The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission will host its 11th Lupine Fest on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Discovery Center. This year, the festival honors the diverse wildlife of the Albany Pine Bush as well as the wild blue lupine flower and its importance to the conservation of several rare butterflies.

Visitors will experience a celebration of our local wildlife through live animal shows, wildlife workshops, and nature walks. All are invited to come discover the animals that call the Albany Pine Bush home through hands-on activities with community partners, music with the Whipper Snappers and B95.5, games, crafts, vendors, and more.

“This free event offers visitors a chance to connect with us and enjoy many different activities,” said Erin Kinal, Education Program director, in a release from the commission. “The day will feature something for all ages, including a fun day of music, games, craft vendors, face painting, a make-your-own tie-dye party, live local wildlife programs, nature walks, food and much more.

“We’re celebrating Lupine Fest this year with the second running of the Karner Kontraption. Come watch our Pine Bush Rube Goldberg-inspired machine designed by volunteer Jane Tatlock as it demonstrates the process of restoring the Pine Bush. With multiple moving parts, our machine will show the various strategies we use to restore and manage this globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct ecosystem.”

Guests can meet many of the Preserve’s friends and partners like representatives from Friends of the Pine Bush Community, L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, ECOS: The Environmental Clearing House, Into the Wild, the Boy Scouts, the Guilderland Public Library, Guilderland Chamber of Commerce and others.

The festival will be held at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road in Albany. Parking for Lupine Fest is at 302 Washington Avenue Ext. with shuttle rides to and from the parking area. On-site handicap parking available.