Pine Bush Pups: Signs of Spring

Tuesday May 1, 2012 10:30am-11:30am

The Earth has awoken from its winter slumber and spring is here!  Join us as we explore the Pine Bush in search of signs of spring including budding plants, migrating birds, insects on the move and more.  As part of this program we will go outside for a short hike so remember to prepare for the weather!  This program is for pre-school aged children.  When registering, please indicate the number of children only.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: FREE

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Pine Bush Pups: Signs of Spring

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 10:30am-11:30am

The Earth has awoken from its winter slumber and spring is here!  Join us as we explore the Pine Bush in search of signs of spring including budding plants, migrating birds, insects on the move and more.  As part of this program we will go outside for a short hike so remember to prepare for the weather!  This program is for pre-school aged children.  When registering, please indicate the number of children only.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: FREE

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

First Friday Hike: Leafing Out

Friday May 4, 2012, 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Come explore the emergence of leaves in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: FREE

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Almost Full Moon Hike

Friday May 4, 2012, 7:00-8:00pm

Enjoy the Pine Bush at night with an hour long hike under the almost full moon. We will walk approximately 1.5 miles over rolling topography stopping intermittently for night vision and sound observations. Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Wild Edibles

Saturday May 5, 2012 10:00-11:30am

Did you ever wonder about wild edible plants in the Pine Bush?  Join us for an introductory glance into the existence of wild edibles right here in the pine barrens.  We will begin with an indoor presentation followed by a hike to search for wild edibles along the trail.  Please note: this program is appropriate for ages 16 and older.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Lupine Walk

Sunday May 6, 2012 1:00-2:00pm

Do you know why the wild blue lupine is so vital to the Albany Pine Bush and the survival of the Karner Blue Butterfly?  Well join us at Madison Avenue Extension trailhead for an hour hike over rolling terrain to explore Karner Blue butterfly habitat and discover wild blue lupine.  Please wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt, sturdy walking shoes and bring a drink.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

International Migratory Bird Day

Saturday May 12, 2012 8:00am – 3:00pm

Come celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with the Capital District Chapter of the Audubon Society and the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission!  We will have programs throughout the day for all ages beginning with a bird walk in the morning followed by the “Migration Challenge” kids’ activity from 10:30am – 2:00pm.  Don’t miss our featured speaker Neil Gifford, Conservation Director for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, from 2:30pm – 3:30pm.  We hope to see you there!

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: FREE. Registration required.

To see the full schedule of events for the day or to sign up visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Plant a Flower

Sunday May 13, 2012, 1:00-2:00pm

Come learn about the natural history of the Albany Pine Bush ecosystem, the challenges the Pine Bush faces today and how each of us can help.  By planting native species in our landscapes, we can help bring back the diversity of plants that are unique to this area.  All program participants will have the chance to plant seeds of native Pine Bush plants to take home.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Science Lecture Series: Restoration

Thursday May 17, 2012, 7:00-8:00pm

Human development and the suppression of fire have reduced wildlife habitat in the preserve.  Join us for an evening lecture with Joel Hecht, Stewardship Director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, to learn about the reasons, methods and results of restoring habitat in the Pine Bush.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Lupine Festival

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is proud to announce its annual Lupine Festival will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 10:00AM – 4:00PM at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road in the City of Albany. This year the festival will entertain visitors with a circus theme and encourage people to step right up to the Pine Bush show and marvel at the blooming lupine, Karner blue butterfly and Albany Pine Bush Preserve through interactive games, face painting, make and take crafts, hikes to discover the amazing world of high flying acrobats of the sky and spectacular sideshows. The festival will feature amazing acts including, Silent Wings with breathtakingly beautiful live birds of prey, a bee circus, music by the Whippersnappers, a Kidz Theater where you’ll be magically transformed into pine barrens creatures, and the incredible talents of Mr. Twisty. Enjoy delectable treats in Bettie’s original and fabulous cupcake stand and delight in a FREE day of fantastic Pine Bush fun for the whole family- rain or shine!  Visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org for more details, click on Events Calendar.

