The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 23rd annual Fall Festival at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in Cheektowaga on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can spend the day enjoying nature 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, “This year marks the 20th anniversary of our non-profit Friends of Reinstein Woods, which sponsors the festival. This festival will celebrate that milestone with fun activities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.”

A scavenger hunt leads families on an adventure to find some of the more than 20 nature and environmental organizations at the festival, including Penn Dixie Fossil Park, WNY Young Birder Club, Buffalo Women of Environmental Learning & Leadership (BWELL), and US Fish & Wildlife Service, Visitors who bring a fossil or mineral can visit the Buffalo Geological Society booth to get tips on how to identify rocks and fossils. Live animals will be on display from the Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo Audubon Society and more.

Festivalgoers can practice wildlife observation skills at the Wildlife Spotters Challenge before heading out on a guided birding walk. Kids of all ages will become scientists through interactive activities at the Pond Exploration Zone and Science Zone while also enjoying crafts, face painting, and costumed characters. Smokey Bear will make a special appearance.

Special presentations happen throughout the day, including wildlife talks from the Wildlife Department of the SPCA Serving Erie County, and a demonstration by NYS Forest Rangers. Festivalgoers can enjoy dining on 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 at 9:50 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 1:50 p.m. and departs for the Metropolitan Transportation Center at 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. More details can be found on the NFTA website.

Reinstein Woods is located at 93 Honorine Drive, off of Como Park Boulevard in Cheektowaga. A 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.