This year, the Pine Bush Preserve is unable to hold its 16th annual Lupine Fest in person, so organizers have decided to get creative and are inviting you to share your creativity as well, with a virtual festival online.

Look for social media posts the week of May 25 and share your artwork, observations of spring, and past Lupine Fest experiences. Help create the magic of spring in a whole new way with #LupineFestFromHome.

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

“Our virtual Lupine Fest is drastically different this year, but 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 Jackie Citriniti, 2020 Lupine Fest coordinator in a release.

“Everyone is encouraged to participate through social media,” she said. “Activities during the week will include recording observations of spring with the iNaturalist app, sharing photos of lupine-inspired art, and showing off brightly colored tie-dye shirts that have become a popular Lupine Fest souvenir.”

Christopher Hawver, executive director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission said in the release, “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. The preserve’s 3,350 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 2020 Lupine Fest will be held entirely online. Follow the Albany Pine Bush Preserve on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org for more details.