The inland pine barrens ecosystem is made up of different ecological communities. Ecological communities are "assemblages of species that occur together in a definable area within a given period, have the potential to interact with one another, and depend on similar ecological processes and conditions to maintain themselves" (APBPC Management Plan, see sidebar).
Like the rooms of a house, the communities of an ecosystem are recognizably different from one another, yet they are connected under one "roof" sharing a common environment including soil conditions, climate and patterns of disturbance. Where they differ is their composition of plants, animals and other organisms. In New York State, ecological communities are defined by the New York Natural Heritage Program. Explore some of the communities of the Albany Pine Bush below.
We cannot provide a specific schedule for prescribed fires in a given area due to the unpredictability of weather and fuel conditions. If you would like to be notified the morning of a prescribed fire, please subscribe below.
February 01, 2020
Hunting, Fishing & Trapping
Hunting, fishing and trapping are recreational activities that are carefully regulated in the preserve and across NYS.
April 03, 2019
Tick Awareness
Please be aware that ticks, including deer ticks (also known as black-legged ticks), are present in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve as well as other natural areas in our region.
