News
May 29, 2015Pine Bush Discovery Center June and July 2015 Program Schedule
Whip-poor-will
Tuesday June 2, 2015, 8:30am- 11:00am
What’s a Whip-poor-will? A nocturnal bird that is classified in the family of Nightjars. Join in on the fun as we record as many whip-poor-wills as we can hear in the Pine Bush. We will meet at the Discovery Center for a short indoor presentation and then divide into groups to head out into the preserve. We will caravan to different trailheads. Participants much provide their own transportation. We plan to walk approximately one-mile. Ages 14+
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: Free! Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
Silent Auction & Student Research Symposium
Thursday June 4, 2015, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Please join the Friends of the Pine Bush Community and the Farnsworth Middle School’s Pine Bush Project on June 4th from 7PM- 8PM at the Discovery Center for an evening of enjoyable presentations and a chance to bid on some fabulous silent auction items. Students from Farnsworth’s Hiawatha 7 Team will share the results of their work and the work of the FMS Pine Bush Project including spanning more than 15 years of restoration work in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The silent auction will feature a variety of choice items with all proceeds going to support the Pine Bush Project and the FMS Organic Garden. Don’t miss your chance to support the kids at this free event, and hopefully pick up some bargains at the same time.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: Free! Registration not required.
First Friday Hike: Intro to Wild Edibles
Friday June 5, 2015, 12:00pm- 12:45pm
Did you ever wonder about wild edible plants in the Pine Bush? Join us for an introductory glance into the existence of wild edibles right here in the Pine Bush. Collecting and picking are not permitted in the preserve but join us to expand your knowledge. We will begin with an indoor presentation followed by an approximately one-half mile hike to search for wild edibles along the trail. Ages 16+
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: Free! Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
Karner Blue Butterfly Walk
Sunday June 7, 2015, 1:00pm- 2:30pm
Sunday June 28, 2015, 1:00pm- 2:30pm
Don’t miss this chance to join Albany Pine Bush staff on a 0.9 mile hike in the Pine Bush Preserve to see the rare Karner blue butterfly. Once common in the glacial Lake Albany sand belt, the Karner blue has plummeted in numbers over the past 40 years and is now listed as a federally endangered species. Come learn about the natural history of the Karner blue and what efforts are underway to rescue this species from the brink of extinction. Ages 15+
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs free. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
Insect Investigation
Saturday June 13, 2015, 11:00am- 12:30pm
They fly, they wiggle, they crawl, and they leap. It’s the amazing world of insects! This is a family friendly hike to investigate the different types of insects that live here in the Pine Bush. There will be opportunities for hands on activities and exploration. We will be hiking approximately one mile over rolling sand dunes. All ages
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs free. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
Spring Wildflowers
Sunday June 14, 2015, 1:00pm- 2:30pm
Come walk with us to explore the early summer flowers of the Albany Pine Bush. We will hike 1.2 miles. Ages 6+
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs free. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
Science Lecture Series – New York’s Amphibians and Reptiles: Changing Attitudes, Changing Threats
Thursday June 18, 2015, 7:00pm- 8:00pm
Since pre-colonial times, the human response to amphibians and reptiles has varied from reverence to exploitation to fear, persecution and indifference. Attitudes changed during the naturalist period which began about 1725 and lasted until the end of the 19th century. Exploration, collecting and naming new species began to replace persecution and exploitation. Beginning in the late 1800s scientific methods were incorporated into the study of organisms. At the same time efforts to conserve, protect and popularize amphibians and reptiles were initiated.
