We Need Your Help!
Welcome! The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, in partnership with the non-profit Friends of Reinstein Woods, invites you to join the Reinstein Woods volunteer family. Our volunteers provide support for Reinstein Woods' programs in a variety of ways, from sharing nature with adults and children as nature guides, to taking care of our trails and forests, and to helping at special events.
If you have enthusiasm and an appreciation for nature, then you're just the type of person we need. It doesn't matter whether you are an amateur naturalist or just interested in the outdoors; we will provide all necessary training and supplies.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out the Volunteer Program forms (PDF).
Year-Round Volunteer Positions: Note: age requirement is 18 years or older for these positions:
Volunteers Assist DEC Staff at the education center during the day on weekdays and weekends to help with programs, winter ski and snowshoe rentals, and event set-up and clean-up.
Greeters are needed to answer phones and visitor questions in the Education Center. Duties may include copying and folding or helping with basic office needs. Training will be provided.
Nature Guides are needed to lead tours for the general public, civic organizations, school-age children and scout groups during the week or on weekends year-round. Volunteers receive training in nature interpretation, and additional optional trainings are provided annually. (Note: a small fee may be requested to cover the cost of training materials provided).
Special Event volunteers assist with one-day events such as the Fall Festival, Friends of Reinstein Woods fundraisers and other special events sponsored by Reinstein Woods.
Outreach Event volunteers provide information to increase public awareness and support of Reinstein Woods at local fairs, festivals and schools.
Photographers for Events and Programs are needed to provide quality photos during events and public programs at Reinstein Woods throughout the year. We prefer experienced photographers who are comfortable with public interaction.
Friends of Reinstein Woods committees assist the board of directors in raising funds and promoting Reinstein Woods. Committees generally meet on a bimonthly basis. You can indicate your interest in helping any of the following committees:
- Board of Directors
- Development
- Finance
- Membership
Seasonal Positions: Age requirement: 18 years or older. A parent or guardian must volunteer with children under 18 yrs.
Community Service Hours: We offer trail, habitat and maintenance and citizen science projects for anyone seeking service hours during March through May.
Habitat, Trail and Garden Steward: Assist us from May to October. Volunteers help with trail clean-up, invasive species removal and maintenance of compost, herb and flower gardens.
Phragmites Strike Team: Assist staff from May to August. Volunteers learn about and remove an invasive plant species, Phragmites (common reed), from the preserve.
Community Science Steward: We currently participate in several community science projects. We offer a training session for each project, including FrogWatch USA (March-August), Project BudBurst (March-November), Monarch Watch (July-August) and Project Feeder Watch (November-March).