Karner Blue Butterfly Walk

Saturday May 26, 2012 11:00am-12:00pm

Don’t miss this chance to join Albany Pine Bush staff on a hike in the Pine Bush Preserve to see the Karner blue butterfly.  Once common in the glacial Lake Albany sand belt, the Karner blue has plummeted in numbers over the past 40 years and is now listed as a federally endangered species.  Come learn about the natural history of the Karner blue and what efforts are underway to rescue this species from the brink of extinction.  Bring along your camera, sturdy walking shoes and drinking water.  Please register early-this program fills up quickly!

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY: Madison Avenue Trailhead

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Pond Trek

Sunday May 27, 2012 1:00pm-2:00pm

Come and explore the wonderful world of water (vernal pools) at the Albany Pine Bush.  We will observe different habitats, participate in pond sampling and discover the intricate balance of this amazing ecosystem.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

“Choose Your Own” GPS Adventure

Monday May 28, 2012, 11:00am-3:00pm

Grab YOUR GPS and head on over to the Pine Bush for a “choose your own” GPS adventure! You must provide your own GPS unit.  Participants will be given a list of waypoints located along the trails of the Pine Bush.  Your job is to use your GPS to navigate to them and discover the prize that awaits you!  The waypoints will be available at the start of the program, 11:00am.  The prizes will be removed at 3:30pm.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Registration Required

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Family Fun Hike

Monday May 28, 2012 1:00pm-2:00pm

Join us for a Monday afternoon stroll through the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.  Play some trail games with your guide and enjoy the beauty of the season.  We will hike approximately 1 mile over rolling terrain.  Please be sure to bring plenty of drinking water.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

First Friday Hike: Buckmoths on the Move!

Friday June 1, 2012, 12:00pm–1:00pm

Join us for a short walk to discover the amazing world of buckmoth caterpillars.  The buckmoth caterpillar emerges in late spring. It starts out very small and quickly grows to 3-4 inches, with hollow spines containing a poison. A species of special concern in New York State, the buckmoth is uniquely dependent on the scrub oak that thrives in this sandy fire-dependent ecosystem. Please remember to bring your binoculars!

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Wild Blue Lupine Walk

Saturday June 2, 2012 11:00am-12:00pm

Do you know why the wild blue lupine is so vital to the Albany Pine Bush and the survival of the Karner Blue Butterfly? Join us for this hour hike over rolling terrain to explore Karner blue butterfly habitat and discover wild blue lupine.  Please meet at the Discovery Center.  We will caravan over to the Madison Avenue trailhead at the beginning of the program. Please wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt, sturdy walking shoes and bring a drink.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Whimsical Wildflower Walk

Sunday June 3, 2012 1:00pm-2:00pm

Come walk with us to explore beautiful summer flowers of the Albany Pine Bush.  We will be hiking 1 mile over rolling topography.  Please remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants and bring drinking water. 

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Full Moon Hike

Monday June 4, 2012, 8:00pm-9:00pm

Enjoy the Pine Bush at night with an hour long hike under the full moon. We will walk approximately 1 mile over rolling topography stopping intermittently for night vision and sound observations. Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Wild, Wet and Wacky World of Pond

Saturday June 9, 2012 1:00pm-3:00pm

Come and explore the wonderful world of water (vernal pools) at the Albany Pine Bush.  We will observe different habitats, participate in pond sampling, identify various organisms, and discover the intricate balance of this amazing ecosystem. Dress in footwear and clothing you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Karner Blue Butterfly Walk

Sunday June 10, 2012, 1:00pm-2:00pm

Don’t miss this chance to join Albany Pine Bush staff on a hike in the Pine Bush Preserve to see the Karner blue butterfly.  Once common in the glacial Lake Albany sand belt, the Karner blue has plummeted in numbers over the past 40 years and is now listed as a federally endangered species.  Come learn about the natural history of the Karner blue and what efforts are underway to rescue this species from the brink of extinction.  Bring along your camera, sturdy walking shoes and drinking water.  Please register early-this program fills up quickly!

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

BRAIN break!

Thursday June 14, 2012, 3:00pm-4:30pm

Give your brain a break and your feet a workout on this 2.5 mile FUN hike through the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.  As school comes to a close, students are running their brains in high gear for their end of year exams. This hike will get your heart pumping to help you shake those exam stresses!  Please be prepared for the weather.  Wear long pants, long socks and good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water!

