NEWSLETTER
Albany, NY – The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is thrilled to announce the transformation of its annual Lupine Fest into a month-long celebration, taking place throughout May. This exciting change comes in response to the overwhelming enthusiasm and support from the community, making Lupine Fest 2024 a must-attend event for nature lovers of all ages.
Lupine Fest, previously a one-day event, has grown into a comprehensive celebration of the unique beauty and ecological significance of the Albany Pine Bush. The month-long festivities will feature a diverse range of activities, including guided hikes, educational programs, engaging lectures, special Discovery Center exhibits, a native plant sale, and the new Lupine Fest Passport program.
"We are excited to expand Lupine Fest into a month-long celebration, offering more opportunities for the community to connect with nature and learn about the Albany Pine Bush Preserve," said Christopher Hawver, Executive Director at Albany Pine Bush Preserve. "This event embodies our commitment to environmental education, conservation, and community engagement."
Participants of Lupine Fest will have the chance to explore the Pine Bush's stunning landscape, learn about its unique flora and fauna, and discover the vital role it plays in our local ecosystem. The Lupine Fest Passport program encourages attendees to collect stamps at various events throughout the month, with the chance to win exciting prizes.
In addition to the free educational and recreational activities, Lupine Fest aims to promote environmental awareness and highlight the importance of preserving natural habitats. Through partnerships with local organizations and businesses, the event fosters a sense of community pride and stewardship of our natural resources.
"We invite everyone to join us for Lupine Fest 2024 and experience the magic of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve," added Hawver. "Together, we can celebrate the beauty of nature, inspire future generations, and make a positive impact on our environment."
For more information about Lupine Fest and to view the event schedule, visit www.AlbanyLupineFest.org. Follow on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
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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Click here for photos and full program schedule.
Contact:
Wendy Craney
Communications Director
518-456-0655 Office
518-421-0186 Mobile
518-456-8198 Fax