What will my child do in the Children's Gardening Program?

Throughout the season they are enrolled, Crafters and Sprouts plant and care for a garden and learn about garden-related topics through fun enrichment activities. Each session includes time dedicated to hands-on gardening and time dedicated to learning about a particular theme, through investigations, hikes, discussions, and games. Caregiver accompanying their Sprout actively participates along with their Sprout.

Where does the Children's Gardening Program take place?

The program takes place outdoors at the Edible Academy (EA). The campus is located near the East Gate and includes gardens, classrooms, greenhouse, open air pavilions (offering relief from sun and rain), restrooms, water bottle refill station, and hand sanitizer dispensers. The classrooms and greenhouse will not be utilized during the program. The Edible Academy campus is NOT open to the public during the CGP sessions.

Does my child harvest and keep what they grow?

Many of the crops the Crafters and Sprouts plant and care for are harvested during the season they are enrolled. Some of the crops are left to grow and are harvested by the Crafters and Sprouts enrolled in subsequent seasons. Some of the crops will be harvested by Edible Academy staff and donated to local community-based food providers.

Does my child choose what they grow?

In order to have seeds and seedlings ready each program session, EA staff develop planting plans that include a diversity of crops that are seasonally appropriate. Each season more than a dozen different vegetables, herbs, and flowers are grown.

How does my child get to the Edible Academy?

Crafters and Trams are transported to and from the Edible Academy on the NYBG Trams. Trams depart from the Tulip Tree Allee. Crafters Educators join the Crafters to provide supervision during the ride.

Who teaches my child during the Children's Gardening Program?

NYBG hires and trains Crafters and Sprouts Educators to facilitate the gardening and enrichment activities planned by Edible Academy administrators. Each Educator is assigned up to 12 Crafters or 12 Sprouts and accompanying caregivers and is supported during program sessions by several Edible Academy administrators as well as Assistant Educators.

What efforts are being made to promote my child's safety during the program session?

All activities of the Children’s Gardening Program will take place outdoors; all staff and participants are required to wear face coverings indoors and in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and the Edible Academy. Hand washing stations and hand sanitizer stations are installed throughout the Edible Academy campus. All garden tools will be disinfected with an alcohol-based disinfectant in between users. Enrichment activities will include hikes and games that promote social distancing.

How do I enroll my child in the Children's Gardening Program?

You can enroll https://www.nybg.org/learn/kids-teens/childrens-gardening-program/ or via phone at 718.817.8181.

When does registration for the Children's Gardening Program begin?

You can register your child for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and/or Fall 2022 sessions now.

Do NYBG Members receive a discount?

Yes, we offer CGP Crafters and Sprouts at a discounted rate for NYBG Members at the Family Level and above.

Are discounts available for enrolling in more than one season?

Yes, we offer a 10% discount for enrolling your child in three or more seasons. Please use code CGP1022 at check out.

Do you offer financial scholarships?

Yes, you may apply for a https://nybg.doubleknot.com/form/takesurvey.aspx?surveyid=83821&orgkey=3803 .

Who do I contact if I have further questions regarding the Children's Gardening Program?

You can email childed@nybg.org or call 718.817.8181

How can I purchase or renew a Membership?

You can purchase a Membership https://www.nybg.org/join-support/membership/ , on-site at any ticket window, or by calling the Membership Office. To purchase online you’ll have to create a new Member account. Renewing Members have an existing account. https://www.nybg.org/content/uploads/2019/11/ME_Members-Login-Info_2019-Final.pdf

Trade-in Tickets Towards Membership

If you have purchased regular-priced admission to the Garden, during your visit the ticket price can be applied to the cost of a Membership. For Individual and Teacher level, the cost of one regular-priced ticket is applied. The cost of two regular-priced tickets can be applied towards the purchase of a Dual Membership. The cost of two adult and two children’s tickets can be applied towards the purchase of Family–Sustaining Memberships. Please see a Visitor Services Representative on the day of your visit for additional details.

