reinstein woods nature preserve

This place is a gem. Lots of ponds for beaver, waterfowl, etc. Lots of deer that aren't very skittish...you can really see them going about their business. The walking trails are wide, flat and well mowed so you have less worries about stumbling or picking up ticks. Probably take a couple hours to walk every single trail. There are some boardwalks over the swamp/water. If you come at dusk, you will likely see the beavers (not far from the parking lot...there is even a convenient bench right by the beaver lodge). Lots of other benches throughout. Without a doubt, one of my favorite nature sites in the area. Only downside is that you can hear the traffic in some spots...this little nature oasis is smack dab in the middle of developed areas.

Take my granddaughters here for picnic and walk every summer. It is always fun and they pretend they are in the wilderness. Paths are easy and there are 14 different ones. Take some peanuts to feed chip monks! Also a camera or cell phone.

This NYSDEC-operated facility is not far from the railroad tracks and the Buffalo airport, but once you are there you feel like you are transported into a natural oasis. About 6-8 miles of flat trails wind through the facility, highlighting different micro-environments. There are wetlands, ponds and forests - including the largest beech tree in New York State. While we were there for a couple hours we saw herons, deer, turtles, and beautiful pink water lilies - all great for the photo buff. There is a nice building with a strong children's education program.