The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the annual ‘Get Outdoors and Get Together Day’ at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in Cheektowaga on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event brings together people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds for fun, healthful activities to connect people to nature and increase access to the outdoors. The event is free and open to the public is one of more than 20 happening across the state as part of a partnership between DEC, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and the Department of Veterans’ Services.

Eventgoers can try geocaching for beginners and practice birding skills on the birding boardwalk challenge or scheduled birding walks led by the Feminist Bird Club and WNY Young Birders Club. Visitors can see more of the preserve on additional guided nature walks at 10 a.m. with Black Girls Hike Buffalo and at 10:30 a.m. with Erie County Park Rangers. A Wellness Walk and Photography Walk are also scheduled during the event.  

Kids will have fun playing a fishing game, creating a bird feeder craft, and joining a nature scavenger hunt. All visitors will enjoy learning Leave No Trace^TM  principles to encourage responsible recreation through an interactive campsite demonstration. DEC Hunter Safety staff will be on hand to answer questions about youth hunt opportunities. DEC Forest Ranger Kennedy will perform a drone demonstration at 11:30 a.m. to show how Rangers use the technology to help with search and rescue and wildland firefighting.  

New York's Get Outdoors and Get Together Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Eventgoers can dine on treats from multiple food trucks while learning more about accessible outdoor activities from Cradle Beach Camp, Roswell Park, Massachusetts Avenue Project, Excalibur Leisure Skills Center, and more.  

Reinstein Woods is located at 93 Honorine Drive, off Como Park Boulevard in Cheektowaga, Erie County. For a complete list of event activities and exhibitors, call (716) 683-5959 or visit the festival webpage.