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Trash into Treasure Drop-in Craft Program

Saturday June 16, 2012, 1:00pm – 2:30pm

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.  Drop in the Discovery Center between 1:00pm and 2:30pm and create unique crafts to take home!

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE.  Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Father/Daughter Hike

Sunday June 17, 2012, 1:00pm-2:00pm

Daughters bring your favorite Dad to the Pine Bush for this 1 hour hike.  We will take an extraordinary journey into the Albany Pine Bush, the best remaining example of an inland pine barrens. Our experts will guide you through this 1.0 mile hike over rolling sand dunes where you will discover Pine Bush natural history, seasonal surprises and transformations. Please remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants and bring drinking water.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Summer Solstice Sunset Hike

Wednesday June 20, 2012, 7:30pm-9:00pm

Enjoy the longest day of the year, watch the sun set while hiking the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. We will explore several habitats, seasonal changes, while hiking 1.0 mile over rolling topography. Please remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants and bring drinking water

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Science Lecture Series: Landfill Restoration

Thursday June 21, 2012 7:00pm-8:00pm

Balancing the needs of society and human development with preservation of natural areas can be a very difficult task but by working to bring these two groups together we can take substantial steps forward in providing important services and lasting ecological benefits to the community. In this presentation, Christopher Einstein Principal Planner for Clough, Harbor & Associates and Nathan Carlton, Restoration Ecologist for Applied Ecological Services will discuss the evolution of the Albany Rapp Road Landfill Restoration project, where it fits into the mission of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, and the current status of the project.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Bringing it Back Restoration Hike

Saturday June 23, 2012 10:30am-12:00pm

Come witness the transformation of the Pine Bush. Through habitat management, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is restoring the Pine Bush to an open pine barrens. Join us for a hike along the trails and learn how the Commission is bringing this globally rare community back. We will be hiking approximately 2 miles over moderate terrain. Please remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants and bring drinking water.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Aerial Acrobats

Sunday June 24, 2012 1:00pm-2:00pm

Powerful, talented, and gentle giants of the Pine Bush, hawks and owls are year-round residents. Learn why the Pine Bush is an important habitat for these birds of prey. Come join us for an informative program about these remarkable creatures. Discover how they hunt, their unique calls, and distinctive characteristics. There will be an indoor presentation followed by a hike. Binoculars provided.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Batty for Bats

Tuesday June 26, 2012, 7:00pm-8:30pm

Bats are an important part of our ecosystem. However, their numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate. This night hike will offer a glimpse into the adaptations of bats to the nocturnal world.  We will keep our eyes open for the four species of bats that live in the preserve as we learn about their unique characteristics. Discover what you have in common with bats and how you can help to conserve them.  A short inside presentation followed by an outside hike. Remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants, and bring drinking water.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

School’s Out Hike

Wednesday June 27, 2012, 10:00am-11:30am

YEAH! School’s out and what a great way to celebrate by getting outdoors for a hike. Kids bring your parents for a 1.5 hour hike over rolling sand dunes. We will explore this rare ecosystem through hand on activities and discover many seasonal surprises. Remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants, and bring drinking water.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Insect Investigation

Thursday June 28, 2012, 10:00am – 11:30am

They fly, they wiggle, they crawl, and they leap. It’s the amazing world of insects! This is a family friendly hike to investigate the different types of insects that live here in the Pine Bush. There will be opportunities for hands on activities and exploration. We will be hiking 1.0 mile over rolling sand dunes. Please remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants and bring drinking water.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Antlions: Ferocious Creatures in the Sand

Saturday June 30, 2012 11:00am-12:00pm

Join us for a walk to discover the amazing world of antlions; a unique insect in the Pine Bush. We will walk to a variety of different habitats to explore antlion pits and be able to investigate larva up close and personal. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore an interesting detail of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Please remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants and bring drinking water.

Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 yrs FREE. Registration required.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE PINE BUSH:

Located within the Capital District Region, the Albany Pine Bush’s gently rolling sand plain is home to a variety of rare plants and animals, including the Federally-endangered Karner blue butterfly. The 3,200-acre Albany Pine Bush Preserve also creates a special habitat for a number of other rare and unique plants and animals, while providing visitors with an assortment of non-motorized recreational opportunities including hiking, jogging, nature study, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing.

The Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center transforms this globally unique destination into an exciting adventure where learning comes naturally through hands-on activities. As the gateway to the Pine Bush, the Discovery Center introduces visitors to everything that makes the Preserve rare and adventurous. With the help of many volunteers, the Discovery Center offers monthly outings and programs about the ecology, natural and cultural history of the Pine Bush area.  Admission is FREE. The Center is open Tuesday-Friday 9AM-4PM, Saturday and Sunday 10AM-4PM, and on most holiday Mondays. The Discovery Center is ideal for training sessions, meetings, small conferences, special events, business retreats and private parties. The state-of-the-art LEED “Gold” green building features 1,484 square feet of meeting room space; three fully AV equipped, Wi-Fi accessible meeting rooms; a unique greeting area with 3,500 square feet of interactive nature center exhibits; and kitchen space for catered meal prep/storage.  For more information, visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org or call 518-456-0655.

“Bridging the Implementation Gap” Bird Conservation Conference
in the Northeast
and
International Rusty Blackbird Workshop

OCTOBER 16-19, 2012
at the Radisson Hotel, Plymouth, Massachusetts

www.birdconservationconference.org

Two years after the highly successful Bird Conservation Conference in the Northeast, another regional bird conference will be held in October 2012. This conference will again be in the historic coastal town of Plymouth, Massachusetts. With a conference theme of “Bridging the Implementation Gap,” a diverse representation of the bird conservation community will come together in plenaries, presentation sessions, and work sessions to collaboratively struggle with how we can best ensure that existing well-developed, science-based conservation priorities and plans are translated into effective conservation on the ground. The conference will include collaborative work sessions that explore how to engage appropriate audiences to effectively implement conservation priorities.

The Rusty Blackbird Workshop(Oct. 16-18) will be held in conjunction with the Bird Conservation Conference(Oct. 17-19) to facilitate participation in both meetings by as many participants as possible. The workshop will provide opportunities to discuss past efforts, progress, and future strategies for Rusty Blackbird conservation.

Thanks to Mass Audubon for serving as our local host and to Northeast Partners in Flight, Northeast Coordinated Bird Monitoring, and Bird Education Alliance for Conservation for organizing the conference.

Contact Ashley Dayer (aad86@cornell.edu) or Randy Dettmers (Randy_Dettmers@fws.gov) for more information.

The Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road in Albany will host an online conference for museum and other interested professionals that focuses on mobile applications for natural or cultural history interpretation on May 8^th and 9^th. This conference will give participants the chance to meet and interact with colleagues working in mobile interpretation from around the globe and walk away with practical knowledge that can be put to use immediately. Specifically, the Museums & Mobile IV conference will explore serving the growing mobile youth market, review and assess tablet-based mobile experiences, and review 2012 Museums & Mobile Survey findings.

The production of the Museums & Mobile IV is a collaboration between Pocket-Proof and LearningTimes. Pocket-Proof is an independent design consultancy specializing in the planning, design and development of mobile experiences for cultural institutions and LearningTimes offers an array of online professional development programs. As host, the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center will cover the group conference registration fees.  The $20 per day registration fee covers lunch and room/staffing costs.

For more information and to register for either or both days, please visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar” at the top of the page or call 518-456-0655.

May 8^th, 2012 11:30am – 4:00pm

Pre-conference workshops

Workshop 1: Planning Your Next Mobile Experience: A Step-by-Step Master Class. Delivering a successful mobile experience requires a range of expertise: from technology selection and content development, to production, marketing, and distribution. This master class will guide participants through the decision-making processes pertaining to each of these steps with the objective of ensuring that the resulting mobile experiences deliver strong, sustainable visitor experiences. Workshop Leaders: Nancy Proctor, Head of Mobile Strategy, Smithsonian Institute, USA and Eric Longo, Consultant, Longo Consulting, USA

Workshop 2: An Introduction to TAP, an Opensource Mobile Project. TAP is an opensource mobile CMS and suite of mobile applications originally developed by the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), which has been used to deliver mobile experience at institutions including the IMA, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Balboa Park Online Collaborative, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Workshop Leaders: Charles Moad, Director of IMA Lab, Indianapolis Museum of Art, USA and Kyle Jaebker, Application Development Manager, Indianapolis Museum of Art, USA

May 9^th, 2012 11:30am – 5:00pm

Museums & Mobile IV is an online conference focused on first-hand museum accounts of lessons learned in the delivery and operation of mobile experiences. These interactive case studies address project delivery, experience design, content production, technology solutions and operational requirements. The expressed aim of the event is that conference delegates leave with clear and actionable guidelines that will help them successfully and efficiently deliver mobile projects at their institutions.

