For Educators

Educator Workshops

REINSTEIN WOODS TEACHER WORKSHOPS

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in partnership with Friends of Reinstein Woods, offers a variety of professional development opportunities for teachers. These 3-hour to 6-hour workshops are designed to help educators incorporate environmental education into their existing curriculum. Workshops also can be done at an individual school upon request. In addition to the workshops below, you can also check DEC’s Upcoming Educator Workshops schedule for workshops at Reinstein Woods and other locations. For more information about educator workshops, contact Reinstein Woods at 716-683-5959.

Reinstein Woods sends out quarterly emails announcing upcoming workshops and other opportunities for teachers. To request that you be added to the list, send an email to:  teachered@reinsteinwoods.org. (We recommend using a personal email address since many school districts block bulk emails).

We also have multiple activity bins for educators to borrow. Find out more on our Educator Resources page

2024 “Beyond the Field Trip” Educator Workshops at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
These workshops will help educators develop meaningful environmental experiences for students through pre- and post-field trip activities designed to support Reinstein Woods field trips. The workshops are useful for teachers who already bring students to Reinstein Woods or aspire to do so in the future.
Exploring the Outdoors with Project Learning Tree
Tuesday, March 12 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM
For educators of students in preK to 2nd Grade
Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an interdisciplinary, hands-on curriculum that uses the forest as a window on the world. Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood provides an introduction to environmental education, encouraging children ages 3 to 6 to explore, discover and communicate in expressive ways. With over 130 experiences that engage young children in outdoor exploration and play, it’s no wonder Learning® Magazine chose PLT’s Early Childhood guide as a Teachers’ Choice Award winner! 2 CTLE credit hours provided. 

Animal Investigations with Project WILD 
Wednesday, March 20 from 4:00-8:00 PM
For educators of students in grades 2-8

Turn your “Animal Investigations” field trip into a meaningful learning experience for students with Project WILD activities! Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program that focuses on wildlife and habitat. The goal of Project WILD is to develop awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment. The Guide includes Field Investigation Activities, In Step with STEM Activity Extensions, WILD Work Career Connections, and Outdoor Components.

World of the Pond with Aquatic WILD
Tuesday, April 23 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM
For educators of students in grades 3-8
Turn your “World of the Pond” field trip into a meaningful experience for students with Aquatic WILD activities!  Aquatic WILD is an award-winning education program focused on wildlife ecosystems. The new activity guide includes STEM extensions and career connections, as well as field investigations. It correlates to NGSS and Common Core ELA standards. Participants receive a free activity guide. 4 CTLE credit hours provided. 

Summer Teacher Institute

Save the Date: August 6-8, 2024

Past Summer Teacher Institute Resources 

Please visit past institutes to view resources:

Please visit Schoolyard Institute Resources to view some of 2014’s Institute resources.