There are a lot of trees to take care of at the Garden, so we need plenty of chainsaws! Here’s another way we have re-purposed some of the Forest’s fallen trees.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Hello all! So I’ve heard from several sources that you guys are all just as excited as we are about the family of Great-Horned Owls that have just successfully hatched a nest of chicks for the first time since 2009! The owls are really amazing birds, and just one aspect of what makes the Garden such a special place.

That said, just like any new family, the owls need a little peace and quiet. I received this email today from Jessica Arcate-Schuler, Manager of the Forest where the owls are nesting:

Please advise all visitors to stay on Azalea Way while viewing the Great Horned Owls nesting at the edge of the Forest. First and foremost, this is to prevent any disturbance to the owls and owlets. Secondly, to help steward the Forest by not trampling newly planted restoration plants, salamanders, and causing soil compaction. Notify visitors that the nest and male owl, when he is on his normal perch, are both visible from Azalea Way and can be seen with binoculars.

With the excitement of the owlets hatching, more and more people seem to be traveling to view our owls (I met a birder from Boston, this week!). For the health and well-being of the owls and the Forest, we appreciate your help.

So, please come to the Garden to see the owls! Please bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes, and bring your camera. But, please give a hoot, and do not disturb the owls. We’re working on something a little special that should hopefully let people who aren’t able to come visit get in on the owl excitement, so watch this space. Happy weekend everyone!

Remember this guy standing guard over his nest? Well, it turns out, he’s a father now! For the first time since 2009, The New York Botanical Garden‘s Native Forest is home to at least two baby Great-Horned Owl chicks! First word on the nest came to us from NYBG member, Plant Talk contributor, and amateur wildlife photographer Pat Gonzalez, who says she has confirmed the existence of the chicks with New York City bird expert Dr. Robert “Birding Bob” Candido.

Mama and her baby owl. We have circled the chick in red. (photo by Pat Gonzalez)

As Pat puts it, “Little white faces peeking out through the hole in that tree is a good thing” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

Owl Chick (photo by Pat Gonzales)

The 50-acre, old growth  Native Forest is the heart of the Garden. It is one of the reasons Nathaniel Lord Britton settled on this 250-acre plot in the Bronx as the place to build his dream Botanical Garden, it is home to at least one tree that was alive at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is home to some of the Garden’s most fascinating residents, it is a place where scientists can study everything from global warming to genetics, and it is a very fine place to go for a stroll. The Forest is a vital part of not just the New York Botanical Garden, but also of New York City, and the world.

For these reasons, and for so many more, we are delighted that the United Nations has declared 2011 “The International Year of Forests.” The UN says that the year is a “celebration of the vital role that forests play in people’s lives … amid growing recognition of the role that forests managed in a sustainable manner play in everything from mitigating climate change to providing wood, medicines and livelihoods for people around the world.”

We’ll be joining in on recognizing the International Year of Forests with a series of events throughout 2011 (but we’re not ready to announce them just yet). In the meantime, here are some other forest facts from the United Nations:

See the facts below.

Despite his soft white belly, one of our resident hawks is barely visible against winter’s blue sky. Do you see him?

Lone Hawk (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)

Does your New Year’s resolution include more exercise? The Garden’s forest is a wonderful place to take a walk in any season. And we just reopened the Spicebush Trail. So pull on your boots and hat and come take a walk!

Winter Wander (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)

Times Square it certainly isn’t. Wherever you find yourself tonight at midnight, may it be full of friends, loved ones, and cheer. Happy New Year!

The Native Forest in winter light (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)

While I cannot tell you whether or not a tree makes a sound when it falls in the forest and no one is around, I can tell you that when a tree falls in the Forest at The New York Botanical Garden, we tend to find a good use for it. Case in point the beauty below, which was felled by one of this past summer’s violent storms.

While fallen trees are an important part of a forest’s ecosystem, they can also be an important part of the enjoyment of the place. Especially when they’re made into a beautiful bench by Bien Hecho for Garden visitors to rest upon.

Check out the great photo essay below by Garden photographer Ivo M. Vermeulen below.

A Forest denizen makes a rare daytime appearance.

Barred Northern Saw-whet owl (Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen).