As the season change (it’s still fall as I write), we at Reinstein Woods look forward to the upcoming Holidays. It seems that the general trend lately by the retail community is to extend the holiday “season” by pushing the end of year holidays earlier and earlier.

Nature has a different way of doing things, and we are reminded of that every day. Nature ignores the commercial rush, instead following its own time table. At Reinstein Woods we are lucky to have the opportunity and environment to witness nature at its best – we simply have to slow down and enjoy it!

I think another way to appreciate nature, and in turn, the holidays, are through the eyes of children. I’m always amazed at the excitement expressed by kids when they explore nature.  That excitement is also expressed during the holidays. But we always ask our children to be patient, waiting for the big day, when we ourselves are busy fighting crowds and trying to grab the best deal. Like nature, it’s sometimes better to slow down and to appreciate the moment.

On behalf of Friends of Reinstein Woods, I wish you joy as you share the Holiday season with family, friends and those you love and care about. Don’t forget we are all part of a larger environment, and take the time to appreciate it.

Share in Nature’s Harmony, 

Mike Gettings, President
Friends of Reinstein Woods

In October, eight Western New York schools participated in the second annual “A Day in the Life of the Buffalo River” event.

With the help of DEC environmental educators, partners and volunteers, more than 150 students in grades 4-12 collected scientific data along the Buffalo River and its major tributaries, creating a “snapshot” of the watershed at one point in time.  Students calculated current speed, measured water and air temperature, observed aquatic life, and investigated water chemistry and weather conditions.

“Providing hands-on experiences for students is something our organization strives to do,” said Friends President Michael Gettings. “This was a great opportunity for area students to connect with this important water resource while practicing skills used by real scientists.”

Many sites had a “river expert” from a partnering organization who shared their knowledge with the students. Partners included the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Buffalo Audubon Society, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, DEC’s Division of Environmental Remediation, DEC’s Great Lakes program, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

When asked about their favorite part of the day, one student said, “Being able to actually go in the river and scoop for fish and living things.”

More than half the students came from schools with underserved populations, and schools used this opportunity to enhance what students were already learning in the classroom.  Additionally, high school students from Buffalo Public Schools’ International Preparatory School served as mentors to younger students participating at their site at Red Jacket Riverfront Park.

Friends of Reinstein Woods’ educator Brittany Rowan coordinates the program, working to educate teachers about the program ahead of time.

“This program was great! The staff was well trained and knowledgeable,” said Carol Clark, a teacher from St. Mary’s School for the Deaf. This was the first time that St. Mary’s participated in the program.

Data from all sites will be shared on a website built by SUNY Buffalo State College students so classes can compare their data with other participants and previous year’s results.

Many people who attended the Friends’ holiday party requested the recipe for a fabulous mystery dessert brought by Valori Victor. Below is the basic recipe that can turn out somewhat differently each time.  Generally speaking, just mash enough of the bottom layer mix into your serving container (a pie pan; a green plastic Christmas-tree shaped snack tray; there are no rules with this dish).

• (optional) Cherry-infused or plain dried cranberries (available where raisins are in the supermarket)
• (optional)  Add a dash of almond extract.

• Raspberries (fresh or frozen) sufficient to generously and juicily cover the bottom layer
• Chopped dates (the amount depends on how many in bottom layer).  I like it when the chopped dates are plentiful in the top mixture because the raspberry juice softens them and a mouthful of raspberries and sweet dates is the best.  Take the scientific approach and taste/add dates in increments.  Feel free to enlist tasting assistants.
• Blackberries (optional)  I like that when I smash the raspberries, the fresh blackberries remain intact and offer decorative options.