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

Friends of Reinstein Woods, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), is renting snowshoes and cross-country skis to the general public at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve on several Sundays this winter.

Weather permitting, snowshoes and skis will be available between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on four Sundays: January 19, February 2, February 16, and February 23, 2014. The fee is $5 per pair of skis or snowshoes. Members of Friends of Reinstein can rent for the discounted rate of $2 per pair. Friends of Reinstein will accept only cash on Sundays.

Visitors can also rent snowshoes and cross-country skis during Reinstein Woods’ normal business hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. During regular business hours, credit cards can be used for rentals totaling $10 or more.

Reinstein Woods is located at 93 Honorine Drive, off of Como Park Boulevard in Depew. The nature preserve has several miles of wide, relatively level trails through forests and wetlands, providing an ideal location to try snowshoes or cross-country skiing for the first time. In addition, Reinstein Woods also offers many “Learn to Ski” and guided snowshoe experiences during the winter months. For a schedule of events, visit www.dec.ny.gov or call Reinstein Woods at (716) 683-5959.