The Lily Pad. Holiday Party Saturday, December 8 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. November The newsletter of Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve

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1 The Lily Pad The newsletter of Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve November 2012 Holiday Party Saturday, December 8 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Chili and soup served at 1 p.m. Santa arrives about 3 p.m. FREE snowshoe and ski rentals. Crafts for Kids - Bring the kids and grandkids! Members are asked to bring a dessert or a side-dish to share. Share the holiday spirit with other Friends members! RSVP by December 6th: Before the Holiday Party Event Join us for a Decorating Party on Wednesday, December 5 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friends members will gather to decorate the Reinstein Woods Education Center for the season! If you are able to help, call Reinstein Woods at Also, MARK your calendars! Winter Wonderland- Save the Date! Saturday, January 26, p.m. - 4 p.m. Join us for Reinstein Woods' annual winter open house! Try snowshoes or cross-country skis for free. Go on a winter scavenger hunt. Take a winter wildlife tour. Make snow sculptures and more! Refreshments for sale. No registration required. For more info call Reinstein Woods Friends of Reinstein Board of Directors Linda Arndt, President Deborah Bach William Boehm Dan Carlson Franklin Collins, Treasurer Teresa Corrigan Melissa Dabb Michael Gettings, Vice Pesident Charles Rauch, Secretary Joe Rembold DEC Representative Meaghan Boice-Green Friends Liaison Michael Adriaansen Office Manager Ann Murphy Newsletter Editor Joan Beaton Scott

2 Contact Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve Nature's Gathering a Big Success About 300 people enjoyed an evening of fine wine, artisan cheese, and an exceptional display of art at Nature's Gathering. This event raised money to support Reinstein Woods' environmental education programs. Friends of Reinstein wishes to thank all of the artists and volunteers who donated their time to the event, and recognizes the following donors to the event: Chateau Buffalo Kohl's Leonard Oakes Estate Winery Niagara Landing Wine Cellars Rich Products Willow Creek Winery Yancey's Fancy Hours of Operation Education Center M - F 9 am - 4:30 pm Sat. 1 pm - 4:30 pm B & B Liquors Cordially Yours Friends of Reinstein Board of Directors Karen Smith Key Liquors Let's Do Wine & Beer Outlet Liquors Premier Wine & Spirits Williamsville TVGA Consultants Village Liquor Store of Depew Winter Program Schedule See insert in newsletter To view schedule of Fall Programs

3 Founding Board Members Recognized at Annual Meeting Four founding members of the Board of Directors were recognized at the annual Friends of Reinstein membership meeting in October. President Terry Boyle, VP Sheila Lazeration, Secretary Mary Losi and board member Mark Lazeration have all reached their term limits and are leaving the board after nine years of service. Mark Lazeration and Sheila Lazeration started as volunteers on the planning committee for the fall festival. Mark served on the board for several years as recording secretary, and Sheila served as corresponding secretary and later as vice-president. Before Friends of Reinstein had a "home," the family loaned their mailing address to the organization so that the group could become incorporated! Mark will continue to serve on the community liaison committee, and Sheila will continue to serve on the nominating committee and at special events. Mary Losi started as a youth instructor at Reinstein Woods, leading school tours with her late husband Peter Losi. She was the first president of Friends of Reinstein, and later served as corresponding secretary and secretary. In recent years she has taken on responsibilities for gathering supplies for many fundraising events. Mary will continue to serve on the fundraising committee and help with special events. Terry Boyle started as a tour guide and continues to lead ski tours today. He was the first vice-president of the Friends group and has shown great leadership as president for the past seven years. Over the years, Terry established the Friends' membership program and the memorial paving brick program (including installing the bricks). He involved his Boy Scout troop with the Woods, and gave countless hours to create fliers, brochures, event postcards, posters, and buttons for the Friends. There has not been a Friends event that Terry wasn't involved with in some way! Terry will continue to chair the membership committee and remain active with special events. Welcome New Members: Mr/Mrs Gary Degener Dr/Mrs Harry Newman Richard Keiser Karen Cool Hank Dowski Donna Michael Lisa Hanna Deborah Bach Kelly Zwak Laura Aughtry Jeffrey & Amy Rybak Elizabeth Baker Seaghan & Caitlin Coleman Dorothy Barker Joan Coleman Jim & Marcia Nixon Beth Lasky We thank all of these members for their leadership and for their combined 36 years of service to Friends of Reinstein! At the annual meeting, two new people were elected to the Friends of Reinstein board: Charles Rauch and Deborah Bach. Charles is a ski enthusiast and an attorney with Hodgson Russ. Deborah Bach has a particular interest in ecosystem restoration and lives in Tonawanda.

