Reinstein Woods to Hold Annual Fall Festival Sept. 21

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 24^th annual Fall Festival at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in Cheektowaga on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can spend the day enjoying nature-based activities, exhibits, guided walks, live animals, and more. The festival is free and open to the public.

DEC Reinstein Woods Center Director Meaghan Boice-Green said, "With almost 300 acres of forest and wetlands starting to change colors, Reinstein Woods is the perfect place to celebrate the start of the fall season."

During the event, visitors can experience the forest on guided walks led by a New York State Forester and Western New York PRISM or join a scavenger hunt to find some of the more than 20 nature and environmental organizations at the festival, including Penn Dixie Fossil Park, WNY Young Birder Club, Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Those attending this year's festival can practice wildlife observation skills at the Wildlife Spotters Challenge and visit with Buffalo Audubon Society's ambassador screech owl. Kids of all ages can become scientists through interactive activities at the Pond Exploration Zone and Science Zone, while also enjoying crafts, face painting, and costumed forest characters. Smokey Bear will also make a special appearance.

Special presentations will be held throughout the day, including a demonstration by DEC Forest Rangers and music by the Buffalo Ukelele Club. Festivalgoers can also enjoy dining on treats available for purchase at the Boy Scout Troop 500 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 Como Park Boulevard in Cheektowaga. The event is free but donations to Friends of Reinstein Woods are appreciated at the door to support the festival. For a complete list of festival activities, call (716) 683-5959 or visit the festival webpage at the Friends of Reinstein Woods website.