Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission: Mission & History

Protected by a partnership, the Albany Pine Bush is one of the most endangered landscapes in the Northeastern United States.

The origins of the Pine Bush are rooted in glacial history. As the last glacier to cover New York State melted and receded approximately 15,000 years ago, a massive lake formed covering the Capital Region. Rivers deposited large amounts of fine glacial sand into the lake, forming a delta that centered on western edge of modern day Albany. After Glacial Lake Albany drained, wind swept the exposed sand into dunes that were later stabilized by the unique plants of the Pine Bush.

The Albany Pine Bush harbors rare and endangered species including the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly, two rare natural communities and fourteen rare insects. Today, less than 6,000 acres of the original 25,000 acres remains as Pine Bush habitat. Since the first 365 acres of this inland pitch pine-scrub oak barrens were purchased in 1974, more than 3,010 acres have been protected towards a goal of an almost 4,610 acre Preserve.

Albany Pine Bush Mission

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is a public/private partnership formed by the NYS Legislature for the purpose of protecting and managing the unique and endangered natural communities of the Albany Pine Bush for ecological, recreational and educational benefits. The Commission is made up of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, The Nature Conservancy, City of Albany, Town of Colonie, Town of Guilderland, County of Albany and four citizen representatives.

The Commission believes effectively protecting the Pine Bush involves partnership with landowners and cooperation with local communities to create environmentally compatible development.

To assist in this effort, Commission partners work as a team to sponsor particular programs or projects with donations of funds and in-kind services. Sponsors include corporations, foundations, individuals and groups. Working together to achieve our objectives, the Commission and its partners can realize mutual benefits.

Land Protection

Commission members protect priority lands, as identified in the NYS Open Space Plan and by the Commission. All sales are from willing sellers who can realize tax advantages.

Designing environmentally compatible development is important. Landowners have signed agreements with the Commission protecting and developing different parts of their property.

"The Albany Pine Bush Preserve, a local and national treasure"

Albany Pine Bush Mission

Land Protection

Commission members protect priority lands, as identified in the NYS Open Space Plan and by the Commission. All sales are from willing sellers who can realize tax advantages.