Greetings from the frozen North!

When my wife and I returned in February from a warm Florida vacation, my initial thought was “are you kidding” after seeing the snowy landscape.  I’m old enough to remember the days when snow was over the roof tops, there was no such thing as wind chill and you stayed outside all day and half of the night. But, this winter seems to be breaking all the records, imagined or otherwise.

My thoughts quickly improved, based on two recent events at “The Woods” which made me adjust my attitude concerning the winter season.

The first event was Winter Wonderland. Not only was the attendance fantastic, over 500 strong, but the families and kids had a great time and enjoyed the outdoors. I didn’t hear one complaint about the weather, the guests had fun, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow painting, ice fishing and watching the rescue dog Jackson perform.

The second event was an evening snowshoeing tour. On a clear 12 degree February evening, five individuals with disabilities who had never used snowshoes had a great time trekking for almost an hour on the frozen trails. Each explorer took turns leading the group, asked many questions and was excited about being outdoors. It was not the participants who got tired; it was me, the tour guide.

I’m sometimes negative about the winter weather, but I’m always amazed at the active winter related activities that I witness at Reinstein Woods. Lots of individuals and families enjoy the winter season here, either for the first time or as a regular customer.  I’m grateful that Reinstein Woods provides these opportunities and that I can play a small role in these worthwhile experiences.

Stay Warm – Spring Will Arrive!!!!!

Mike Gettings

President, Friends of Reinstein Woods

HOURS:
Monday – Friday 9 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday 1 pm – 4:30 pm
Some Sundays: 1 pm – 4:30 pm Jan. 4 – Feb. 1, March 1 & 8
CLOSED on State  Holidays

NEW THIS YEAR: For parents looking to enjoy snowshoeing with a very young child, we have infant/toddler sleds available to rent for $5.

Cost:
$5 per pair, $2 for Friends of Reinstein members (not a member? Join now!)
Credit cards accepted for sales of $10 or more
Cash only on Sundays

During the Education Center business hours, Friends of Reinstein Woods, in partnership with DEC, rents snowshoes and cross-country skis to use at Reinstein Woods. We have a large selection of snowshoes (fitting small children to large adults). We have a decent selection of adult cross-country skis and a limited number of skis for youth. Rentals are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.

A minimum of 6″ of snow on the ground is required in order to use the snowshoes and skis, and we reserve the right to refuse rentals during inappropriate or dangerous trail conditions.  One renter from each party must be at least 16 years old and leave their driver’s license or non-driver photo ID at the reception desk. Friends of Reinstein members must show their membership card to receive the discount.