Albany Pine Bush Preserve - Albany, NY - One of the Largest Inland Pine Barrens in the World

Located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany, New York, Albany Pine Bush Preserve is an example of an inland pine barrens ecosystem. Albany Pine Bush Preserve is situated in the Capital District Region. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The area features roughly 20 rare species and 2 rare communities. The preserve is made up of a gently rolling sand plain.

In 1988, the New York State Legislature created the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission. This Commission is responsible for maintaining and protecting the communities and species found at Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The preserve is intended to provide visitors with recreational, ecological, and educational benefits.

The area consists of approximately 3,010 acres of protected land. The Albany Pine Bush is rare, and the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is one of the few inland pine barrens in the world. There are only roughly 20 inland pine barrens worldwide, and the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is one of the largest ones. The area is home to pitch pines, dense shrubs, and prairie grass. Wildflowers can also been seen in the sand dunes located in the area.

The preserve has open areas and sandy soil. The conditions in the area are ideal for species like the Karner blue butterfly, which is a federally endangered species. In addition, the area is home to the wild blue lupine, which is a wildflower that the Karner blue butterfly needs. A rare insect called the inland barrens buckmoth also finds the conditions in the area to be ideal. Other species found in this location include the hognose snake, the spadefoot toad, and many more.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve features and interpretive center called the Discovery Center. The Discovery Center is designed to provide visitors with information regarding the history of the Albany Pine Bush and to also educate visitors about the unique environment of the preserve. The Discovery Center is home to interpretive and interactive exhibits. The Discovery Center first opened in June of 2007. It is centrally located and features a participatory greenhouse.

The preserve features a trail system that is open to the public. This trail system can be used for jogging, hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and cross country skiing. Recreational motorized vehicles are prohibited in the Albany Pine Bush.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. On weekends, regular hours of operation are from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is closed on Mondays, unless it is a holiday. On most holidays that fall on a Monday, the area is open. It is closed on the following holidays, however: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. There is no fee for admission.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve also hosts some special events and programs. One example is C.S.I., which stands for Critter Scene Investigation. This event allows guests to solve mysteries along the trails in the area. Some of the recreational and educational activities do have a fee.

For additional information regarding Albany Pine Bush Preserve or special events and programs, interested parties can call 518-456-0655.