Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is seeking partnerships with local environmental organizations and volunteers for our annual "A Day in the Life of the Niagara River/Lake Erie Watershed.” This one-day event gets local schools to sites along rivers and creeks for hands-on scientific discovery in water chemistry, physical measurements, flora and fauna, and more. 

About the event:  

• The event is on the first Thursday of October from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 

• Teachers bring a research team of 10-30 students to local water access sites to collect water quality data. See "Know your sampling site" below for our most commonly used sites.

• Students typically work in small groups and rotate between 5-9 stations. See "Learn/Practice Sampling Procedures" below for station activities for different grade levels.

Role of community partners and Reinstein Woods volunteers:

• Partners and volunteers are invited to share their knowledge, interest, and expertise with students: such as aquatic flora and fauna, water chemistry, history of the waterway, pollution, restoration efforts, Great Lakes issues, invasive species, etc.

• Partners may bring their own equipment and/or props such as maps or displays. Reinstein Woods provides all essential equipment.

• Partners and volunteers assist the teacher and students with the activities. Teachers have received extensive training and are familiar with each activity. Typically, a partner or volunteer works at one station throughout the event.