When will I receive my Membership materials?

Please allow 2–3 weeks from the date of purchase to receive your Membership materials. We will assume all proper Membership materials have been received unless notified. Please notify the Membership Office if you have not received your Membership materials 3 weeks after purchase.

Renewals may be processed at any point once your Membership term has commenced. When you renew an active Membership, it will be extended for one year from the current expiration date. The Membership Office does not retain the credit card information. This information must be re-submitted with each renewal.

When can I begin using my Member benefits?

Member admission and discounts can be used immediately upon purchase of Membership. Member Passes for guest admission or parking will be sent with your Membership materials within 2-3 weeks of purchase. Member passes can only be redeemed by presenting the physical pass at the Garden.

What admission benefits do Members receive?

Membership entitles you to year-round admission. Each Membership is allotted a fixed number of complimentary Member tickets per day determined by Membership level.

What discounts do Members receive?

Members receive a 10% discount off purchases at NYBG Shop. Members also receive discounts on education course fees and on select premium events.

Do I have to reserve tickets for timed entry?

Timed tickets may be required for admission to the Garden. This is necessary to alleviate overcrowding, ensure a more pleasant experience, and protect the Conservatory, collections, and delicate exhibitions.

How do I redeem my Member Passes?

To receive complimentary parking, redeem pass to the parking attendant upon arrival on Garden premise. When parking at our secure parking facility at 401 Bedford Park Blvd, Members must validate parking ticket and redeem pass at a Garden ticket window to avoid Event and Standard Weekday non-visitor rates. For guest admissions, passes can only be redeemed at Garden ticket windows; they cannot be reserved in advance. Each pass can be used once. If you do not have your passes when you visit, you will be required to pay regular price (no refunds).

How do I redeem Member Passes for timed-entry admission?

If a Member with a timed ticket brings a friend using a guest pass, Garden Representatives will do their best to accommodate the guest(s) at the same time. Additional timed tickets are available for purchase at regular price if you have exceeded the number of complimentary admissions allowed by your Membership level.

Can I give a friend one of my Member passes?

No. Members are required to accompany their guest(s) when using a guest pass.

Are Member Passes always valid for guest admission?

Member Passes are not valid for guest admission during the Holiday Train Show® or select premium events.

What reciprocal benefits do Members have at participating gardens and arboreta?

Garden Members receive reciprocal benefits at gardens and arboreta throughout the United States through our association with the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program. Benefits vary by organization. Members must contact the Garden they wish to visit confirm what benefits are available. A complete listing can be found https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/ .

Can I access the Garden prior to opening hours?

Early Morning Access is a great way to enjoy the beauty and solace of the New York Botanical Garden’s grounds before the Garden is open to the general public. Supporting, Contributing, Sustaining, and Patron level Members can utilize their complimentary Early Morning Access from Tuesday–Sunday, 6–10 a.m. Please have your Membership ID card or proof of Membership purchase (receipt) available when entering the Garden. Please note that no building entry is allowed with the exception of the Visitor Center and East Gate restrooms and parking is only available at the Mosholu Entrance (2950 Southern Blvd.).

How long does it take to receive my Membership card(s)?

Membership cards and passes will be mailed within 2-3 weeks of Membership purchase. Membership is active upon purchase and is not contingent upon the receipt of Membership materials.

How many cards will I receive?

Individual level will receive one Membership card. Memberships that include two or more individuals will receive at most two Membership Cards, one for each adult named on the Membership. If a Member wishes to add a new second individual to the Membership during cycle, there is a $10 replacement card fee.

Do I need my Membership card to access my benefits?

No. If you do not have your Membership card, a photo ID will be requested by Garden Representatives to receive your Member benefits. Member benefits are for the Member(s) listed on the Membership.

I lost my card. How do I get a replacement?

There is a $10 replacement fee for lost, damaged, or stolen Membership Cards You can purchase a replacement card at any ticket window when visiting the Garden or by calling the Membership Office. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the mailing of replacement card(s).

