Lupine FestAlbany, NY – Lupine Fest will return in May 2025 as a month-long celebration at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, offering activities and events every day throughout the month. This spring festival highlights blooming wild blue lupine flowers and the unique ecosystem of the Albany Pine Bush, bringing the community together to explore nature, conservation, and the arts.

Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun adventures, including guided walks, interactive Discovery Center exhibits, and live wildlife experiences. Special events will feature live music, a StoryWalk©, and programs that explore the connection between art and nature. Those interested in conservation can take part in science lectures, a book club reading, and community science initiatives, where they can help collect real environmental data.

The popular Lupine Fest Passport program will continue in 2025. Attendees can collect stamps at different Lupine Fest events or complete tasks for a chance to win exciting prizes. Additionally, the Discovery Center gift shop will offer special sales throughout the festival.

Lupine Fest is an opportunity for visitors to connect with nature, learn about the importance of preserving the Pine Bush, and celebrate the season in a fun and interactive way. To learn more about the festival and register for events, visit 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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