The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is holding its annual Lupine Fest from May 15 to June 5 online at http://www.AlbanyLupineFest.org and with limited activities throughout the 3,350-acre preserve.

Wild blue lupine, a native wildflower that blooms in May and June, is the only food source for the caterpillar of the state and federally endangered Karner blue butterfly.

The festival celebrates wild blue lupine and the unique inland pitch pine-scrub oak barrens endemic to the Capital Region. Website visitors can access online resources to enjoy solitary nature walks, online activities with community partners, music, games, crafts and more. In person guided walks for small groups are also available with a reservation.

Albany Pine Bush Preserve staff and the Friends of the Pine Bush Community are kicking off Lupine Fest with TRAILgating on May 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will be parked at each of the preserve’s 12 trailheads with their trunks open — but instead of barbecuing, they will be dishing out informational materials and answering questions before visitors head out on the trails.

“While our Lupine Fest is drastically different this year, it will still showcase the globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct Albany Pine Bush, the blooming wild blue lupine and the inland pitch pine- scrub oak barrens,” said Amanda Doucette, 2021 Lupine Fest co-coordinator, in a release from the preserve.

“We are encouraging Lupine Fest participants to connect with us through our website and on social media this year. We’re offering an amazing assortment of online programs, including live music performances, in-depth conversations with our scientists, local wildlife presentations and painting, nature journaling and photography classes,” added Heather Oligny, 2021 Lupine Fest co-coordinator.