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October 7, 2015Friends of the Pine Bush Community Celebrate Ten Years of Stewardship
The Friends of the Pine Bush Community will host a free special event on Tuesday, October 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. celebrating ten years of work to further conservation and education in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The Friends is a nonprofit membership volunteer organization that works with Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission staff to promote preservation and appreciation of the Capital Region’s globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct Albany Pine Bush – especially through organized activities and programs of the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center.
The anniversary event, at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany, will provide a tour of Center exhibits, the opportunity to meet the Friends of the Pine Bush Community board and Albany Pine Bush Preserve staff and the chance to learn about year-round opportunities to participate in activities that contribute to stewardship and appreciation of the unique natural communities found in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The highlight of the evening is a guest presentation at 7 p.m. by Historian and former NYS Assembly member Jack McEneny on History of the Albany Pine Bush.
Darwin Roosa, President of the Friends said, “Since forming in 2005, the Friends have taken on many significant conservation and education projects that support Commission activities. Among them are providing transportation grants for school field trips to the Preserve, assisting with community outreach events, co-sponsoring lectures, educational programs and exhibits, partnering with local schools on research programs, supporting training for Commission staff, applying for grants and securing funding for scientific study.”
Roosa continued, “In celebration of our first decade, a Giving Match Challenge is currently underway through the generosity of a Friends member, James Suozzo. New memberships and any donations received during 2015 will be matched up to $5,000. Contributions of any size count toward the match. The Friends is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 charitable and educational membership organization. Donations to the Friends are tax-deductible. Memberships and donations may be made by visiting www.PineBushFriends.org.”
Commission Executive Director Christopher Hawver added, “We are fortunate to have the Friends members’ dedication and commitment to the Preserve. The Friends have been a key partner of ours for the last ten years, providing children in urban communities with an opportunity to experience nature and the Pine Bush through the Ticket to Ride program, reaching out to local communities to bring awareness and supporting the Commission’s conservation work to improve the ecological integrity of the Pine Bush for the long term.”
Attendees of the anniversary celebration will enjoy snacks, cider, baked delights, and anniversary cake from Yonder Farms. Participants must RSVP to 518.456.0655 or visit www.PineBushFriends.org and click on Events Calendar or email info@PineBushFriends.org by October 22. Dress is casual and the event is free.
