Travis Beck is the NYBG’s Landscape and Garden Projects Manager, overseeing large landscape design and construction projects here at the Garden. His current undertakings include the redesign of the Native Plant Garden and trail restorations taking place in the Thain Family Forest.

The Thain Family Forest at The New York Botanical Garden is a remnant of the deciduous forest that once covered most of the region. Unlike many of the remaining forests, the Thain Family Forest was never cleared for timber or agriculture, and includes numerous grand trees. Today, many of these are well over a century old.

Superstorm Sandy reminds us, however, that humans are not the only ones to fell trees. Her strong winds uprooted or snapped the trunks of over one hundred trees in the Forest. Where these trees fell, gaps now exist in the canopy, creating opportunities for the next generation of trees to grow. Our records show that Sandy was the most damaging storm in the Garden’s history to impact the Forest, but hurricanes, nor’easters, and thunderstorms are part of the natural disturbance regime for northeastern forests. Such storms open gaps in the canopy and allow for new growth to fill the space.
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After bracing for and weathering Hurricane Sandy you deserve a break. We are working hard to restore our beautiful grounds to their pre-storm splendor and safety for you, our visitors. We have already reopened many areas across our 250 acres–including the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. In addition, we have re-instituted Tram service, reduced the cost of Garden admission, and are carrying on with our Fall Forest Weekends! Now that the Metro-North Railroad has restored significant service on the Harlem Line, you can once again ride the train from Grand Central or points north and be let off at Botanical Garden Station, just across the street from our Mosholu Gate entrance.

To summarize:

- Many parts of the Garden are OPEN, including the Conservatory’s permanent collections, Children’s Adventure Garden, and more.

- All-Garden Pass admission is reduced 50% through Friday, making it just $10! Use code 9912 online to purchase your tickets. Reduced prices will also be honored on site.

- All-Garden Pass admission includes the Tram, Conservatory, and Adventure Garden.

- Come enjoy the splendor of Manolo Valdés‘ beautiful site-specific sculptures.

- Saturday and Sunday, join us in the Forest for Fall Forest Weekends! Explore the Thain Family Forest and immerse yourself in the magnificent colors of fall foliage. Tree-climbing demonstrations, guided tours, canoe trips on the Bronx River, and more make for an unforgettable autumn experience.

There’s fun and beauty to be had all weekend long. So come visit! It’s one of the best ways to support the NYBG as we tackle this herculean cleanup effort, and a walk around the Garden is just the thing to help erase cabin fever!

Get your tickets now! Use code 9912.

In the aftermath of this week’s storm, people have been asking about the status of The New York Botanical Garden‘s living collections. We wanted to update you on the damage inflicted by the storm at the Botanical Garden.

A very large tree in the Azalea Garden

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Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to trees, fences, small structures, signs, and one building across the 250 acres of The New York Botanical Garden.  While we are still assessing the damage, initial surveys reveal that over 100 native trees in the Forest and throughout the landscape, including some of our ancient and most magnificent oaks, were destroyed.  Hundreds of mature pines, spruces, and firs in the Ross Conifer Arboretum and Benenson Ornamental Conifers and other irreplaceable collections of trees across the Garden were damaged.  Over the next few days, curators and arborists will carefully inspect trees across the landscape for broken and damaged limbs and other substantial damage not immediately apparent after the storm.

Staff members of the Garden’s Operations and Horticulture Divisions began clean-up efforts even before the storm had moved inland.  Their initial efforts focused on the clearing of roads and the removal of downed trees from buildings and structures.  Certain areas of the Garden, including the Forest, the Azalea Garden, the Ross Arboretum, and the Benenson Ornamental Conifers will remain closed until the damage in these areas can be fully assessed and paths and roadways cleared.

While Sandy’s fierce winds have altered the tree canopy that lends singular grace and beauty to our historic landscape, we are working hard to re-establish the calm beauty that makes the Garden an oasis for all New Yorkers, particularly during trying times.  Many sections of the Garden, including the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, will re-open to the public on Thursday, November 1.