Dr. Joan Maloof, founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN), will be in Erie County to dedicate the Dr. Victor Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve as the 49th forest in the Old-Growth Forest Network. The Old-Growth Forest Network connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected, publicly accessible forests.

Event:                  Forest Dedication Ceremony

Where:                Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew

Date:                    Friday, September 11, 2015

Time:                    10 a.m.

Directions:          From Buffalo: Take I-190 South to 90 East. Take Exit 52A William Street and head toward Cheektowaga. Turn left onto Union Road. Turn right onto Bennett Road. At the stop sign turn right onto Como Park Boulevard. Look for the Reinstein Woods sign at the corner of Como Park Blvd. and Honorine Drive. Turn right onto Honorine Drive. The preserve entrance is on the left.

Dr. Maloof will present a dedication sign and certificate to Center Director Meaghan Boice-Green in a ceremony followed by a walk to view the Champion Beech Tree (the largest American Beech tree in New York State). Local officials, Friends of Reinstein Woods president Michael Gettings, volunteers and partner organizations involved with caring for the forest are expected to attend.

Refreshments will be served.

DEC Contact Day of Event: Meaghan Boice-Green (716) 683-5959 or (585) 944-0951