Membership is valid for one year from the date your application is processed. No refunds, extensions, or exchanges will be granted if you are for any reason unable to utilize your Membership Benefits.

Memberships, Membership Benefits, passes, and Membership Cards are nontransferable.

Membership Downgrades

The Garden does not permit a Member to downgrade to a lower Category once the Membership materials have been received and/or benefits have been used.

Membership Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions apply to all Members of the Botanical Garden. In these terms “you/r” or “Member/s” refer to all people who have purchased or applied for a Membership at the Individual, Individual Senior, Dual, Dual Senior, Family, Family Senior, Friends & Family, Supporting, Contributing, Sustaining, and Teacher categories. The terms “we”, “NYBG”, “the Botanical Garden”, or “the Garden” refer to The New York Botanical Garden. With the exception of the benefit of admission to the Garden, we reserve the right to alter the Membership Categories and Benefits without prior notice. Members and guests are subject to conditions and policies of the Garden. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to refuse entry and/or Membership to a Member and to revoke a Membership without refund if a Member behaves in a threatening or abusive manner toward any person, or damages or threatens to damage any of the collections at The New York Botanical Garden. We reserve the right to amend the terms of these policies at any time. At the time of an amendment, Members will be notified.

What’s the advantage of attending the school of professional horticulture versus earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in horticulture?

The advantage can be summarized with one word—skills! The School’s strength is that it teaches students valuable horticulture skills, which give our graduates a competitive advantage over other programs based solely on coursework. The School’s program combines the theoretical and the practical, teaching not just how to grow plants, but why plants grow the way they do. It is due to this kind of education that our students are highly sought after, not just for internships, but also for full-time employment upon graduation.

As someone who is switching careers, what is it like to work in the horticulture industry?

It is a close-knit community of dedicated and passionate professionals who are willing to share their knowledge, experience, information, and employment opportunities. As a student, you meet many key people in this profession from around the world in diverse areas of horticulture, and as a graduate, you become part of that community. One of the biggest benefits of attending the School is making these lifelong contacts here at NYBG and beyond.

What is the typical demographic of students in the school?

Students come from all over the country and world. Most students have some college background, and many have degrees in fields other than horticulture. The majority of students are career changers and range in age from their late teens to mid-50s.

What is the job placement rate for graduates?

The School has had a job placement rate of 100% for the past 8 years. Our alumni are highly sought after by botanical gardens, public parks, celebrity estates, and even major league sports stadiums. Exceptional students also are often hired at NYBG upon graduation when a position is available. However, the School does not promise or guarantee employment.

What kind of salary can I expect to recieve

Generally, private industry pays more than public parks and gardens. The starting salary range in private industry is typically $50,000–$60,000; for non-profits it is $40,000–$55,000.

How is the two-year program divided?

The program is divided into nine terms. Academic classes are concentrated between rotations and include evening sessions.

What if I have fewer hours of experience by application deadline, should I still apply?

Yes; contact the Director to assess your situation.

How many course hours should I expect to take?

Students are required to complete 630 Course Hours and 1,990 Horticulture Rotation and Internship Hours in order to qualify for graduation.

How many hours of studying can I anticipate?

On horticulture rotation days, students start at 8 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m. On class days, students may start at 10 a.m. and finish at 6 or 9 p.m. Students also can expect to have classes some evenings throughout the year. Some courses require homework and studying outside class hours.

Why are some courses taught in the evenings?

Many courses are taught by our expert Horticulture staff. Due to their daytime schedules, they are only free to teach after 4 p.m.

Is it possible to work part-time while I am a student in the School?

Due to the intense schedule of academic courses and work rotations, in addition to various lectures, field trips, and plant ID walks, it’s nearly impossible to hold a part-time job, find time to study, and stay in good academic standing for the two-year program.

What does one recieve after Graduating from the school?

After successfully completing the program, students receive a Diploma in Horticulture from The New York Botanical Garden.

