Directions Hours
& Admission
Center Progress
Education Program
Educator Resources
Info for Schools
Calendar Events
Store
Discovery Corner
Field Station &
Rensselaer Lake
Donations

Do you want to get your class outside to experience a rare natural community in the local area? If so, then a trip to Albany Pine Bush Preserve is the right choice for you. We have several programs to choose from and each program is led by a well trained and experienced guide. Our programs meet several NYS learning standards and are designed to promote hands-on, inquiry-based learning. We look forward to seeing you!

How do I sign up for a program?

Take a look at the programs below and decide which one is right for your class. Download the registration form and fill it out. Programs need to be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance.

How much does it cost?

• $3.00 per student, teachers and chaperones attend free of charge.

Fees must be paid with registration form submission.

Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center School Programs

FALL

1 . Program Title: “Seeds of Change”

Program description (abstract): The Pine Bush needs our help! Join us in an exploration of how and why we are restoring the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. During this program we will investigate the tools that are used to maintain this globally rare ecosystem. Students will also have the opportunity to be a part of our restoration program by participating in a seed collection activity within the Pine Bush Preserve. The seeds that we collect will be used at new restoration sites.

Grade level: 5-9
NYS Learning standards:
LS 1 Scientific Inquiry Key Idea 1
LS 4 The Living Environment Key Ideas 1, 5-7
LS 6 Interconnectedness Key Ideas 5-6
LS 7 Interdisciplinary Problem Solving Key Idea 1
Length of program: 90 minutes
Click here for detailed learning standards

2. Program title: “Buckmoths”

Program description (abstract): Did you know the Albany Pine Bush has a greater number of moth and butterfly species than the entire state of New Jersey?Join us as we discover the diversity of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) that thrive in the Albany Pine Bush. Meet up close one of our most rare moths – the inland barrens buckmoth. Participate in authentic buckmoth research along the trails of the Pine Bush Preserve, experience buckmoth habitat first hand and learn why this insect needs the Pine Bush.

Grade level: 5 th -8 th
NYS Learning standards:
LS 1 Scientific Inquiry Key Ideas 1-2
LS 4 The Living Environment Key Ideas 1, 3-7
LS 7 Interdisciplinary Problem Solving Key Ideas 1-2
Length of program: 2 hours
Click here for detailed learning standards

SPRING

1. Program title: “Help a Habitat”

Program description (abstract):Participate in the restoration of the endangered Albany Pine Bush landscape and “help a habitat.” In the first part of this two-part program, students learn about the natural history of the Albany Pine Bush ecosystem and the challenges the Pine Bush faces today. Students then participate in a hands-on habitat restoration project for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. Seeds of the Karner blue’s host plant, the wild blue lupine, are planted in recycled containers and germinated in the classroom. Students care for the seedlings in the classroom until they are ready for planting. In part two of the program students visit the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center and transplant their lupine seedlings to a Karner blue butterfly habitat restoration area in the Pine Bush Preserve.

Grade level: Grades 1 - 4
NYS Learning standards:
LS1 Scientific Inquiry Key Ideas 1-3
LS 4 Physical Setting Key Idea 2
LS 4 Living Environment Key Ideas 1, 3-7
Length of program:
Part I: In-class – 60 minutes
Part II: Field trip to Albany Pine Bush Preserve and Discovery Center – 90 minutes

2. Program title: “Exploring Life in a Pine Barrens Vernal Pond ”*

Program description (abstract): You might call it big puddle or a little pond, but the temporary pools of water we find in the spring are actually “ Pine Barrens vernal ponds”. Come out to the Pine Bush and explore the plants and animals that make use of these special water bodies. Discover what characteristics make up a Pine Barrens vernal pond, create your own field notebook, and experience a habitat that is full of life.

Grade level: Grades 5-8
NYS Learning standards:
LS 1 Scientific Inquiry Key Ideas 1-3
LS 2 Information Systems Key Idea 1
LS 4 Physical Setting Key Ideas 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
LS 6 Interconnectedness, Key Idea 1
LS 7 Interdisciplinary Problem Solving Key Ideas 1-2
Length of program:
Classroom (pre-visit kit) = 2 hours
Discovery Center = 2 hours
* Pre-requisite: Students should complete the “Pine Barrens Vernal Pond” in-class education kit (available through the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center) before participating in this program.
Click here for detailed learning standards

3. Program title: “The Future of the Karner blue is in our hands”

Program description (abstract): Within the Albany Pine Bush lives the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. Join us for an exploration into why this beautiful butterfly is nearing extinction. Learn about how we are trying to save the Karner blue and how you can help.

Grade level: 2nd grade
NYS Learning standards:
LS 1 Scientific Inquiry Key Idea 1
LS 4 The Living Environment Key Ideas 1, 3 - 7
LS 6 Interconnectedness: Common Themes 1
LS 7 Interdisciplinary Problem Solving Key Idea 1 and 2
Length of program: 75 minutes
Click here for detailed learning standards

ALL YEAR

1. Program title: “Discover the Albany Pine Bush: A Unique Habitat”

Program description (abstract): The Albany Pine Bush Preserve represents one of the best remaining examples of an inland pine barrens ecosystem in the world. Join us on a journey to the Pine Bush to explore what makes this ecosystem so unique. Through authentic first hand experience, students will be introduced to the Albany Pine Bush and the natural forces of fire and ice that have shaped this ecosystem yesterday and today. We’ll also explore the unique diversity of life that depends on the pine barrens for its survival.

Grade level: 1st - 12th grade (Intermediate)
NYS Learning standards:
LS 1 Scientific Inquiry Key Idea 1
LS 4 The Living Environment Key Ideas 1, 4-6
LS 6 Interconnectedness Key Idea 1
Length of program: 90 minutes
Click here for detailed learning standards

2. Program title: “Forces at Work”

Program description (abstract): The Albany Pine Bush is a dynamic place, shaped by forces of nature. Most prominent are the forces of weather and fire. This program begins with an introduction to the Pine Bush and the forces that have shaped it for thousands of years. Students will then participate in a hands-on activity that further explains how the forces of weather and fire continue to shape the Pine Bush today*.

* Please reserve the “Discover the Pine Bush” kit in preparation for this program.
Grade level: Grades 5-8
NYS Learning Standards:
LS 1 Scientific Inquiry Key Ideas 1-2
LS 4 The Living Environment Key Ideas 3, 5 – 7
LS 4 The Physical Setting Key Idea 2
Length of program: 90 minutes

3. Program title: “A Point in Time”

Program description (abstract): The Landscape of the Pine Bush has changed dramatically over the past 60+ years. From unbroken tracts of pine barrens to a highly fragmented Preserve, the Pine Bush hardly resembles the vast barrens it once was. In this program, students observe and track ongoing changes in the Pine Bush using photo points established throughout the Preserve. Students will use hand held GPS units to locate the photo points, then use a digital camera and compass bearing to photograph a scene that had been photographed one month to 40 years before.

Grade level: Grades 6-12
NYS Learning Standards:
LS 1, Key Ideas 1-3
LS 2, Key Ideas 1-3
LS 4, Key Ideas 1, 3, 5, 7
LS 6, Key Ideas 1
LS 7, Key Ideas 1, 2
Length of program: 90 minutes
Click here for detailed learning standards

Home | Preserve Info | Current Events | Discovery Center | Get Involved | Contact the APB Commission

® Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission
195 New Karner Road • Albany • New York • 12205 • (518) 456-0655
©2005. All Rights Reserved.