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Eastern: Albany Pine Bush

The formation of Albany Pine Bush is an ancient story; here, the tale of the Ice Age is written in the landscape for all to read. When the last glacier in New York receded 15,000 years ago, its melting waters created a massive lake that contained deposits of glacial sand. The lake drained and winds swept the glacial sand into dunes. The Albany Pine Bush’s unique plants colonized the sand dunes, stabilizing the soil and creating the gently rolling sand plain we see today.

The Albany Pine Bush is one of the most endangered landscapes in the northeastern United States. Today, less than 6,000 acres remain. As part of a community-based partnership, The Nature Conservancy has helped protect more than 2,940 of those acres.

Ecological Importance: The Albany Pine Bush is one of the best existing inland pine-barrens ecosystems in the world. It is home to the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly, two rare natural communities and many rare insects. The preserve also benefits the people living in its municipalities and the thousands of visitors who come here to enjoy outdoor recreation, research, nature study and respite each year.

Karner Barrens Kiosk
Karner Barrens Kiosk
© The Nature Conservancy

Threats:  Many stresses threaten the Pine Bush ecosystem today.

  • Suppression of natural fires has inhibited nutrient recycling and disrupted the balance between the area’s plant and animal communities.
  • Aggressive, invasive plant species such as black locust and aspen are crowding out the Pine Bush’s native plant species.
  • Increasing development and inappropriate recreational use are decreasing habitat for plants and animal species such as the Karner blue butterfly. 

Conservation Action: The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission partners with landowners and local communities. Commission partners, including corporations, foundations, individuals, and groups sponsor particular programs or projects with donations of funds and in-kind services, working together to achieve mutual benefits.

The Nature Conservancy, as part of the Commission, participates in several stewardship activities at Albany Pine Bush:

  • Setting prescribed, controlled fires while always putting safety and smoke management first. Nearly 600 acres have been successfully burned since 1991.
  • Restoring and improving habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly by controlling invasive plants and planting local native plants to create suitable Karner blue habitat. 
  • Creating an interpretive center, called the “Discovery Center sponsored by TrustCo,” to provide a central location for education and outreach. The center will teach the story of the Pine Bush through first-hand experience and discovery-based learning.

 
Albany Pine Bush
Albany Pine Bush
© Frank Knight

Albany Pine Bush Facts

  • Location: The western edge of Albany, in Albany County, New York
  • Size: 2,940 acres protected toward a 4,610-acre goal.
  • Plant Species: The nutrient-poor, dry, sandy soil supports blue-stemmed grasses, dwarf and prairie willows, blueberries, huckleberries, bush clover, goat’s rue, horse mint, pitch pine, scrub oak and wild blue lupine.
  • Animal Species: Karner blue butterflies, spadefoot toads, hognose snakes, Jefferson salamanders, inland barrens buckmoths.

Partners: The Nature Conservancy has joined the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, a public/private partnership formed by the NY State Legislature, to protect and manage the natural communities of the Albany Pine Bush. The Commission is made up of the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation; the NY State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; The Nature Conservancy; the City of Albany; the Town of Colonie; the Town of Guilderland; the County of Albany and four citizen representatives.

How to Visit
There are nine trailheads at Albany Pine Bush that can be explored any time of the year. A trail map and guide can be obtained at the trailheads or by calling 518-785-1800 x100

Directions:
From I-90 East or West:

  • Take I-87 (Northway) North, and follow directions below.

From I-87 North or South:

  • Take I-87 to exit 2W (Route 5 West).
  • Travel west approximately 2 miles and turn left at the light onto Route 155 west (New Karner Road).
  • Travel approximately 1 mile to a second light.
  • Trailhead #1 (Karner Barrens East) is on your left just past the light (you will pass Old State Road on the right).
  • To access Trailhead #7 (Madison Ave. Pinelands), travel another 0.25 miles and turn right at the third light, then drive to the end of Madison Avenue Extension.

Learn More
Visit www.albanypinebush.org.