Housing is available in the Bronx and lower Westchester County within a convenient distance from the Garden. Housing is not provided by the School, and out-of-town and international students are advised to secure housing prior to arriving in New York.

When does orientation start?

Orientation starts the last week in January. New students meet staff and become familiar with the Garden’s philosophies, policies, and facilities. Orientation and special group projects with Horticulture continue through February and March to prepare students for their horticulture rotations in the spring.

Does the school provide computer access?

Computers are available 24 hours a day in the Student Room, M-280. Students may be assigned an NYBG e-mail address if desired. In addition, there is Wi-Fi service in the Watson Building and other buildings on campus.

What study and dining facilities are available to students?

Classrooms and academic facilities are in the Watson and Library buildings. The Student Room is available for meal breaks, studying, drafting, and computer use. Horticulture training is carried out at locations throughout the Garden. The Garden’s Pine Tree Café on Garden grounds is open Tuesdays through Sundays, and students enjoy a 20% discount. The Café serves pizza, panini, salads, snacks, and beverages. The Hudson Garden Grill is a more formal dining option on Garden grounds. There are also several moderately priced diners, cafés, and pizzerias within walking distance of the Garden.

A green tropical mountain range under a blue sky

Monthly Science Webinars

In 2024, the New York Botanical Garden initiated a series of Science Webinars, occurring on the first Wednesday of every month. These webinars showcase the work of our talented team of scientists and the crucial work they do on behalf of the Garden’s mission to study, document, and spotlight the importance of the plants and fungi of the world.

We will continue to post these engaging webinars each month for the benefit of our Garden Patrons and other supporters with a keen interest in the incredible work taking place here at the Garden.

Nurturing Nature: Plant-Based Solutions for Long-Term Climate Resilience

June 3, 2026

The world is facing increasingly severe environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation, all of which undermine the benefits that nature provides to people and the planet. Plants are central to building climate resilience, yet their role in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies remains insufficiently prioritized in global planning.

The Nurturing Nature Initiative addresses this gap by mobilizing botanical gardens as key actors in advancing plant-based solutions. Through science-driven conservation, ecological restoration, and cross-sector collaboration, the initiative works to scale practical, plant-based strategies that strengthen long-term climate resilience while supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Dr. Mauricio Diazgranados is the Chief Science Officer and Dean of Science at the New York Botanical Garden, where he leads the Garden’s global scientific strategy. His work focuses on plant biodiversity and the application of botanical science to conservation and climate solutions across tropical and urban ecosystems.

Dr. Eric W. Sanderson is Vice President for Urban Conservation and the Director of the Center for Conservation and Restoration Ecology at the New York Botanical Garden. He is a landscape ecologist, as well as an expert in historical ecology with a particular focus on New York City. His work examines the relationship between people and nature in urban environments and informs strategies for urban biodiversity and resilience.

Emma Grover, MESc, is Project Manager for the Nurturing Nature Initiative at the New York Botanical Garden. With a background in tropical forest ecology and agroforestry, she supports the design and implementation of nature-based climate solutions.

Reconstructing the Past: American River Connections & Plant Distributions in U.S. Horticultural Trade

May 6, 2026

Assistant Curators Ana María Bedoya and Evelyn Beaury will provide updates on ongoing projects funded by the National Science Foundation. Dr. Bedoya will discuss progress on “Closing the gap: The history of river connections with the formation of the isthmus of Panama and its impact on the evolution of plants in rivers,” and Dr. Beaury will present updates on “Mapping plant trade as a driver of biological invasions”.

Dr. Ana María Bedoya is a plant botanist investigating how the world’s richest flora—the Neotropical flora—was and continues to be shaped by the geological and climatic history of our planet.

Dr. Evelyn Beaury is an Assistant Curator in the Center for Conservation and Restoration Ecology, specializing in the biogeography and macroecology of global change.

