NEWSLETTER
Albany, NY – Lupine Fest returns this May to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve with a full month of events celebrating the blooming wild blue lupine and the unique beauty of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Taking place throughout May 2026, the festival invites visitors of all ages to enjoy daily programs, hands-on activities, and special events that highlight one of the region’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
With something happening every day, Lupine Fest offers countless ways to explore the Pine Bush. Visitors can join expertly guided hikes, discover wildlife up close, attend science programs and lectures, and take part in creative experiences that connect art and nature. From nature journaling and interactive exhibits to a StoryWalk® adventure along the trails, the festival blends education and entertainment in a fun and accessible way.
A highlight of Lupine Fest is the popular Passport Adventure, which encourages participants to attend events and explore both the Preserve and Discovery Center through self-guided activities. Guests can collect stamps for each activity they complete and earn small prizes along the way, making it easy and rewarding to try something new all month long.
Visitors can also become community scientists by participating in real conservation efforts, shop locally made items at the Discovery Center gift shop, and enjoy unique events like bird banding demonstrations, a fishing clinic, and an evening Nature Night Out featuring live music and local food vendors.
“Lupine Fest is a celebration of everything that makes the Albany Pine Bush so special,” said Christopher Hawver, Executive Director. “It’s an opportunity for people to connect with nature, learn something new, and be part of a community that values and protects this rare landscape.”
Lupine Fest is free to attend, with some programs requiring advance registration. Visit the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center located at 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY to pick up a passport or download and view the full schedule and register for events at www.AlbanyLupineFest.org.
BACKGROUND
The 3,400+ - acre Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP), located in New York’s Capital District, protects one of the best remaining inland pitch pine-scrub oak barrens in the world. This extraordinary fire-dependent ecosystem provides habitat for many plants and animals, including more than 20 percent of New York State’s wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need, such as the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The APBP is a National Natural Landmark, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, National Recreation Trail Site, a New York State Unique Area, Birding Trail Site, Bird Conservation Area, and a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area. Characterized by rolling sand dunes and over 20 miles of trails, the APBP offers visitors many recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is a public-private partnership created by the NYS Legislature in 1988 to protect and manage the APBP and provide the public with educational and recreational opportunities. The Management Plan for the APBP guides all aspects of expanding and managing the preserve. The Commission’s goal is a preserve of 5,380 acres.
As the gateway to the Pine Bush, the Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road, Albany, is a “green” certified interpretive center where visitors come to understand why the Pine Bush is rare and special. A visit to this unique destination is an exciting exploration where learning comes naturally through interactive exhibits, an outdoor Discovery Trail, and numerous programs on the ecology, natural history, cultural history and management of the Pine Bush. Admission to the Discovery Center is free (there is a fee for some programs). The center is open daily weekdays 9am-4pm and weekends 10am-4pm. For more information, visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org or call 518-456-0655.
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