4 Lancaster Girl s Love of Art and Nature Raises Funds for Reinstein Woods When 5-year old Katherine Lasky first got the idea to paint rocks from her friend Emily Gammel, she and her mother gathered a bucketful from a nearby stream. They bought some paint and set up shop in their backyard in Lancaster. Almost overnight, rock painting became an obsession for her. She even painted by candlelight at night! So her father set up an art station on their front porch where she spent hours this summer elbow deep in acrylic paint, nail polish and glitter. She sold them around the block for 22 cents each, a price she set and stuck to. And she raised $25, not bad for soon-to-be kindergartener. New Season Brings Big Ideas As fall approached, Katherine changed the look of her art to match the season. On hikes, she collected leaves, flowers and acorns and traced them onto her rocks. And she used them to make fall placemats. Then her dad showed her how to use spray paint to get the image of a maple leaf onto a rock, and everything changed. The Ridgewalk Rocks The fall-themed art instantly reminded Katherine s mother of their favorite October event, the Ridgewalk and Run in Wellsville, NY. The Ridgewalk offers hikes, walks and trail runs to connect people with nature. The family had been going to the event for 15 years. It was the perfect spot to share her art. To make them authentic Ridgewalk Rocks, her theme for the sale, Katherine traveled to Wellsville a month early and gathered 60 rocks and bags of leaves from the hiking trails where the annual event is held. She also clipped ferns and flowers to add color to her placemats. A Lesson in Giving As Katherine continued pressing leaves and painting rocks, her mother wondered how to turn this into a lesson in giving. Then one day on one of her many visits to the Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, Katherine found a sign on a tree saying it was infected by the Emerald Ash Borer. She was visibly upset when she saw all of the trees that were marked with blue ribbons as at risk of falling prey to this invasive beetle. She wanted to find a way to help. So her mother suggested that they sell t h e i r r o c k s a n d placemats at the Ridgewalk for $2 each to r a i s e mo n e y f o r Reinstein Woods. This money could help them vaccinate the trees and spread the word about this unique 292-acre complex of forests, ponds, and wetlands located in Cheektowaga, just a few miles from Katherine s home. Off and Running at the Ridgewalk At the Ridgewalk on Sunday, October 21, Katherine and her family set up tables and signs to display her artwork at the event registration area and at the finish line. She was proud to tell anyone who asked about her artwork, and the trees at Reinstein Woods. And her sales pitch worked! After all of the runners, hikers and walkers cleared the finish line and left for home, Katherine added up her donations. She had collected an astounding $150 for Reinstein Woods, a big accomplishment for a pint-sized tree hugger. A Perfect Ending for Everyone Her family is most proud that Katherine is using her love of nature to support nature. Katherine is simply happy that other people are enjoying her artwork, and that she found a way to help her friends: the animals, flowers and trees at the Reinstein Woods. Perhaps her story can inspire other children to find a way to support something they truly believe in. Katherine presented her donation to the Friends of Reinstein Woods at their annual Nature Art Fundraiser on November 3.

5 Nature Play Area Now Open Those of you who competed in the Animal Olympics at Reinstein Woods' Fall Festival got a first peek at our new Nature Play Area, located not far from the pavilion on the way to Lily Pond. This fun, family-oriented space was developed as a place for children of all ages to experience the joys of being "off" the trail without getting in trouble! The play area melds education with fun and challenges visitors to build a survival shelter from natural materials, test their balancing skills on logs and learn to identify trees. The informality of the space allows those who enter to use their imagination and encourages exploration. AmeriCorps Volunteer Jonathan Roth worked with DEC Operations staff to build the play area, which is open sunrise to sunset seven days per week. Be sure to visit it on your next trip to Reinstein Woods. Campership Recipient Enjoyed DEC Summer Camp Each year Friends of Reinstein awards the Peter Losi Memorial Campership to a deserving young person to spend a week at DEC's Camp Rushford in Allegany County. This year's recipient was Ryan Anderson of Buffalo. Here's what Ryan had to say about his experience: Camp Rushford was a blast! I played zap, predator - prey, and many other games. I also fished and did archery. I didn't catch any fish, but it was still fun. I hit the target in archery 5 times. The scenery was amazing. I saw hawks, sunfish, trout and bass. I also saw a snake. The cabins looked awesome. I caught a water strider at the stream. I also hiked 8 miles. I was very tired, but it was fun. I saw a Jefferson salamander on the hike. Thank you for sponsoring me. Eagle Scouts Complete Projects Two Boy Scouts earned the rank of Eagle at Reinstein Woods this year. Tyler Galenski of Lancaster coordinated efforts to improve the demonstration garden and composting area and to reconfigure a storage shed to make it easier for volunteers to access tools for trail maintenance. Ryan Pietrzyk of Tonawanda coordinated construction of a deer exclosure in the sanctuary area of Reinstein Woods. Deer exclosures encourage forest regeneration by allowing tree seedlings to grow without being eaten by deer. Congratulations to both scouts! Turn your Cans into Cash for the Friends! Recycle and support Friends of Reinstein at the same time! Bring returnable bottles/cans to Cash for Cans and you can donate all or a portion of your deposit refund to Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve. There's no work on your part, you just bring in your bottles and cans and they count them for you. It's an easy way to support Friends of Reinstein. Cash for Cans has three locations: 2990 Seneca Street in West Seneca; 651 Oakwood Ave, East Aurora; and 1785 Abbott Road in Lackawanna (on the corner of Abbott and Martin). Visit the cash for cans website:

