Tuesday April 23, 2024 
Discover the Night with the Albany Pine Bush
ALBANY – During this time of social distancing, Discover the Night is a virtual opportunity to experience nighttime in the globally-rare Albany Pine Bush.
The public is invited to visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/discover-the-night now until December 31, 2020 to enjoy preserve staff and special guest videos featuring local wildlife, storytelling, night hiking and more! People can also play interactive games, download fun activities and nature craft instructions. The site includes something for all ages.
Executive Director, Christopher Hawver said, “Our team of remarkable educators have worked hard to adapt our programs and special events to safe and fun learning experiences. Discover the Night is an exceptional online educational resource for adults, families and teachers who are searching for ways to engage with us and the natural world. We encourage everyone to explore some of the areas that interest you on the site and discover all that is extraordinary about the Albany Pine Bush.”
The event is sponsored by Friends of the Pine Bush Community and content will be on the website through the end of this year. For more information about Discover the Night, trails and other programs visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org or call 518-456-0655.
Annual Yule Log Tradition
Grafton –The tradition at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center for the last 25 years has been to invite friends and family to search for a hidden yule log, followed by a community campfire. This year we have crafted a do-it-yourself hunt for the yule log. Clues and maps will be posted on line at www.dykenpond.org and at our main sign beginning on December 13 at 8am. Bring your family/social bubble out at your convenience between December 13 through December 20 and search for the Yule Log. The Yule Log will be a white birch log decorated with red ribbon and greens. Leave the largest Yule Log for others to find and bring home a smaller yule log to either burn or have as a decoration. Learn about the folklore of the Yule Log and the science of the winter solstice at our website at: www.dykenpond.org.
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a Rensselaer County Park open daily during daylight hours for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Call for more information and a complete schedule of our winter events.