The Beat

Albany, NY - The Albany Pine Bush Preserve will host its annual Night at the Discovery Center on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 4:30pm – 7:30pm at 195 New Karner Road in Albany. Visitors are invited to stop by the Discovery Center after normal business hours to explore, pick up an activity kit and see the exhibits come to life.

Christopher Hawver, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission Executive Director said, “We invite the community to come out and enjoy this free event. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you for your support of this globally-rare ecosystem and National Natural Landmark.”…

Cornwall, NY - As winter winds down and the sap begins to flow, the Hudson Highlands Nature Center invites you to explore the timeless tradition of maple sugaring with their annual Maple Sugar Tours & Kick-off Day Celebration at the Outdoor Discovery Campus, located at 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall, NY.  Tours run hourly 11am-3pm on Saturdays & Sundays from February 8* - March 9.  Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, it's a fun and educational experience for all ages!…

Albany, NY – The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is excited to announce a series of engaging programs and events this winter. From bird walks to nature sketching, and from appreciating squirrels to exploring the secrets of hibernation, there is something for everyone! All events are free unless otherwise noted, but reservations are required.

A Science Lecture Series

Albany, NY – The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission and Friends of the Pine Bush Community will cohost a lecture on January 16, 2025 at 7pm as a part of their Science Lecture Series at the Discovery Center. The first talk of the 2025 Science Lecture Series will focus on recent research conducted by the University at Albany’s archaeological field school in the summer of 2024.

Annual Hiking Challenge Highlights Catskills Region, Provides Prizes to Participants, and Encourages People to “Get Offline, Get Outside”

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 2025 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge to highlight the world-class tourism destinations and recreational opportunities in the Catskill Park. Launched in 2019, the Challenge draws participants from every region of New York, as well as 10 other states and countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom. This challenge also complements Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.

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Albany, N.Y. -- On Sunday, December 1st, 2024, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center Gift Shop is thrilled to participate in Museum Store Sunday, an annual holiday shopping day supporting cultural institutions and their stores. This year, more than 2,100 museum stores representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 25 countries, and five continents will celebrate Museum Store Sunday and offer unique gifts for the holiday season—with all purchases supporting its parent institution and the artisans and craftspeople who create many of the gifts found in museum stores.

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – Over 100 high school students from across Northern New York State will convene at The Wild Center for the Adirondack Youth Climate Summit 2024 on November 7-8. The Summit is an immersive two-day experience designed to equip and inspire young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to champion climate resilience and foster sustainable change within their communities.

Albany, N.Y. - The Albany Pine Bush Preserve will host its annual Smokey Bear Day on Saturday October 5, 2024, 10am – 2pm at the Discovery Center located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany.

Christopher Hawver, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission Executive Director said, “We invite the community to come out and meet Smokey Bear with this free annual event. Smokey Bear Day provides a family-friendly opportunity to learn why fire is an important natural component to this globally-rare ecosystem.”…

Albany, N.Y. - The 2024 Barrens Birding Blitz (BBB) is an annual community event at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.  On Saturday, September 14, 2024 a team birding competition will take place from 6 am - 12 pm, culminating in an awards ceremony at the Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road in Albany. Birdwatchers of all skill levels are invited to participate from novice to expert, teams are available for birding throughout the preserve as well as sit and spot teams.

Cornwall, NY- On Saturday, September 7, from 10am – 3:30 pm,  join the Hudson Highlands Nature Center for Butterfly Day at the Outdoor Discovery Campus, located at 120 Muser Drive (off Angola Rd) in Cornwall! Discover the beauty and incredibly unique qualities of butterflies, moths and caterpillars.

Children and adults alike will get a thrill getting “up close and personal” with butterflies in the Butterfly Tent. With the purchase of each ticket, you will also be registering for a ½ hour slot during which you will have several minutes to enter and enjoy the Butterfly Tent.