Located within the Capital District Region, the Albany Pine Bush’s gently rolling sand plain is home to a variety of rare plants and animals, including the Federally-endangered Karner blue butterfly. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve also creates a special habitat for a number of other rare and unique plants and animals, while providing visitors with an assortment of non-motorized recreational opportunities including hiking, jogging, nature study, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing.

The Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center transforms this globally unique destination into an exciting adventure where learning comes naturally through hands-on activities. As the gateway to the Pine Bush, the Discovery Center introduces visitors to everything that makes the Preserve rare and adventurous. With the help of many volunteers, the Discovery Center offers monthly outings and programs about the ecology, natural and cultural history of the Pine Bush area.  Admission is free. The center is open Tuesday-Friday 9AM-4PM, Saturday and Sunday 10AM-4PM, and on most holiday Mondays. The Discovery Center is ideal for training sessions, meetings, small conferences, special events, business retreats and private parties. The state-of-the-art LEED “Gold” green building features 1,484 square feet of meeting room space; three fully AV equipped, WiFi accessible meeting rooms; a unique greeting area with 3,500 square feet of interactive nature center exhibits; and kitchen space for catered meal prep/storage. For more information, visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org or call 518-456-0655.

JULY 22-25, 2012

ANTLERS OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER

on

RAQUETTE LAKE in the
ADIRONDACKS

Join veteran naturalists for an educational week of nature and environmental activities

Photos by: Rhonda Jacobs

We’ll explore various habitats and look in depth at the inhabitants and their roles in the ecosystem.

Benefits:
* Hands-on lessons in the field
* Meets NYS Learning Standards
* In-service credit

Ecosystems we”ll visit:

* Forest
* Field
* Pond
* Bog
* Stream

Workshops may include:

* Birds
* Dichotomous keys
* Owl ecology
* Mammals
* Trees
* Wildflowers
* Non-flowering Plants
* Reptiles and Amphibians
* Mushrooms
* Insects

Cost:  $350

(includes meals, lodging, and all instructional activities)

Deadline is July 1, 2012

QUESTIONS?

Contact Fred von Mechow:
607.674.4214
fpvonmechow (at) gmail.com

THE PINE BUSH CELEBRATES EARTH DAY

(ALBANY, NY) – The globally-rare ecosystem of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve provides a unique environment in which to celebrate Earth Day weekend. With a varied array of activities and programs, children, families, neighbors and employees of Capital Region businesses will enjoy all that the 3,200 acre Albany Pine Bush and its state of the art interpretive center have to offer.  The activities begin on Friday, April 20, 2012 at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road in Albany with a 10:00am program called Pine Bush Pups: Happy Earth Day! for pre-school age children. On Saturday, April 21^st participants of all ages will gather at 9:00AM at the Discovery Center to work on a variety of conservation projects including: trails work, pulling invasive honeysuckle, tree planting, trash clean-up, and boundary posting.  Other events on Saturday include a program about spring flowers at 11:00am and tours at 1:00pm and 2:30pm to learn about the many ways the LEED “Gold” certified Discovery Center uses green technology and sustainable materials. Volunteer opportunities continue on Sunday, April 22^nd with service projects at 10:00am and 1:00pm. The Discovery Center is also open all weekend with exhibits geared to all ages.  Registration is required for all programs, please visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar” at the top of the page or call 518-456-0655.

Located within the Capital District Region, the Albany Pine Bush’s gently rolling sand plain is home to a variety of rare plants and animals, including the Federally-endangered Karner blue butterfly. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve also creates a special habitat for a number of other rare and unique plants and animals, while providing visitors with an assortment of non-motorized recreational opportunities including hiking, jogging, nature study, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing.

The Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center transforms this globally unique destination into an exciting adventure where learning comes naturally through hands-on activities. As the gateway to the Pine Bush, the Discovery Center introduces visitors to everything that makes the Preserve rare and adventurous. With the help of many volunteers, the Discovery Center offers monthly outings and programs about the ecology, natural and cultural history of the Pine Bush area.  Admission is free. The center is open Tuesday-Friday 9AM-4PM, Saturday and Sunday 10AM-4PM, and on most holiday Mondays. The center is also available for private parties and meeting rentals.   For more information, visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org or call 518-456-0655.

1.      The OCWA will be coordinating volunteers and loaning out equipment/supplies for collecting stream chemistry data (e.g. DO, pH, Conductivity, temp), visual assessment information (e.g. identification of sites in need of stormwater management, restoration, erosion, conservation, etc), and macroinvertebrate samples (volunteers must be trained to collect macroinvertebrate samples suitable for analysis).   We will again be working with volunteers in the Moodna Creek and Quassaick Creek watersheds, but also hope to get interest from volunteers and educators in other watersheds, including the Wallkill, Ramapo, and Delaware Rivers (see attached JPG for watershed map).  Let me know (reply to this message) if you would like to learn more about partnering with the OCWA.

2.      Riverkeeper is looking for volunteers to collect water samples in the Wallkill River on a monthly basis to locate sources of wastewater impacts.  See attached Riverkeeper PDF for more info and Contact Tracy Brown (copied on this email) if you are interested.

The NYS DEC has developed new guidelines for accepting data that is not collected by the DEC – they call this their “External Data Project.”  There are two categories of experience and training:

3.      Wadeable Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators , and

4.      Stream Monitoring Data collected by Citizen Monitors with professional certification and experience.

Both of the NYSDEC programs are described below. Contact Alene Onion (copied on this email, or call 518-402-8166) if you are interested in participating.

Two DEC programs:

1.      Wadeable Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators (WAVE)  -  

This July – October, the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program is actively recruiting citizens from across the Hudson River Watershed (including mohawk and upper hudson watersheds) to participate in wadeable assessments by volunteer evaluators: WAVE. The WAVE assessment is very simple and provides valuable data to the NYS DEC and local municipalities.  To become a Citizen Monitor for WAVE:

• Identify a stream you would like to visit. The WAVE Coordinator can provide recommendations if needed.
• Attend a 4 hour training session. To register, go to: www.surveymonkey.com/s/Project-WAVE

2.      Stream Monitoring Data collected by Citizen Monitors with professional certification and experience:

How will these data be used: Raw data will be used equivalent to NYS DEC Stream Biomonitoring Unit Data. We will only accept raw data, however, and will perform the appropriate metrics at NYSDEC.

Sampling Season: July to September, 2012

NYSDEC Approval Process: Every project will need to submit a quality assurance project plan at least one month prior to sampling. We provide a template for this document.

Professional Qualifications for Collecting Samples:

• Attend a 4 hour calibration in May with the NYS DEC
• Holds a current license to collect or posses from NYS DEC (http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/28633.html)
• Knowledge of NYSDEC macroinvertebrate field sampling procedures.
• Completed and achieved passing marks in undergraduate core course work in limnology, aquatic biology, environmental sciences or a related discipline, OR has two years practical experience in environmental assessment work
• Two years of practical experience involving work in developing biological water quality sampling and analysis plans, quality assurance plans, and data quality objectives processes

Professional Qualifications for Identifying Samples

• Society for Freshwater Science (formerly North American Benthological Society) certified Eastern Group 1 (General Arthropods), 2 (EPT), 3 (Chironomidae), and 4 (Oligochaeta)
• Knowledge of NYSDEC macroinvertebrate identification procedures.
• College-level course credit in aquatic invertebrate zoology OR two years practical experience in the identification of aquatic Macroinvertebrates
• Completed and achieved passing marks in undergraduate core course work in limnology, aquatic biology, environmental sciences or a related discipline, OR has two years practical experience in environmental assessment work.
• Two years of practical experience involving work in developing biological water quality sampling and analysis plans, quality assurance plans, and data quality objectives processes