6 President s Message Hello friends, Allow me to reflect on what really inspired me to move the organization to where it is today. Under the bylaws, a board member/officer cannot serve more than 3 consecutive terms, thus allowing new leadership and fresh ideas. As a "founding father" I was new to the formation of a non-profit organization and didn't know what would lie ahead. My passion for the living world and for environmental education alleviated any fears I had of what we were up against. I was elected Vice President when the Friends group became a reality. After becoming President a couple years later, things really began to change. The general public benefitted from what the Woods' offered, but we wanted to expand, getting more people and more schools connected. I myself had two young sons involved in scouts, and my efforts were focused on how to make Reinstein Woods more accessible to our surrounding communities. As the organization grew, we became financially able to provide the "tools" necessary to carry out quality education programs for the general public, schools (including inner-city s t u d e n t s ), t e a c h e r s, s c o u t s a n d civic organizations. We are also fortunate to have a trust fund dedicated to Reinstein Woods to use for larger capital projects. As the state budget shrunk, the Friends group has been able to fill in gaps to allow top notch programs and teacher training workshops to continue. We provide educational supplies including books, x-skis, snowshoes, tables, tent canopies, binoculars and other materials that make a visitor's experience a memorable one. However, the waters were not always calm. One memorable event was when DEC proposed opening up self- guided trails in the woods. I had been doing public tours for a few years and folks had always asked, "why can't we just walk the trails on our own?" We needed more folks to use and appreciate the trails to justify state investments in the property, and the Friends group was instrumental in supporting the move to self-guided trails. Years later, with many self guided trails open, we have very happy nature lovers who appreciate this "backyard wilderness" and are determined to protect it. Seeing people and kids enjoying the sights and sounds of the woods - from a croaking bullfrog to a beaver munching on water lilies or cross country skiing on freshly fallen snow glistening in the sun - is what inspired me to serve on the board. Watching a kid's face "light up" on a tour lets me know that I made a difference at Reinstein Woods! I encourage all members to get involved with the Friends to help our efforts to keep the woods accessible for future generations to enjoy. Please feel free to inquire at the front desk as to how you can serve, or contact me at to discuss opportunities. Finally, thank you to all who have volunteered countless hours with the organization! Your efforts certainly show as the Woods has become a must-see destination in Western NY. My hat's off especially to Center Director Meaghan Boice Green and the rest of the DEC staff for their tireless efforts to work with me side-by-side over the years to make a real difference...just incredibly dedicated talented people! I will miss not being on the "front line" of the organization, but I know the folks steering the ship will be moving it in a positive direction! I'll always be a part of Reinstein Woods, willing to help in anyway possible. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Friends "Holiday Party" on Saturday, December 8th. I'll be hoping for snow! Best regards and remember to enjoy and respect nature, Terrence Boyle

