time frame, to allow some extra time for using the restrooms after the tour, in case you are running late, etc.
Where do we go when we arrive at Reinstein Woods?
Drive to designated entrance (see map).
- If arriving by bus, send one person to meet the Reinstein Woods staff or volunteers and everyone else remain on the bus until directed to disembark.
- If arriving by car, meet the guide at the pavilion down the trail from the parking lot.
What if we arrive late?
Please arrive promptly at the scheduled tour time. If you will arrive 15 or more minutes late, call 716-683-5959 or the volunteer # listed on the confirmation letter (for tours scheduled outside business hours). If you arrive late, your tour may be shortened to fit within the scheduled time frame.
Can we eat lunch at Reinstein Woods before or after the tour?
There are two picnic tables and additional benches under the pavilion at Reinstein Woods (for small groups of less than 25 people). These are available to visitors first come, first served. There are additional benches nearby and some groups bring blankets to sit on the grass to eat.
Picnic pavilions and restrooms are also available at neighboring Stiglmeier Park on Losson Road for larger groups (five-minute drive from Reinstein Woods). Contact the Cheektowaga Parks Department at 716-656-2280 for more information and reservations.
Please call us at 716-683-5959 if you have any questions. We would be more than happy to discuss the guided tour with you. We look forward to seeing you at Reinstein Woods!
Outreach Presentations
Reinstein Woods staff will bring nature to your group in these exciting educational programs, which last about 45 minutes.
- We request a maximum of 50 people per outreach presentation.
- Other topics may be available by request; please ask and we will see if we can meet your needs.
- There is a requested donation of $50.00 per outreach presentation. Groups with financial limitations may request a fee waiver; contact Reinstein Woods for more details.
Four Seasons of The Woods
Take a virtual tour of Reinstein Woods with this presentation featuring stunning photos taken by Reinstein Woods staff and volunteers.
Native Landscaping & Invasive Species
Learn the benefits of landscaping with native plants and how to discourage the spread of harmful invasive species.
Living Sustainably
Birding 101
From beautiful morning songs to dazzling plumage, birds enrich our environment as well as our lives. Learn how to identify local birds and how to use binoculars and field guides.
What should we do before the presenter arrives?
- Please reply to the confirmation email to let us know you have received the information and share it with all the staff who will be participating in the program.
- Make sure everyone is prepared to listen and participate! The more prepared everyone in the group is, the more everyone will enjoy the experience.
What if the participants have special needs and/or disabilities?
Let us know ahead of time if any participants in your group have disabilities or special needs, so that we may provide the best possible experience! We can accommodate a wide range of special needs if we know what to expect in advance.
How many people can attend a presentation?
There is a maximum of 50 people per presentation. Please contact us if your group size is larger to discuss arrangements.
How long will the presentation last?
Presentations are designed to last 45 minutes but may be adjusted to fit your organization schedule.
Can we schedule more than one presentation for our organization in a day?
- There is a maximum of six presentations per day.
- For multiple presentations in one day, it is preferred to have the presenter stay in one room and have the groups come to them. If the presenter must switch rooms, they will need a minimum 15-minute break between presentations to pack and unpack the program materials.
- If there are multiple presentations scheduled, please provide the time schedule ahead of time so the presenter can plan accordingly.
- Please include a minimum 30-minute lunch break if there are morning and afternoon sessions.
What supplies do we need to provide?
- Our adult organization outreach presentations are typically PowerPoint slideshows. The presenter can bring their own laptop or program on a travel drive as well as a portable projector.
- The presenter will need a screen or blank wall to project on, access to an electrical outlet, and a table for supplies.
- If you prefer to use a TV screen or smart board, let us know if you will provide connection cables (e.g. HDMI cable) or if they need to be brought by the presenter.
What if we need to cancel our outreach presentation?
For last-minute cancellations, you must call us (716-683-5959) at least one hour before your presentation is scheduled to start.
Please call 716-683-5959 if you have any questions. We would be more than happy to discuss the outreach presentations with you. We look forward to seeing you!
Additional Adult Organization FAQs
Can my adult organization volunteer at Reinstein Woods?
We can usually accommodate groups looking to complete service hours with trail maintenance work and other small projects; fill out the Group Stewardship Request Form to arrange a workday at Reinstein Woods. Groups can also participate in I Love My Park Day held on the first Saturday in May; see https://reinsteinwoods.org/events/ for more information starting in March.
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Tours and Programs
We offer lots of opportunities to share in nature’s harmony.
Tour Information
