Certified Seed Collector Volunteer Training

Training: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP) is a 3,400+ acre fire-dependent pitch pine–scrub oak barrens ecosystem in New York’s Capital District. It provides habitat for many plants and animals, including the endangered Karner blue butterfly. About one third of the preserve requires restoration to remove non-native vegetation and re-establish native species. To maintain local ecotypes, APBP uses only seed sources originating in the Glacial Lake Albany footprint, so many pounds of native seed must be hand-collected by staff and volunteers.

The APB Certified Seed Collector scouts for native seed patches throughout the preserve, collects ripe native seed, and leads volunteers on weekend seed-collecting trips. To become certified, volunteers must complete in-person classroom and field training covering plant identification, seed species ID, seed collecting notes, invasive species ID, APB rules and regulations, and seed collection logistics.

Duties of the APB Certified Seed Collector:
- Visit the Albany Pine Bush Preserve frequently and explore primarily off-trail areas to identify and report good seed-collecting areas.
- Maintain an observant watch on seed collection areas; record species flowering time and seed development notes.
- When seed is ripe, collect as much seed as possible according to APB collection guidelines.
- Keep careful track of amounts of seed collected.
- Have a great time while helping to further our goal of restoring the pine bush.

Training requirements:
- Attendance at the in-person training session is mandatory.
- The training will meet and begin indoors at the Discovery Center (195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205) and then the group will caravan to the seed barn (about 5 minutes away on Kings Road).
- Training will be outdoors rain or shine; please dress appropriately.
- Bring a pen/pencil and something to take notes on. A hand loupe or magnifying glass may be helpful for plant ID, but is not required.

Job requirements:
- Commitment to the mission of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
- Good interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Attendance at all training sessions.
- After training, demonstrated competence at native seed species ID.
- Sufficient physical fitness to walk preserve grounds.
- Willingness to make a minimum one-year commitment.

Questions? Contact Sarah Reilly at 518-456-0655 or volunteer@albanypinebush.org.

Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
195 New Karner Road, Suite 1
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: (518) 456-0655