7 Thank You Donors Annual Appeal The Friends would like to thank the following who recently donated to the Annual Appeal: Black Walnut ($100): Maria and David Stachura (HSBC matching grant) Kathy Michaels Yellow Birch ($75): Michelle Sanner White Ash ($50): Alfred Dittenhauser K. Lehrer and D. Hodgson Friends of Reinstein also wishes to thank the following people who recently donated: At the donor ($50) membership level or above: Deborah Bach, Terrence and Linda Boyle, Peter and Cheryl Buechi, Alfred Dittenhauser, C. Fourtner, E. Hart, David Kennedy, Kelly Mayer, Dr. and Mrs. Harry Newman, Jim and Marcia Nixon, Norman and Gail Sfeir, Dr. Carolyn Tasa, Michele Sanner. Cash donations: East Aurora Garden Club, Niagara Frontier Koi and Pond Club, Alyssa Schwabe and Lorna Cameron. Materials or supplies: John Raichel- materials for an Eagle Scout project Brian Engler and Meaghan Boice-Green- books Tom Hessler- a framed photo of a deer Frank Sikorski- microscope and office supplies Stu Rubin- two pairs of skis Carol Gettings - kitchen supplies Recycle Your Beauty products at Reinstein! Friends of Reinstein is now recycling a variety of makeup and personal care product packaging waste. The packaging is turned into a variety of new products, and Friends of Reinstein earns funds through a company called Terracycle. Drop off your products any time the Reinstein Woods Education Center is open. Recycle Old Clothes and Shoes at Reinstein Woods Visitors to the parking lot may have noticed a new bright red collection bin for clothing, shoes and bedding. Usable items are sold in a Buffalo store that supports the local homeless population. Other items are sold to markets abroad or recycled into other products, such as running tracks (sneakers) or liners for car interiors (cloth fibers). In the near future, Friends of Reinstein will receive a portion of proceeds for donated items, so your donations will keep usable items out of landfills and help support Reinstein Woods! - Continued on next page -

8 Recycle your Beauty Products at Reinstein Woods Makeup Containers: Lipstick cases Mascara tubes Eyeliner pencils Chap stick tubes Concealer tubes Bronzer cases Eyeshadow cases Soaps and Shampoos: Shampoo bottles Conditioner bottles Body wash containers Soap tubes Soap dispensers Shaving foam tubes (no cans) Face soap tubes Skin and Hair Products: Face lotion bottles/jars Hand lotion tubes Lotion dispensers Powder cases Lotion bottles/tubes Hair gel tubes Hair paste jars We do not accept: Hair spray cans, Nail polish bottles, or Nail polish remover bottles. Thank you for your participation. Winter 2012 Programs ** Advance registration is required for these programs. Please call to sign-up for a program. DECEMBER After-School Escape Thursday, December 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 4:30 PM A one-hour program featuring a fun, outdoor activity. For children in grades K-5. No registration required. Nature Journaling Saturday, December 1 at 10:00 AM Enhance your connection to nature through nature journaling. Join us for a short guided walk, followed by time to write and sketch as a way to appreciate nature and the changing seasons. ** The Reinstein Woods Experience Saturday, December 1 at 1:30 PM Experience the best of both worlds at Reinstein Woods. Explore and learn about our environmentally friendly green building and tour the trails in this guided program. ** Friends of Reinstein Holiday Party Saturday, December 8 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Join other Friends of Reinstein members for a chili lunch, free snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, nature craft-making, and a visit from Santa! New members are welcome. Call to register. Snowbirds Snowshoe Walk Saturday, December 15 at 10:30 AM Not all birds fly south for the winter. Search for our winter resident birds on a guided walk. Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Cross-Country Ski Tour Saturday, December 22 at 10:30 AM Enjoy a leisurely, guided cross-country ski tour through the preserve. Ski rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** CSI: Critter Sign Investigation Thursday, December 27 at 10:00 AM Become a nature detective and search the woods for clues that animals have left behind. ** Introduction to Geo-caching Friday, December 28 at 10:30 AM Geo-caching is a popular treasure hunting game played with GPS units. During this program, you will learn how to use a handheld GPS unit to find hidden geo-caches containing clues for solving nature mysteries. For adults and children ages 8 and older. ** December Programs continued on next page

