News from the Friends of Reinstein

REINSTEIN WOODS AWARDED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER BUFFALO GRANT

The $25,435 grant will fuel the Pathways to Environmental Learning Project

Buffalo, NY – Friends of Reinstein Woods received a competitive grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to support a program that will connect local students to their environment and science-based careers. The Pathways to Environmental Learning (PEL) program will connect 10 teenagers at Cheektowaga High School with local community leaders working on climate action, show them job opportunities and empower them to act as environmental leaders.

“It is our duty to equip our youth with the knowledge, connections and resources to strengthen the environmental community,” said Friends of Reinstein Woods President Eric Gallo. “We intend to build pathways for youth from racially diverse backgrounds to engage with their environment and gain the confidence to pursue environmental careers.”

This program will provide personal, face-to-face interactions between students and government and nonprofit staff, increasing the likelihood that students will consider these types of jobs in the future. This Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo grant is a critical investment in stewarding our significant environmental resources and preparing the next generation of environmental advocates.

“The New York State Department Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders to explore exciting and rewarding careers in the climate and environmental field, especially those whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented in these careers,” said Reinstein Woods Center Director Meaghan Boice-Green. “We are excited that this program will build a pathway for local students to connect with DEC and encourage them to pursue careers in conservation, as a diverse and empowered workforce is key to meeting the greatest challenges of our time.”

During the school year, students will meet once a week with environmental professionals, learn about local climate resiliency efforts, and explore and test local waterways. The students will have opportunities to put their new knowledge to immediate use by leading science activities for elementary students in a local after-school and developing and leading an Earth Day community service project.

“We are pleased that this program will connect students with their local environment, introduce them to real scientists working in their community, and broaden their science and communication skills,” said Karin Cyganovich, Cheektowaga High School Principal. “We are eager for our students to have this unique opportunity outside the formal school setting.”

Friends of Reinstein Woods is considering this effort to be an inaugural year for what they intend to be a long-term program. The PEL program will compensate its participants, which allows students to fully commit to the program and attend all sessions instead of seeking other after-school employment options that may not have an educational focus. The grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo ensures that this pilot year will provide the students with ample opportunities and interactions to make the program a success.

About Reinstein Woods:

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is a 292-acre complex of wetlands, ponds, and forest. Friends of Reinstein Woods is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization that supports the environmental education programs offered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Reinstein Woods. We provide vital financial and volunteer support for programs aimed at school children, teachers, youth from underserved neighborhoods, and the general public. We also support stewardship projects designed to protect and restore the natural habitats at Reinstein Woods.

About Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.

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