The inland pine barrens ecosystem is made up of different ecological communities. Ecological communities are "assemblages of species that occur together in a definable area within a given period, have the potential to interact with one another, and depend on similar ecological processes and conditions to maintain themselves" (APBPC Management Plan, see sidebar).
Like the rooms of a house, the communities of an ecosystem are recognizably different from one another, yet they are connected under one "roof" sharing a common environment including soil conditions, climate and patterns of disturbance. Where they differ is their composition of plants, animals and other organisms. In New York State, ecological communities are defined by the New York Natural Heritage Program. Explore some of the communities of the Albany Pine Bush below.
We cannot provide a specific schedule for prescribed fires in a given area due to the unpredictability of weather and fuel conditions. If you would like to be notified the morning of a prescribed fire, please subscribe below.
November 30, 2022
Preserve Management: Pine Barrens Restoration
The Kings Highway Barrens, at trailhead #9, is temporarily CLOSED while habitat restoration work is being completed. This site was cleared of invasive black locust trees in early 2024. Next the site will be stumped, graded and then planted with native pine barrens plants. This is the first phase of restoring these 38 acres back to a pine barrens. Please view the interactive trail map to see the tree removal locations as well as other preserve areas you can visit during this time.
Click here if you need a mobile friendly version of our trailmap.
Please contact Stewardship Director, Joel Hecht with any questions or concerns. 518-456-0655 or jhecht@albanypinebush.org
October 12, 2020
Hunting, Fishing & Trapping
Hunting, fishing and trapping are recreational activities that are carefully regulated in the preserve and across NYS.
April 03, 2019
Tick Awareness
Please be aware that ticks, including deer ticks (also known as black-legged ticks), are present in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve as well as other natural areas in our region.