NEWSLETTER
Albany, NY – The public is invited to a variety of free special guided programs and experiences being held by the Albany Pine Bush Preserve during the month of February. The website AlbanyPineBush.org/discover-the-night contains all the details about this opportunity to explore nighttime in the globally rare Albany Pine Bush.
Visitors to the Discovery Center can experience an extraordinary journey into the geologic history, plants, animals, restoration, human influence, scientific research and protection of the globally rare Albany Pine Bush. People can also explore the preserve website from home for videos about local wildlife, storytelling, community history and more. Photography tutorials, downloadable activities and nature craft instructions are also available.
Executive Director, Christopher Hawver said, “Our team of remarkable educators have worked hard to provide programs and special activities that are safe and fun learning experiences. Discover the Night is an exceptional educational resource for adults, families and teachers who are searching for ways to engage with us and the natural world. We encourage everyone to explore some of the areas that interest you and discover all that is extraordinary about the Albany Pine Bush.”
A free Discover the Night activity kit will be available for pick up February 19-25 at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center. While supplies last. The Discovery Center is located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany and is open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm. For more information about Discover the Night, trails and other programs visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org or call 518-456-0655.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE ALBANY 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 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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Contact:
Wendy Craney
Communications Director