Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Upcoming Programs and Events
Check back often! We will be adding more events soon.
Make reservations online or you can call 518.456.0655. If you don't have an account, you will need to create one during the reservation process.
Reservations required. Visit AlbanyPineBush.org/events or call 518-456-0655.
All programs and events are free unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 7:00 pm
Join the Friends of the Pine Bush Community for an online discussion on "The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness" by Sy Montgomery.
Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 7:00 pm
Curious about the science shaping the future of our region? Join us at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center for a special evening that brings research to life. Suitable for tweens, teens and adults.
Certified Seed Collector Volunteer Training
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 9:00 am
The APB Certified Seed Collector is an important and greatly appreciated volunteer position, essential to maintaining the integrity of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve as a globally rare ecosystem.
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 1:00 pm
Join us on a 0.9 mile hike to look for wild blue lupine and learn more about the important role this wildflower plays in our inland pine barrens ecosystem! Suitable for ages 6+
Botanical Drawing With Colored Pencils
Sunday, May 24, 2026 | 1:00 pm
In this 2.5 hour class participants will learn the basics of Botanical Drawing with artist Nancy Lyons in the beautiful setting of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Suitable for beginner to intermediate students, ages 14+
Monday, May 25, 2026 | 11:00 am
Photography is a great way to blend art, science, and nature! Join us to learn about different techniques to capture the beauty of nature and preserve what you see for years to come. Suitable for tweens, teens and adults.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 12:00 pm
Join us on a 0.9 mile hike to look for wild blue lupine and learn more about the important role this wildflower plays in our inland pine barrens ecosystem! Suitable for ages 6+
Friday, May 29, 2026 | 4:00 pm
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve presents "Nature Night Out", a series of evening events that invite everyone to drop everything and get into nature. The Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center will extend operations until 7pm on each of these days, capitalizing on those longer sunlit hours.
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 10:00 am
Stop by the Discovery Center and purchase native pine barrens plants for your home garden!
Free! Learn to Fish Clinic at Six Mile Waterworks
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 10:00 am
Learn how to fish at this free sport fishing clinic at Six Mile Waterworks!
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"Birds and Bites" Drop-In Bird Banding Observation
Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 6:00 am
Come see wild birds up close as scientists from the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation carefully fit them with uniquely coded leg-bands, before releasing them back to the wild. Snacks and drinks from the Mighty Sweet Baking Company will be available for purchase. Suitable for all ages.
Monday, June 1, 2026 | 12:00 pm
Join us to explore and identify the early summer blooms of the Albany Pine Bush. We’ll be walking up to 1 mile. Suitable for teens, tweens and adults.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Have you ever heard an Eastern Whip-poor-will singing? Join us for an evening walk to listen for their song and learn about the fascinating lives of Eastern Whip-poor-wills and the research taking place to learn more about them in the preserve! Suitable for ages 10+.
Community Science: FrogWatch Volunteer Training
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 6:30 pm
The evening will provide an introduction to FrogWatch, a community science program of the Akron Zoo.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 11:00 am
Are those bubbles? Is it a cocoon or is it spit? Join us for a 0.9 mile walk and talk about this common and harmless insect found here in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and throughout the United States. Suitable for ages 6+.
Morning Sit Spot Bird Watching
Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 10:00 am
Join us for a bird outing that aims to be accessible and inclusive. Start your day looking and listening for birds at a stationary location in the Albany Pine Bush with the Preserve Naturalist, Pammi Price, and other community members. Click on the title of this program for more details! This program is suitable for ages 10+
Community Science: National Butterfly Count Volunteer Training
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 7:00 pm
Join us to learn what butterflies can be found in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and how you can participate in the 2026 National Butterfly Count.
Morning Meander: Great Dune Trailhead
Friday, June 19, 2026 | 11:00 am
Start your day outdoors and join us for a hike at the Great Dune trailhead (#8). We plan to hike 1.8 miles over sandy hills along the red trail. This program is suitable for adults.
An Evening with the Rapp Road Community
Friday, June 19, 2026 | 6:00 pm
Join us to meet members of the Rapp Road Community and learn more about the Rapp Road Historic District, a 14-acre structurally and socially preserved residential neighborhood in the Albany Pine Bush. Suitable for tweens, teens, and adults.
Discover the Pine Bush at Karner Barrens
Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 11:00 am
Join us on a journey through the Pine Bush to explore what makes this ecosystem so unique. Suitable for all ages.
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