The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) invites the public to participate in Reinstein Woods' 2021 Fall Festival from Thursday, Sept. 16, through Monday, Sept. 20. The festival offers a variety of nature hikes and outdoor program at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in Cheektowaga.

In 2001, Reinstein Woods’ first “Fall Festival” included an event every day of the week, culminating in a ‘15th Anniversary Celebration.’ To provide a safe experience in 2021, Reinstein Woods is going back to the festival’s roots and offering five days of nature activities and hikes.

The festival kicks off Thursday, Sept. 16, with a Fall Bird Migration Hike led by staff from the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. On Thursday evening, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is offering a terrarium workshop. From Friday, Sept. 17 to Monday, Sept. 20, DEC staff and volunteers will lead a variety of nature activities for kids and families, and on Friday, Sept. 17, a DEC Forest Ranger will demonstrate how Rangers use drones to assist with search and rescue efforts. 

A full schedule of events can be found online. While most activities require registration, some do not. To register, call Reinstein Woods at (716) 683-5959. Participants are encouraged to share their experience online using the hashtag #RWFallfest2021, and to follow the festival on Reinstein Woods’ Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds. Reinstein Woods is located at 93 Honorine Drive, off of Como Park Boulevard in Cheektowaga.