Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Posted in Photography on October 21 2014, by Lansing Moore
The centerpiece of the Thain Family Forest, the Bronx River, lends a calm backdrop to a crisp fall day at NYBG.
The Bronx River in the Thain Family Forest – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on September 23 2014, by Lansing Moore
You won’t find grandma’s house in the Thain Family Forest (hopefully), but there is still a green freshness to enjoy under the canopy before the fall colors completely taken hold just yet. We will keep you updated on the changing leaves as we get closer to Fall Forest Weekends in November.
In the Thain Family Forest – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Gardens and Collections, Video on August 11 2014, by Lansing Moore
This month has so far been pleasantly mild, but there is no denying that it can be difficult to step away from the air-conditioning at this time of year. Fear not, for the Garden is the perfect place to enjoy summer without enduring the oppressive heat! Don’t spend the summer cooped up indoors when long, sunny days and brilliant nature are waiting for you just outside.
Without the warming effects of asphalt and concrete, and with plenty of tall, shady trees across the grounds, you will find that much of the Garden is as pleasant as can be, even in the eight of summer. Join Kristin Schleiter, Associate Vice President for Outdoor gardens and Senior Curator at The New York Botanical Garden, on a tour of NYBG’s shaded areas that are perfect for a midday stroll.
The Thain Family Forest is especially temperate during the hotter months, thanks to the natural protection of its dense canopy. Trees want that sunlight more than you do, and they will gladly provide some cover. Of course, visitors to the Garden should still take care to wear comfortable footwear, dress appropriately for the weather, and—most importantly—stay hydrated.
Posted in Photography on August 6 2014, by Lansing Moore
A Red-tailed Hawk in the Thain Family Forest – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on December 10 2013, by Ann Rafalko
The season’s first substantial snow is always cause for excited exclamations of “oooh” and “aaaah” from staff and visitors alike, because, well, snow plus garden equals unparalleled beauty! So if you’re coming to visit the Holiday Train Show today, you’re in for an extra special treat! But for everyone else—whether trapped in a cubicle or living in warmer climes—we put together this slideshow of the most beautiful scenes seen today.
Photographs by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on November 29 2013, by Ann Rafalko
The trails of the Thain Family Forest are waiting for you! Come assuage your holiday guilt with a nice walk in the woods!
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on November 18 2013, by Ann Rafalko
We offer just a few chances a year to paddle down the Bronx River during our Fall Forest Weekends (sadly now in the past). But our friends at the Bronx River Alliance offer the opportunity on a more frequent basis.
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden on November 8 2013, by Ann Rafalko
That awesome crisp fall air is due back this weekend, just on schedule for another Fall Forest Weekend!
Why fete a forest? Because the 50-acre Thain Family Forest isn’t just another woodland. It’s one of the largest remaining tracts of old growth forest in New York City. New York’s five boroughs were once covered by woodlands, but the relentless march of time and commerce denuded our fair islands, until only isolated pockets of forest remained. But the Thain Family Forest is hardly isolated, despite being in the middle of the Bronx. It is connected to woodlands further upstate by the Bronx River and the greenest borough’s extensive network of parks. This makes the Forest a truly unique place, home to native plants, trees, and critters, as well as a cadre of scientists studying it all.
And the Forest’s majestic, sometimes centuries old, trees are currently at peak fall foliage! Perfect timing, right? So come walk our trails, paddle the Bronx River, sample local beers, watch demonstrations of birds of prey, tree climbing, woodworking, and home gardening, enjoy fun-filled family activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden (adjacent to the Forest), geek out on the many scientific pursuits being pursued under the Forest’s mighty trees, and so much more!
And while it is the Forest we are celebrating this weekend, the entirety of our 250-acres is looking spectacular! Bid a fond farewell to the gorgeous Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden for the season, enjoy beautiful vistas from the Azalea Garden, sit and read a book in the serene Perennial Garden, and wander amongst the green lushness of the Benenson Ornamental Conifers collection. We hope to see you soon!
Posted in Around the Garden on May 22 2013, by Patricia Gonzalez
Although I have been photographing wildlife at The New York Botanical Garden since 2008, March 17th, 2012 was my last sighting of a Great-horned Owl. Since that time, during my frequent forays into the Thain Family Forest I could clearly hear them hooting, but have had zero luck in spotting them. But then this April, they made their reappearance when it became clear that one of the female owls had hatched two owlets.
Posted in Programs and Events on May 15 2013, by Ann Rafalko
The landscape of our new Native Plant Garden is evolving daily. Each day brings a new bloom, a new leaf, a new hue, or a new resident to this amazing 3.5-acre landscape. It is a celebration of the native plants of the northeast, of which wildflowers are the most delicate and ephemeral. And we’re very happy to be participating in the sixth annual NYC Wildflower Week!
On Friday, Wildflower Week participants are invited to a very special tour of the Native Plant Garden, Thain Family Forest, and Azalea Garden. The tour, Native Flowers, Forest & Azaleas of NYBG, will be conducted by Jody Payne, Director of the Native Plant Garden; Jessica Arcate-Schuler, Director of the Thain Family Forest; Deanna Curtis, Curator of Woody Plants; and Kristin Schleiter, Director of Outdoor Gardens. The tour–offered rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 17–is free with paid admission and participants should meet at the Leon Levy Visitor Center Reflecting Pool.