New York pine barrens are unique woodland communities made up of pitch pine, scrub oak, and grassy areas. Blueberries and ferns blanket the ground. Dozens of threatened or endangered creatures prefer this vegetation, making this rare community their home. [Read more…] about Exploring Rare New York Pine Barrens
Albany Pine Bush
A Regional Study of Pollinators in Barrens Habitats
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Forest Health Research Lab Manager Amanda Dillon, recently collaborated with other researchers from universities, state agencies, and environmental organizations across the Northeast to study how barrens ecosystems can support important pollinators like bees and moths. [Read more…] about A Regional Study of Pollinators in Barrens Habitats
The Karner Blue Butterfly
In some places across New York State, this year’s unpredictable weather has affected Karner blue butterflies (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) food, the wild blue lupine. [Read more…] about The Karner Blue Butterfly
Capital Region Segment of the NYS Birding Trail Opens
The Capital Region segment of the NYS Birding Trail is now open and is the sixth region to be completed. The region includes 29 sites on a mix of public and private lands throughout five counties. [Read more…] about Capital Region Segment of the NYS Birding Trail Opens
Invasive Southern Pine Beetle Spreads North
New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) have announced that southern pine beetles (SPB) were found farther north than previously documented and in greater numbers, suggesting their range is expanding and populations are on the rise.
SPB are destructive forest pests that pose a significant threat to the State’s pine forests, particularly pitch pine forests like those found in the Albany Pine Bush and Minnewaska State Park Preserve. [Read more…] about Invasive Southern Pine Beetle Spreads North