Systematics of Pitcher Plants (Sarraceniaceae): Long-Standing Problems, Outside-the-Box Solutions

April 1, 2026

Despite much prior study using a variety of traditional and modern methods, significant questions remain about the evolutionary relationships and history of the Western Hemisphere Pitcher Plants (Sarraceniaceae). Symbiotic arthropods present one potential means of addressing these long-standing problems, independently from previous methods. This webinar will include examples of arthropods contributing to solve problems in pitcher plant taxonomy, phylogeny, and biogeography.

Robert Naczi is Arthur Cronquist Curator of North American Botany at NYBG. He studies floristics, systematics, and conservation of North American plants, particularly Cyperaceae and Sarraceniaceae.

In Honor of Women's History Month: Measuring the Impact of Female Botanists Through Archival Practices and Historical Research

March 4, 2026

Over the past year, NYBG archivists have worked to enhance the visibility of women botanists within the Garden’s archives. This talk explores the role of archivists in shaping the historical record, the persistence of archival silences, and how earlier collecting and descriptive practices often obscured women’s scientific contributions, with attention to the Elizabeth Gertrude Knight Britton Records and the Otto and Isa Degener Records. The webinar also centers on the work of Ireland’s first female botanist, Ellen Hutchins, whose internationally circulated collections of algae, lichens, and bryophytes contributed to the description of new species, forming a lasting botanical legacy in institutional collections, including those at NYBG.

Ashley Aberg is the Reference Archivist at the New York Botanical Garden’s LuEsther T. Mertz Library. She earned her MLIS with a focus in Archives Management from Simmons University in 2021 and comes to NYBG from the Greenwich Historical Society. Previously, she spent 10 years as the research director of a small academic project on Plato’s Republic and continues to advise the project.

Laura Briscoe is an Assistant Director of the William & Lynda Steere Herbarium, where she oversees the cryptogamic collections. Her academic training focused on plant taxonomy and systematics, with a specialization in leafy liverworts. Her current research centers on nomenclature and historical research to properly contextualize natural history collections.

Nicole Font is a Shelby White and Leon Levy Processing Archivist at the New York Botanical Garden’s LuEsther T. Mertz Library. She earned her MA in Archives and Public History from New York University in 2022, and has since worked on projects for the Bob Dylan Archive, the New-York Historical Society, and the Center for Brooklyn History.

Global Conservation Consortium for Food Plants (GCCFP)

February 4, 2026

The Global Conservation Consortium for Food Plants (GCCFP) is a collaborative initiative led by NYBG and partners to safeguard the world’s food plant diversity. It coordinates global networks, develops conservation strategies, builds capacity, and ensures equitable data and knowledge sharing to secure crops and their wild relatives for future food security.

Dr. Mauricio Diazgranados, Chief Science Officer and Dean of Science, leads the strategic positioning and planning for Science at NYBG. His research in plant and fungal diversity supports communities in locations and economies where nutritional, income, and biodiversity issues are of paramount importance. His projects focus on studying utilized, neglected, and under-utilized plants; their main threats and conservation status; and their sustainable use, primarily in the Tropics.

Dr. Alex McAlvay, Kate E. Tode Assistant Curator in the Center for Plants, People, and Culture at NYBG, researches human-plant relationships through genomic, ecological, and ethnobotanical approaches. His current projects span the revitalization of traditional cropping systems in Ethiopia and Georgia; the ecology of Pacific Northwest Forest gardens; Shinnecock Nation traditional prescribed burning practices; connections between endangered languages and ethnobotany in Western Mexico; and the evolutionary history of Brassica crops.

Between Genes and Forms: The Study of Novelties in Seed Plants

December 3, 2025

Seeds evolved around 300 million years ago, and with them came an enormous diversity of plants. In this seminar, Dr. Cecilia Zumajo will present her work at NYBG on evolutionary innovations—seeds and fruits—by taking you on an evolutionary journey. You will see how she uses molecular approaches to uncover the genetics that determine the morphological diversity we see in seed plants today. Botanical gardens are institutions housing diverse living collections of plants, and NYBG, being one of the largest, enables Cecilia’s research to progress smoothly and fosters her curiosity.

