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 the staff who will be participating in the field trip, so they are also prepared. 

• Read the pre-visit information and use it to prepare the students and chaperones. You have signed up for an educational field trip, not just a recreational outing. Make sure everyone is prepared to listen and observe!  

• Provide each student with a name tag to be worn on their shirt or the outside of their coat. 

• Chaperones must be prepared to take an active role in assisting with the group.

• Divide the students into smaller groups as outlined in your confirmation letter. It can be helpful to assign each group a letter, number, or color to sort the students into the groups more quickly after you arrive.

How many adult chaperones can we bring?
Schools must provide a minimum of two adult chaperones (and maximum of four adults) for each group of students. Chaperones can be teachers, aides, or parents. Additional staff chaperones are permitted for groups with special needs. Chaperones must be prepared to participate fully in all activities and to assist the guide with some tasks when requested to do so. Chaperones are also responsible for the discipline of the group.

What if our students have special needs and/or disabilities?
Let us know ahead of time if any students in your class 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 conduct guided outdoor lessons rain or shine; however, we will cancel in case of thunderstorms, snowstorms, high wind warnings and extreme heat advisories. Students and chaperones must be dressed for the weather–whatever it may be! Watch the weather forecasts before your scheduled date and encourage parents and students to do the same. Please make every effort to see that students are prepared for any possible weather conditions. We reserve the right to refuse to take any student outdoors who is not appropriately dressed for the weather.

Indoor programs at Reinstein Woods may be available to smaller groups as an alternative to the guided outdoor lesson (for 60 students or less). If the weather is questionable, please call us to check the weather conditions at Reinstein Woods and to discuss alternate arrangements (i.e. indoor programs) before departing from your school. If you decide to cancel your lesson due to poor weather conditions, you must call us at 716-683-5959 at least one hour before your lesson is scheduled to start.

How long will the tour last?
Guided outdoor lessons 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 the bus is running late, etc. The Forest Ecosystems and Winter Challenges lessons take two hours, so plan for additional time for restrooms, etc. unless other arrangements have been made.  

Where do we go when we arrive at Reinstein Woods?
Drive to designated entrance (see map) and have the students remain in the vehicles (bus or cars) until directed to disembark by Reinstein Woods staff or volunteers. The chaperones will also be briefed as to their responsibilities before the students leave the bus.  

What if we arrive late?
Please arrive promptly at the scheduled tour time. If you will be arriving 15 or more minutes late, call 716-683-5959 to notify us. If you arrive late your tour may be shortened to fit within the scheduled time frame, due to staff and volunteer schedules.  

Can we eat lunch at Reinstein Woods 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.  

If your guided outdoor lesson is scheduled during the students’ normal lunch time, please have them eat a snack beforehand so they can focus during the lesson. 

Thank you for your cooperation!  Please call us at 716-683-5959 if you have any questions. We would be more than happy to discuss the field trip with you. We look forward to seeing you at Reinstein Woods!