Alvin Breisch, Station Collaborator at the Roosevelt Wildlife Station of SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY will highlight a few of his contributions towards these efforts in the last 30 years. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Pine Bush Community and refreshments will be provided. Ages 15+
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: Free! Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
Antlions: Ferocious Creatures in the Sand
Saturday June 20, 2015, 1:00pm- 2:30pm
Join us for a 0.9 mile hike to discover the amazing world of antlions; a unique insect in the Pine Bush. We will walk to a variety of different habitats to explore antlion pits and investigate larva up close and personal. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore an interesting detail of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. All ages
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs free. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
Father’s Day Hike
Sunday June 21, 2015, 1:00pm- 2:30pm
Daughters and sons bring your Dad to the Pine Bush for this 0.9 mile hike. We will take an extraordinary journey into the Albany Pine Bush, the best remaining example of an inland pine barrens in the world. Our experts will guide you over rolling sand dunes where you will discover Pine Bush natural history, seasonal surprises and transformations. All ages
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs free. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
School’s Out Hike
Friday June 26, 2015, 1:00pm- 3:00pm
YEAH! School’s out and what a great way to celebrate by getting outdoors for a hike. Kids bring your parents for a 2.6 mile hike over rolling sand dunes. We will explore this rare ecosystem through hand on activities and discover many seasonal surprises. Ages 7+
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs free. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
Wild and Wacky World of Ponds
Saturday June 27, 2015, 11:00am- 12:30pm
Come and explore the wonderful world of water (vernal ponds) at the Albany Pine Bush. We will observe different habitats, participate in pond sampling, identify various organisms, and discover the intricate balance of this amazing ecosystem. We will meet at the Discovery Center and then caravan over to another trailhead where we will hike approximately one mile to a vernal pond. Dress in footwear and clothing you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Ages 6+.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs free. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
Bird Walk
Tuesday June 30, 2015, 9:00am- 10:30am
Grab your binoculars and join us for a morning bird walk along the Blueberry Hill West trails of the Pine Bush. We will hike the 1.4 mile red loop. Please meet at the Blueberry Hill West trailhead (trailhead # 5) located at the end of Pitch Pine Drive. Ages 8+.
Location: Meet at Blueberry Hill West trailhead (trailhead # 5) located at the end of Pitch Pine Dr.
Fee: Free! Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar.”
First Friday Walk and Talk
Friday July 3, 2015, 12:00pm- 1:00pm
Take a break from your day and join us for a one hour hike along the trails of the Madison Avenue Pinelands. We will meet at the Madison Avenue Pinelands trailhead (#7). Adults only. Free!
Location: Madison Avenue Pinelands trailhead (#7).
Fee: Free! Registration required. Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Inde-pond-ance Day
Saturday July 4, 2015, 10:00am- 11:30am
What lives in a pond? Join us for an exploration and observation of the many creatures that live in a Pine Bush pond. Pond sampling materials will be provided. Please wear long pants and appropriate footwear for mud and water. We will meet at the Discovery Center then drive to the Kings Highway Barrens trailhead and hike approximately one- half mile to the pond with a round trip hike distance of approximately one mile. Program participants are responsible for their own transportation. All ages.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs free. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Karner Blue Butterfly Walk
Sunday July 5, 2015, 1:00pm- 2:30pm
Don’t miss this chance to join Albany Pine Bush Preserve staff on a 0.9 mile hike to see the Karner blue butterfly. Once common in the glacial Lake Albany sand belt, the Karner blue has plummeted in numbers over the past 40 years and is now listed as a federally endangered species. Come learn about the natural history of the Karner blue and our efforts to rescue this species from the brink of extinction. Ages 6+.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family. Registration required. Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Pine Bush Pups: A Perfect Match
Tuesday July 7, 2015, 10:00am- 11:00am
Wednesday July 8, 2015, 10:00am- 11:00am
Explore the amazing relationship between the endangered Karner blue butterfly and wild blue lupine and experience a short walk to observe the home of this special insect and plant. Register children, not adults. Ages 2 -6.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per child/$5 per family. Registration required. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Picturing Nature: A Practical Guide to Nature Photography
Sunday July 12, 2015, 1:00pm- 4:00pm
There is incredible beauty in nature: from magnificent birds, flowers and landscapes to the tiniest insects. Suitable for all levels of photographers with a variety of equipment, this program covers the basic elements of nature photography including light, composition, and focus. We will discuss how these elements apply to close-ups, landscapes, and wildlife photography. Also included will be a discussion of simple editing, and where to photograph nature in upstate NY. There will be a two-hour workshop session followed by a one-hour hike around the Pine Bush so that we can practice our skills. If you have a camera, from a cellphone camera to a digital SLR, we encourage you to bring it! Ages 10+. Special program fee: $10 per person.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $10 per person. Registration required. Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Science Lecture Series: Bat Conservation and White-Nose Syndrome in New York
Thursday July 16, 2015, 7:00pm- 8:00pm
White-nose syndrome is a disease that has been plaguing many of the bats of the eastern United States since it was first discovered in NY in 2007. Species like the little brown bat have experienced over 90% declines. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is conducting surveys this summer to learn more about which species occur on our lands. Join us this evening for a lecture by Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Biologist Robyn Niver as she details the threat our bats face, their current status, and what people can do to help. Ages 15+. Free!
