NEWSLETTER
Albany, NY - The Albany Pine Bush Preserve will host its annual Night at the Discovery Center on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 4:30pm – 7:30pm at 195 New Karner Road in Albany. Visitors are invited to stop by the Discovery Center after normal business hours to explore, pick up an activity kit and see the exhibits come to life.
Christopher Hawver, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission Executive Director said, “We invite the community to come out and enjoy this free event. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you for your support of this globally-rare ecosystem and National Natural Landmark.”
Erin Kinal, Education Program Director said, “Visitors will meet Pine Bush characters from the past and present and enjoy interactive exhibits, games and more!” Event highlights include live local wildlife programs by Michael Clough from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, historic re-enactors in period clothing that bring exhibits to life and a new exhibit called The Nature of Texture. Kinal continues, “Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Albany Pine Bush Preserve education, prescribed fire and science research crews as you explore the Discovery Center or enjoy some time around a campfire.”
All ages are welcome. This free special event will be held at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road, Albany. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are not required for special events. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more info call 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/events.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE PINE BUSH:
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 eight rare plants and 114 rare 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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