Albany, NY – The Albany Pine Bush Preserve presents “Nature Night Out”, a series of three summer evening events that invite everyone to drop everything and get into nature. The Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center will extend operations until 7:30pm on each of these days, capitalizing on those longer sunlit summer hours. Visitors of all ages can enjoy live music, dine on a meal from food truck vendors, go on a StoryWalk adventure along the trail and learn about the natural & cultural history of the Albany Pine Bush with interactive Discovery Center exhibits. A fun evening out in nature awaits at 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 on Wednesday June 14th, July 12th and August 16th.
“There is nothing like the magic of nature at night…being out at dusk with friends and family, enjoying each other and the Pine Bush,” said Beth MacCallum, Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator. “I can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than sharing a meal with my family that I didn’t have to prepare -thank you food trucks, all while appreciating the beauty of the Pine Bush and some live music.”
Christopher Hawver, Executive Director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission said, “Nature Night Out was a huge success last year. As a staff we see the immense enjoyment and use of preserve trails that is evidenced by full parking lots starting at 4 pm on summer evenings. We are happy to provide a relaxing atmosphere with live music, seating, and food trucks for our already engaged audience. Come on out and enjoy!”
Like Albany Pine Bush on Facebook or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/events for more details.
The 3,400+ – acre Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP), located in New York’s Capital District, protects one of the best remaining inland pitch pine-scrub oak barrens in the world. This extraordinary fire-dependent ecosystem provides habitat for many plants and animals, including more than 20 percent of New York State’s wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need, such as the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The APBP is a National Natural Landmark, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, National Recreation Trail Site, a New York State Unique Area, Birding Trail Site, Bird Conservation Area, and a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area. Characterized by rolling sand dunes and over 20 miles of trails, the APBP offers visitors many recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is a public-private partnership created by the NYS Legislature in 1988 to protect and manage the APBP and provide the public with educational and recreational opportunities. The Management Plan for the APBP guides all aspects of expanding and managing the preserve. The Commission’s goal is a preserve of 5,380 acres.
As the gateway to the Pine Bush, the Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road, Albany, is a “green” certified interpretive center where visitors come to understand why the Pine Bush is rare and special. A visit to this unique destination is an exciting exploration where learning comes naturally through interactive exhibits, an outdoor Discovery Trail, and numerous programs on the ecology, natural history, cultural history and management of the Pine Bush. Admission to the Discovery Center is free (there is a fee for some programs). The center is open daily weekdays 9am-4pm and weekends 10am-4pm. For more information, visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org or call 518-456-0655.
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Wendy Craney
Communications Director
518-456-0655 x1211 Office
518-421-0186 Mobile
518-456-8198 Fax