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: Free! Registration required. Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Dashing Dragonflies
Saturday July 18, 2015, 10:00am- 12:00pm
They fly, they hover, they dash, and dart! Don’t miss this chance to learn about some of the most fascinating insects of the Pine Bush: dragonflies and damselflies (also known as “Odonates”). We will start indoors for a brief presentation than head outside to observe Odonates as we hike about one mile. Ages 10+.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family. Registration required. Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Striped Emerald Search
Saturday July 18, 2015, 1:00pm- 4:00pm
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is home to many interesting Odonates but none as fascinating and elusive as the striped emeralds. To date, we have only identified one striped emerald species from the Pine Bush, the Brush-tipped emerald. Join us today for an afternoon of dragon hunting as we search some of the wetlands in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. We will meet at the Discovery Center for a briefing and then caravan over to the Kings Road Barrens for our search which will take us off-trail. Participants are responsible for providing their own transportation. Dress in footwear and clothing you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Adults only. Free!
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: Free! Registration required. Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Pine Bush Pups: Turtles of the Pine Bush
Tuesday July 21, 2015, 10:00am- 11:00am
Wednesday July 22, 2015, 10:00am- 11:00am
Have you ever seen a turtle in the Pine Bush? Well they’re here! In this program, we will learn which species of turtles live here in the Pine Bush, examine our Discovery Center turtles and go on a short hike around the Discovery Trail. Register children, not adults. Ages 2 -6.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per child/$5 per family. Registration required. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Tracking New York’s Turkeys with Citizen Science
Saturday July 25, 2015, 11:00am- 12:00pm
Wild turkey populations have changed dramatically in New York, from their complete absence for almost 100 years, to historic highs in the early 2000s, to current populations which have experienced dramatic declines in some areas. Come learn from Mike Schiavone, Wildlife Biologist with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) how the DEC monitors turkeys as well as the on-going research projects to better understand turkey populations, and how you can help collect turkey information for their Citizen Science project. Ages 6+. Free!
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: Free! Registration required. Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Discover the Pine Bush
Sunday July 26, 2015, 1:00pm- 2:00pm
An extraordinary journey into the Albany Pine Bush, the best remaining example in the world of an inland pine barrens. Our experts will guide you through this 0.9 mile hike over rolling sand dunes where you will discover Pine Bush natural history, seasonal surprises and transformations. All ages.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs free. Registration required.
Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
Detecting Bats in the Pine Bush
Wednesday July 29, 2015, 8:00pm- 9:30pm
Are bats really blind? Come learn the answer to this question and more! We will start inside at the Discovery Center with a short presentation. Then we will caravan to a different trailhead for a twilight hike. Participants must provide their own transportation. We will use technology to help us detect any of the four species of bats that live in the Preserve. We plan to spend about 45 minutes outside listening for bats. Ages 12+.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family. Registration required. Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE PINE BUSH:
The 3,200 – 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 habitat provides homes for many plants and animals and contains 55 New York State-designated wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need, including the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. The Preserve is a National Natural Landmark, a New York State Unique Area, Bird Conservation Area and a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area. Characterized by rolling sand dunes and miles of trails, the Preserve 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.
As the gateway to the Pine Bush, the Discovery Center is a state-of-the-art “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 small fee for 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.