9 Winter Programs ** Advance registration is required for these programs. Please call to sign-up for a program. Winter Wildlife Snowshoe Walk Saturday, December 29 at 10:30 AM Look for signs of who is out and about in the woods in winter. Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** JANUARY After-School Escape Thursday, January 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 4:30 PM A one-hour program featuring a fun, outdoor activity. For children in grades K-5. No registration required. Snowshoes and Solutions Saturday, January 5 at 10:00 AM Make a New Year's resolution to learn about climate change and what you can do about it! Enjoy a brief snowshoe walk followed by an informative program about the Low Carbon Diet: A 30-Day Program to Lose 5,000 (Carbon) Pounds. Materials fee = $10.00; free for Friends of Reinstein members. ** The Reinstein Woods Experience Saturday, January 5 at 1:30 PM Experience the best of both worlds at Reinstein Woods. Explore and learn about our environmentally friendly green building and tour the trails in this guided program. ** Advanced Skiing Tuesday, January 8 at 6:30 PM Experienced cross-country skiers are invited to join us on this guided ski tour. For adults and children ages 10 and older. Ski rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Frozen Forest Snowshoe Walk Saturday, January 12 at 10:30 AM Explore the beauty of winter woods on this guided walk. Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Learn to Ski Sunday, January 13 at 1:00 PM Learn the basics of cross-country skiing before going on a short guided ski tour. Ski rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Knee-High Naturalists Wednesdays at 10:00 AM January 16, 23, 30 and February 6 and 13 Want to get out of the house with your young child? Join our fun series just for them! Each hour-long session will feature a variety of activities, such as stories, games, crafts and snacks. Participants must sign up for the entire series. For children ages 3 to 5. Materials fee = $20.00 per child; $10.00 per child for Friends of Reinstein members. ** Knee-High Naturalists Wednesdays at 10:00 AM January 16, 23, 30 and February 6 and 13 Want to get out of the house with your young child? Join our fun series just for them! Each hour-long session will feature a variety of activities, such as stories, games, crafts and snacks. Participants must sign up for the entire series. For children ages 3 to 5. Materials fee = $20.00 per child; $10.00 per child for Friends of Reinstein members. ** Winter Wildflowers Saturday, January 19 at 10:30 AM Explore the world of winter plants and see where the spring wildflowers will bloom. ** Moonlight Ski Tour Thursday, January 24 at 6:30 PM Enjoy a leisurely, guided cross-country ski tour by the light of the moon. For adults and children ages 10 and older. Ski rental = $4.00/ person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Winter Wonderland in the Woods Saturday, January 26 1:00 to 4:00 PM Discover the woods in winter! Try snowshoes or cross-country skis for free, go on a winter scavenger hunt, take a winter wildlife tour, create snow sculptures, and more! Kids can make nature-related winter crafts. Refreshments for sale. No registration required for this event. Snowshoeing 101 Wednesday, January 30 at 6:00 PM Learn how to use snowshoes, and take a guided walk along the trails. Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** FEBRUARY After-School Escape Thursday, February 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 4:30 PM A one-hour program featuring a fun, outdoor activity. For children in grades K-5. No registration required. The Reinstein Woods Experience Saturday, February 2 at 1:30 PM Experience the best of both worlds at Reinstein Woods. Explore and learn about our environmentally friendly green building and tour the trails in this guided program. **

10 Advanced Skiing Tuesday, February 5 at 6:30 PM Experienced cross-country skiers are invited to join us on this guided ski tour. For adults and children ages 10 and older. Ski rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Learn to Ski Saturday, February 9 at 10:30 AM Learn the basics of cross-country skiing before going on a short guided ski tour. Ski rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Winter Birding Saturday, February 16 at 10:30 AM Join us as we search for winter resident birds in the woods. You can be part of the Great Backyard Bird Count! ** Cross-Country Ski Tour Sunday, February 17 at 1:00 PM Enjoy a leisurely, guided cross-country ski tour through the preserve. Ski rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Life on Ice Snowshoe Walk Tuesday, February 19 at 6:00 PM Could you survive the cold of a winter s night outdoors? On this guided walk, explore how ice and snow have shaped the lives of animals. Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Winter Wildlife Snowshoe Walk Wednesday, February 20 at 10:00 AM Look for signs of who is out and about in the woods in winter. Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Crunch! Munch! What s for Lunch? Thursday, February 21 at 10:00 AM Many animals are awake and active all winter but what do they eat? Join us as we search for secret stashes of food in the forest. ** Moonlight Walk Saturday, February 23 at 5:00 PM Enjoy a guided walk in the woods as the almost-full moon illuminates the forest and ponds. Bring binoculars if you have them. ** Full Moon Snowshoe Walk Monday, February 25 at 6:30 PM Explore nature at night as we snowshoe along the trails by the light of the full moon. Snowshoe rental = $4.00/person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Moonlight Ski Tour Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30 PM Enjoy a leisurely, guided cross-country ski tour by the light of the moon. For adults and children ages 10 and older. Ski rental = $4.00/ person; Friends of Reinstein members = $2.00. ** Friends of Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve 93 Honorine Drive Depew, NY Non-profit org. U.S. Postage Paid Depew, NY Permit No.19