Lupine Fest set for May 21

— Photo by Mary Nero

Wild blue lupin will be celebrated on May 21.

Wild blue lupine, the native wildflower that blooms in May and June and is critical to the survival of the endangered Karner blue butterfly, will be celebrated on Saturday, May 21, at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center.

The center is located at 195 New Karner Road and the festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“This free event offers visitors a chance to connect with us and enjoy many different activities,” said Jackie Citriniti, 2022 Lupine Fest coordinator, in a release on the festival.

“The day will feature something for all ages,” she said, “including a fun day of music, games, craft and food vendors, a make-your-own tie-dye shirt, live local wildlife programs, guided nature walks with our expert staff, and much more.

“We’re celebrating spring again this year with a StoryWalk. Families can walk, jump, or skip from page to page as they read the book Over in the Forest along the trail.” 

“The Albany Pine Bush is a National Natural Landmark and the best remaining example of an inland pitch pine – scrub oak pine barrens in the world,” said Christopher Hawver, executive director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, in the release. “The Preserve’s 3,400 acres are also a unique part of a neighborhood we share with nearly 1 million people in the Capital District.

“We manage the preserve to restore and protect its plants and animals and provide our neighbors with opportunities to enjoy nature. It’s important to celebrate how it helps to bring people closer to nature and why it’s worthy of protection.”

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.