Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
Map of New York
Location	Town of Cheektowaga, Erie County, New York
Nearest city	Buffalo
Coordinates	42°53′23″N 78°43′07″W / 42.88972°N 78.71859°W / 42.88972; -78.71859Coordinates: 42°53′23″N 78°43′07″W / 42.88972°N 78.71859°W / 42.88972; -78.71859
Area	292 acres (118 ha)

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is located near the city of Buffalo in the Town of Cheektowaga in Erie County, New York, USA. Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is a unique 292-acre (118 ha) complex of forests, ponds, and wetlands surrounded by suburban development. The nature preserve features an earth friendly environmental education center and offers a variety of opportunities to explore and learn about nature for people of all ages.

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center is owned and operated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Programs and services

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is a place for individuals, teachers, students, youth groups, and families to enjoy the natural wonders that western New York has to offer. The staff at Reinstein Woods offer a variety of special programs to the public each month, including snowshoe and ski adventures, walks on seasonal topics, and guided tours of the preserve. For schools, scouts, and other organizations Reinstein Woods offers guided lessons, walks, and tours on environmental and natural history topics. Every year Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve has an Earth Day Celebration and a Fall Festival.

Facilities

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified Environmental Education Center was opened to the public in 2007 and features a wildlife viewing area, interpretive exhibits, classrooms, and restrooms. This "green" building showcases many energy-saving features such as natural lighting, water-conserving restrooms and recycled building materials. The Education center is open Monday through Friday 9:00AM–4:30PM and Saturdays 1:00PM–4:30PM. Sundays and State Holidays the Education Center is closed.

The Nature Preserve features self-guided interpretive nature trails which are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Pamphlets and signs help visitors to enjoy nature at their own pace. Several of the trails are accessible by guided tour only.

Wildlife

Leopard Frogs at Reinstein Woods

Many species of wildlife native to western New York can be found at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve including white-tailed deer, beavers, waterfowl, red-tailed hawks, pileated woodpeckers and great blue herons. Native wildflowers, ferns, and fungi are also plentiful. Being surrounded by suburban development Reinstein Woods provides a protected place for wildlife to thrive.

History

In 1932 the land was purchased by Dr. Victor Reinstein for a private nature sanctuary, and by 1960 he and his helpers John Ream, his son Fred Ream and others had planted 30,000 trees, constructed 19 ponds, marshes, and swamps.

The State of New York assumed control of this preserve in 1986, after its donation by the Reinstein Estate. The Dr. Victor Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve was officially dedicated on August 23, 1989.

In 2007 the Environmental Education Center was completed and opened to the public.

Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve, Inc.

Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve, Inc. 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. They provide vital financial and volunteer support for programs aimed at school children, teachers, youth from underserved neighborhoods, and the general public.

The Mission of Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve is to promote knowledge of nature through awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of the unique and diverse environment of Reinstein Woods and its programs. You can find out more information about the organization by visiting their website at http://reinsteinwoods.org/

Location

The preserve is located on Honorine Drive, running south of Como Park Boulevard, which connects NY Route 277 (Union Road) to NY Route 78 (Transit Road).