Cecilia Zumajo, Ph.D., studies plant evolution and development of reproductive structures of seed plants, which includes the beautiful diversity of flowers and the wide variety of fruits and seeds (including pine cones and their weird relatives!). Dr. Zumajo looks for the outliers, the strangest plants in nature that allow her to determine the genetic changes that have led to the diversity that surrounds us. Her approach uses classical botanical tools such as plant anatomy and morphology, as well as genomics and bioinformatic approaches to uncover the genetic basis of plant morphological diversity.

Light into Life: The Optical Architecture of the Leaf

November 5, 2025

Dive into the microworld of the leaf, where we encounter cells that trap, guide, and scatter light to enhance photosynthesis. In this talk, Dr. Aleca Borsuk will present her work utilizing synchrotron 3D imaging, computer modeling, and laboratory experiments to investigate the optical architecture of the leaf—including what happens when leaf architecture goes awry, and how this research could lead to an early-stage detection system for beech leaf disease, a foliar disease rapidly spreading across the Northeastern US.

Aleca Borsuk, Ph.D., is an Assistant Curator in the Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research at NYBG. Dr. Borsuk studies plant form and function across Earth’s diverse environments to understand how plant anatomy promotes light absorption and carbon assimilation, provides resilience to abiotic stress, and informs sustainable technologies that derive function from structure.

Evolution and Development of Land Plants: A Focus on Ferns

October 1, 2025

Land plants evolved over 450 million years ago from freshwater green algae and have come to dominate Earth’s surface, fundamentally changing our planet. Concomitant with a transition to land, plants evolved a complex multicellular diploid body composed of novel cells and organs that allowed plants to grow larger, persist in varied climates, and occupy diverse ecological niches. Our research focuses on lycophytes and ferns to investigate the origin and diversity of complex multicellularity. This presentation will provide a broad overview of the cellular, genetic, and genomic approaches we use to address fundamental questions in plant evolution and development.

Barbara Ambrose is Director of the Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research and Curator in Plant Genomics. Her research explores the evolution of land plants and the molecular genetics of plant form.

Graduate Studies at NYBG: Past, Present, and Future

September 3, 2025

The study of plants and fungi is more vital than ever, as botanical scientists tackle urgent issues like biodiversity loss, food security, new medicines, and climate adaptation. Yet, there is a critical shortage of trained experts, worsened by the downsizing of botany programs nationwide. NYBG is uniquely equipped to address this gap through its graduate training in plant sciences. With world-class collections, advanced research facilities, expert staff, and immersive educational programs, NYBG offers students hands-on experience across field, lab, and collections work. This presentation outlines the program’s goals and spotlights student research.

Lawrence Kelly is the Director of Graduate Studies and Vice President for Science Administration at NYBG. He is a botanist and plant systematist with interest in Aristolochiaceae, Symplocaceae, and Actinidiaceae.

Seeding Ecosystems of the Future

August 6, 2025

Climate change is impacting the distribution of biodiversity across time and space. Our gardens can be incredibly useful tools to support biodiversity conservation, such as by supporting native plant and wildlife populations and by reducing the spread of invasive species. In this talk, Eve Beaury, Ph.D., discusses how climate change is affecting species distributions, and what types of organisms might be most likely to track their preferred temperature ranges. Eve then discusses how gardens can help seed ecosystems of the future, including the research and resources she and her colleagues have developed in order to support biodiversity-positive decisions in our green spaces.

The Root of the Problem: How a Resilient Old-Growth Forest Resists Urban Soil Impairment

July 2, 2025

Described as “primeval” by NYBG’s founder, the Thain Family Forest dodged saws and plows to remain flourishing for millennia. Yet, the forest has coexisted for centuries within the country’s most populous city. What can such a unique history of land-use teach us about forest ecology in, of, and for cities? For that, we look to the soil for answers. In this webinar, Brad Oberle, Associate Curator at the Garden’s Center for Conservation and Restoration Ecology, will take us through his research into forest soil health and explore how new tree planting techniques could help manage legacy pollution at the Garden and beyond.

