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May 6, 2022Albany Pine Bush Lupine Fest 2022
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission rejoices in the arrival of spring with their annual Lupine Fest for the local community, held at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road in the City of Albany on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 10AM to 4PM.
Wild blue lupine is a beautiful native wildflower that blooms in May and June and is critical to the survival of the state and federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. Through interactive programs that showcase the globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct Albany Pine Bush, the festival celebrates the annual blooming of wild blue lupine flowers in the pine barrens.
“This free event offers visitors a chance to connect with us and enjoy many different activities,” said Jackie Citriniti, 2022 Lupine Fest Coordinator. “The day will feature something for all ages, including a fun day of music, games, craft and food vendors, a make your own tie-dye shirt, live local wildlife programs, guided nature walks with our expert staff, and much more!” Citriniti continues, “We’re celebrating spring again this year with a StoryWalk®. Families can walk, jump or skip from page to page as they read the book Over in the Forest along the trail.”
Christopher Hawver, Executive Director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission said, “Rain or shine – Lupine Fest 2022 will offer fantastic family fun for everyone. Guests can meet many of the preserve’s friends and partners like representatives from Friends of the Pine Bush Community, L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, the Albany Library, Save the Pine Bush and others.”
According to Hawver, “The Albany Pine Bush is a National Natural Landmark and the best remaining example of an inland pitch pine – scrub oak pine barrens in the world. The Preserve’s 3,400 acres are also a unique part of a neighborhood we share with nearly 1 million people in the Capital District. We manage the preserve to restore and protect its plants and animals and provide our neighbors with opportunities to enjoy nature. It’s important to celebrate how it helps to bring people closer to nature and why it’s worthy of protection.”
Like Albany Pine Bush on Facebook or visit www.AlbanyLupineFest.org for the full program schedule and more details. Parking for Lupine Fest is at 302 Washington Avenue Ext. with shuttle rides to and from the parking area. Follow the PARKING signs. On-site handicap parking available. No pets allowed at this event.
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, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Site, a New York State Unique Area and 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, weekends and most holidays 10am-4pm. For more information, visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org or call 518-456-0655.
Lupine Fest is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Grant program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Arts Center of the Capital Region.
Click here for photos and full program schedule.
