A High-Flying Three Day Weekend
Posted in Around the Garden on February 17 2012, by Matt Newman
Last weekend’s predictions for snowfall missed the mark by a mile, so we’re spending today confident that the last white of winter is well behind us. Or that’s what we’re telling ourselves. Because without the snow, it makes spending a day at the NYBG a piece of cake, and the trains (usually) tend to run on time. With the Caribbean Garden winding down in preparation for the opening of this year’s Orchid Show, there’s also more motivation to come pay us a visit!
If you’re one of the lucky New Yorkers to have a full three-day weekend to enjoy, we’re even going to open the gates on Monday to make the most of it. We don’t exactly do that every week. And with the kids out of school, you might consider this an example of opportunity knocking–how often do you get to spend a day with them while out and about, anyway?
Saturday, February 18
Great Backyard Bird Count – All day
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
This is a big deal! Throughout the weekend, we’ll be doing our part to help scientists with Cornell University and the National Audubon Society track the populations of North American birds. Borrow a pair of binoculars and a tally sheet when you get to the Garden, then join one of our Explainers in tracking down the many birds living in the Bronx. Record your findings on the official website from right here at the Discovery Center, and you’ll have contributed to a worthwhile effort that spans an entire continent.
Bird Walk – 11 a.m.
Meets at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center
If you’re coming for the Great Backyard Bird Count, you might as well join Debbie Becker for the weekend Bird Walk! Seek out owls, hawks, songbirds and more as you join the group for a trek through the Garden, learning about the bird-friendly plants and habitats that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites. You might even get a chance to spot Rose and Vince, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks that has been living here in the Bronx for years.
Healing Plants Tour – 1 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center.
Join a Garden Tour Guide on a guided tour inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, viewing intriguing plant species with healing capabilities and learning about their unique medicinal properties.
Salsa: Listen and Learn – 2 p.m.
Meet at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory’s Green School
Discover the Caribbean origins of salsa music. Educator Jose Obando brings a collection of salsa memorabilia and traditional instruments to help tell the story of this island classic. While you’re here for the demonstration, you can even learn a few dance steps for yourself!
Sunday, February 19
Great Backyard Bird Count – All day
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Calling all bird watchers! Pick up a tally sheet to help count and identify the Garden’s birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Borrow a pair of binoculars and join one of our Explainers as they comb the grounds for birds. When you’re done, you can record your findings on the official website from the Discovery Center, contributing not only to a nationwide effort, but one spanning the continent.
Conservatory Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meets at the Conservatory entrance
Explore the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, an acre of plants under glass, with one of the Garden’s T0ur Guides. Take an eco-tour around the world through 11 distinct habitats, including two types of rain forest, deserts of the Americas and of Africa, and aquatic and carnivorous plant displays. Admission included with an All-Garden Pass.
Photography Tips and Tricks — 1 to 3 p.m.
Meet at the Conservatory entrance
Join an expert garden photographer as he dispenses tips, encouragement, and critique for budding photographers and veterans alike. After picking up a few new tricks, you can enter your work into our weekly Caribbean Garden photo contests for a chance at a gift certificate to put toward NYBG Adult Education classes.
Monday, February 20
Great Backyard Bird Count – All day
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Calling all bird watchers! Pick up a tally sheet to help count and identify the Garden’s birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Borrow a pair of binoculars and join one of our Explainers as they go around tracking birds. Record your findings on the official website from the Discovery Center, and contribute to a continent-wide effort.
Conservatory Tour – 1 p.m.
Meets at the Conservatory entrance
Explore the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, an acre of plants under glass, with one of the Garden’s Tour Guides. Take an eco-tour around the world through 11 distinct habitats, including two types of rain forest, deserts of the Americas and of Africa, and aquatic and carnivorous plant displays. Admission included with an All-Garden Pass.
Photography Tips and Tricks – 1 to 3 p.m.
Meet at the Conservatory entrance
Join an expert garden photographer as he dispenses tips, encouragement, and critique for budding photographers and veterans alike. After picking up a few new tricks, you can enter your work into our weekly Caribbean Garden photo contests for a chance at a gift certificate to put toward NYBG Adult Education classes.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Tropical Discoveries and Wintertime Wonders — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Explore plants native to New York in the winter wonderland of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Sort fruits and leaves from around the world, and pot up plants from both climates to take home as souvenirs.
Adventures in Adaptation — Self-Guided
Pick up your field notebook at ticketing booths and begin the search in the Conservatory.
Embark on a scavenger hunt throughout the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and Garden grounds. One of our scientists has been traveling the world studying plant adaptations, and we need your help to figure out not only where he’s been, but where he’s headed next!
