Lupine Fest 2021

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ALBANY NY - The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission rejoices in the arrival of spring with their annual Lupine Fest. The festival will be held May 15 - June 5 online at www.AlbanyLupineFest.org and with limited activities throughout the 3,350 acre preserve in the City of Albany and Towns of Colonie and Guilderland.

Wild blue lupine is a beautiful native wildflower that blooms in May and June, and is the only food source for the caterpillar of the state and federally endangered Karner blue butterfly.

The globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct Albany Pine Bush is showcased through a combination of online interactive programs and limited in-person activities. The festival celebrates wild blue lupine and the unique inland pitch pine-scrub oak barrens endemic to the Capital Region. Website visitors can access online resources to enjoy solitary nature walks, online activities with community partners, music, games, crafts and more. In person guided walks for small groups are also available with a reservation.

Albany Pine Bush Preserve staff and the Friends of the Pine Bush Community are kicking off Lupine Fest with TRAILgating on May 15 from 11am-1pm. They will be parked at each of the preserve’s 12 trailheads with their trunks open – but instead of barbequing, they will be dishing out informational materials and answering questions before visitors head out on the trails.

“While our Lupine Fest is drastically different this year, it will still showcase the globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct Albany Pine Bush, the blooming wild blue lupine and the inland pitch pine- scrub oak barrens,” said Amanda Doucette, 2021 Lupine Fest Co-Coordinator. “We are encouraging Lupine Fest participants to connect with us through our website and on social media this year. We’re offering an amazing assortment of online programs, including live music performances, in depth conversations with our scientists, local wildlife presentations and painting, nature journaling and photography classes,” added Heather Oligny, 2021 Lupine Fest Co-Coordinator.

Christopher Hawver, Executive Director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission said, “The Albany Pine Bush is a National Natural Landmark and the best remaining example of an inland pitch pine – scrub oak pine barrens in the world.  The preserve’s 3,350 acres are also a unique part of a neighborhood we share with nearly 1 million people in the Capital District.  We manage the preserve to restore and protect its plants and animals and provide our neighbors with opportunities to enjoy nature.  It’s important to celebrate how it helps to bring people closer to nature and why it’s worthy of protection.”

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