The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 25th annual Fall Festival at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in Cheektowaga on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to spend the day enjoying nature activities, exhibits, guided walks, live animals, and more. The festival is free and open to the public.
“We are excited for this 25th festival celebrating all things nature and environment in Western New York,” DEC Reinstein Woods Center Director Meaghan Boice-Green said. “Whether you are searching for a new place to hike or are looking to volunteer to help protect environment, participating organizations at the event provide a wide range of opportunities to learn and explore.”
Recognizing 25 years of the annual Fall Festival, DEC is bringing back some favorite activities, like snowshoeing for kids and the Pond Exploration Zone, where visitors can get up close to pond animals and aquatic plants. Festivalgoers of all ages can also enjoy new activities like a tent-pitching competition. Kids will enjoy crafts, face painting, and costumed forest characters, and Smokey Bear will make a special appearance.
Visitors can explore the forest through guided nature walks throughout the event, including a scavenger hunt adventure to find some of more than 30 participating nature and environmental organizations, including Penn Dixie Fossil Park, Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Western New York Land Conservancy.
There will be special presentations throughout the day, including a talk by Messinger Woods and a drone demonstration by DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers. The Buffalo Ukulele Club will provide lunchtime music for festivalgoers enjoying a picnic outdoors with treats available for purchase at Boy Scout Troop 500's food stand.
Visitors are encouraged to green their transportation by riding the Parks Adventure Bus to the Festival. The bus will arrive at the festival throughout the day. More details can be found on the NFTA website.
Reinstein Woods is located at 93 Honorine Drive, off of Como Park Boulevard in Cheektowaga. An optional donation to Friends of Reinstein Woods is appreciated at the door to support the festival. For a complete list of festival activities, call (716) 683-5959 or visit the festival webpage.
