Planting
In the absence of wildfires, native, pine-barrens plant communities have been virtually eliminated from some parts of the preserve. In other areas, particular species are missing from the landscape. In both cases, we attempt to reestablish pine barrens through planting.
Why do we plant?
We are tasked with restoring and maintaining an inland pine barrens ecosystem within the preserve. As we clear non-native and over-abundant plant species from the landscape, we replace them with native, pine-barrens plants. Establishing certain plants at the correct densities across the landscape is critical to inland pine barrens restoration.
The nitty-gritty
Most of the plants we have planted in the preserve over the years were collected as seeds from plants already growing here. Staff and volunteers harvest the seeds from native grasses, shrubs, wildflowers and heaths for use in planting.
How can I help?
If you would like to volunteer to help collect native seeds, consider becoming a volunteer certified seed collector.
You can also email us at volunteer@AlbanyPineBush.org to inquire about volunteer opportunities for your group.
