May 2025 Volunteer of the Month

Playing an important role in supporting so much of the preserves’ work, we are thrilled to name him as May’s Volunteer of the Month.

Although his volunteer time began in 2023, Jeff has lived in the Capital Region for almost 20 years, naming the Pine Bush one of his favorite spots (particularly the purple trail off Madison Avenue extension)! Teaching at Union College, he brings students of all ages to the preserve through his work. Whether it be his own students he gets to show around, or through the Friends sponsored Ticket to Ride program that brings schoolchildren to the Discovery Center, Jeff’s efforts to connect others to the Pine Bush are invaluable. “I owe my career as a scientist to the opportunities I had to visit beautiful places and spend time in nature”, Jeff noted. “I love being able to give others that opportunity too.”

Fitting for the month of Lupine Fest, Jeff named lupine as one of his many favorite Pine Bush plants- along with New Jersey Tea and little bluestem grasses. With all the time Jeff has spent in the preserve walking the trails, he recalls being particularly grateful for them when many other places faced shut downs due to the pandemic. “Like many of us, my family and I stayed sane through the Covid lockdown by taking frequent hikes at the Pine Bush. I saw it at times of the day and times of the year that I hadn't before.”

Jeff and other members of the Friends of the Pine Bush Community are working diligently to plan “Night with the Arts” on May 16th as part of Lupine Fest. This event is a special evening celebrating the intersection of art and conservation, honoring artist Wayne Trimm and fundraising for proceeds supporting environmental education and conservation efforts at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Planning such an event takes a significant amount of time and effort, which we are grateful for.

 

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