Smokey Bear Day returns to Albany Pine Bush Preserve

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Albany Pine Bush Reserve is raising awareness of the importance of proper fire safety on Saturday, Oct. 5, for Smokey Bear Day. The ambassador of wildfire prevention will be in attendance alongside officials from the reserves, teaching children and families about globally rare ecosystems from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendees will learn about prescribed fires and how the Albany Pine Bush Reserve uses them to maintain its fragile ecosystem and plant life. Some ecosystems use fire to thin forest canopies so no life on the forest floor can receive more natural light and not be overtaken by shade-dependent plants, which increases plant diversity.

The reserve, a National Natural Landmark, will have interactive exhibits of prescribed fires, meet Smokey, and take home a Smokey Bear goody bag. For more information about the reserve or Smokey Bear Day, call the reserve at (518) 456-0655.