Things To Do

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Atrium with animal and plant photos and exhibits
The Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Rd, Albany
Shaved ice truck
Treats from Kona Ice @ Nature Night Out on May 29
Man with birds of prey
Meet live wildlife on May 9 with the VT Museum of Natural History

Visit the Discovery Center

Make the Discovery Center your Lupine Fest home base!

Make the Discovery Center your first stop during Lupine Fest.  Our staff and volunteers can help you navigate your way through the full month of festivities. While your there, gather supplies, take home activities, visit our newest exhibit and gift shop!

Your passport companion

Visit the Discovery Center to pick up a Lupine Fest Activity Book containing fun self-guided activities like scavenger hunts, puzzles and nature journaling pages. Get your passport stamped for each completed activity.

Lupine Fest Events @ the DC

  • Wildlife Tales! Saturday, May 9, 11am & 1pm  (registration required)
  • Book Signing on Sunday May 17th from 11am-12pm
  • Nature Night Out on Friday May 29 4pm-7pm
  • Native Plant Sale: On Saturday May 30th from 10am-12pm
  • Bird Banding: May 1, 12 and 31 from 6am-11am Come see wild birds up close as scientists 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.

Self-guided activities

  • Take-home activity kits: Stop by the Discovery Center and pick up a “Pine Bush Planter” activity kit! Grow your own wildflowers and transplant them into your home garden.
  • Say Lupine! Use our free photobooth at the Discovery Center to commemorate your visit to the preserve.
  • Stay in the Lupe: Visit AlbanyLupineFest.org to sign up for our monthly newsletter or submit feedback. Tell the Discovery Center docent the code word to get a little prize.
  • Decorate a butterfly! Drop by the Discovery Center and decorate a butterfly to take home or leave there to display in celebration of Lupine Fest.

Out on the Trail

  • Scavenger Hunt: What Pine Bush animals can you find hiding along the Karner Barrens blue trail behind the Discovery Center? Pick up or download a scavenger hunt before your next hike to see if you can spot them all!
  • Trailhead Trek Stamp Rally: Visit the trailheads of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and record each visit with layers of a stamp that together create a colorful picture. Start at trailhead #1 behind the Discovery Center.
  • Lupine Selfie: Look for selfie stations along the trail that hold your phone so you can pose for a picture.
  • StoryWalk®: Read a book as you walk along the blue trail in the Karner Barrens region of the Pine Bush Preserve. 

Find the DC

Step into a place where curiosity leads the way and nature tells its story—welcome to the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center. More than just a visitor center, this vibrant hub is your gateway to one of the most unique inland pine barrens ecosystems in the world.

The Discovery Center is open

M-F 9am-4pm and
Sa-Su 10am-4pm
Admission is free
Located at 195 New Karner Road Albany, NY 12205
Click here for Google Maps Directions

Visit the Discovery Center Gift Shop for unique locally made items.