Insights on Neotropical Plant Diversity from Collaborative Floristic and Systematic Studies

June 4, 2025

Lowland Neotropical rain forests harbor more species of tropical trees in inventory plots than any other biome, but the underlying drivers of this diversity, as well as the historical assembly of the neotropical flora, are poorly understood. In this month’s webinar, Benjamin Torke, Ph.D., Curator for NYBG’s Center for Biodiversity and Evolution, summarizes his systematic and evolutionary studies of Neotropical legumes, as well as floristic research in Amazonia and beyond, revealing insights about spatial patterns of diversity and how they came to be.

Advancing Floristic Knowledge and Conservation for Northeastern North America: The New Manual Project

May 7, 2025

More than 30 years ago, former New York Botanical Garden scientist Arthur Cronquist updated The Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada, originally authored by Cronquist and his Garden colleague Henry Gleason. This masterful update of their original 1963 publication served as a continuation to the long lineage of manuals by NYBG authors, including Founding Director Nathaniel Lord Britton. Staying true to this long-standing tradition, Robert Naczi, Ph.D., Arthur Cronquist Curator of North American Botany, is spearheading the revision and expansion of Gleason and Cronquist’s Manual. In this webinar, Rob provides an overview of the New Manual project, a progress report, and a review of how the project is advancing plant systematics and conservation.

Extreme Botany and the Study of Botanical Oddities: An Insight into our Planet's Past

April 2, 2025

Despite their fascinating morphologies, anatomy, and evolutionary history, aquatic plants remain understudied and underrepresented in herbaria. This pattern, some say, is a consequence of botanists preferring not to get their feet wet. In this webinar, Ana Bedoya, Assistant Curator in the Center for Biodiversity & Evolution, shows that practicing “Extreme Aquatic Botany” not only surpasses collection bias of botanical oddities, but also unveils the history of landscape evolution across time and space. Ana specifically refers to ongoing projects at NYBG using collections in new ways to explore the fossil record, extract large-scale genetic data, and investigate how plants and rivers have evolved through time.

From the Herbarium to the Field, and Back to the Lab and the Herbarium: Filling Gaps in Our Biodiversity Knowledge

March 5, 2025

Herbaria harbor a permanent record of plant and fungal diversity in place and time. While millions of specimens have been collected, digitized, and made available, we continue to describe new species and find new patterns; a clear indication that more collections are still needed. Interestingly, herbaria can also be used to identify important knowledge gaps, and to prioritize areas, taxa, and seasons to target for new collections. In this webinar, Dr. Fabián Michelangeli presents a few examples of how identifying these needs works in practice, focusing on the distribution and evolution of the plant family Melastomataceae in tropical America.

Asia-Pacific Research & Collections: New York's Other Great Strength

February 5, 2025

Did you know that The William & Lynda Steere Herbarium houses one of the largest collections of plants, fungi, and algae from Asia and the Pacific? In this seminar, Matthew Pace, Associate Curator of the Herbarium, provides an overview of the many NYBG field programs and collections from across Asia and the Pacific, and discusses the foundational role NYBG played in studying the floras of this region and the many important herbarium specimens we steward. He also discusses some of the challenges that come with digitization specific to this region and the steps taken to overcome them.

Kastom Forest Konsevasen: An Indigenous Approach to Conserving Forests

January 8, 2025

Listen with us as Drs. Greg Plunkett and Mike Balick discuss their ongoing plant conservation efforts in Vanuatu, where a long-term research program is addressing both local needs and global conservation goals. This project, deeply rooted in Melanesian customary practices, aims to protect Vanuatu’s unique biodiversity through the integration of traditional knowledge with modern conservation science.

Herbals: The Roots of Botanical Science

December 4, 2024

The LuEsther T. Mertz Library is home to an extensive collection of books from throughout the past millennium, including one of the oldest known copies of the 12th-century herbal manuscript Circa Instans. Join Stephen Sinon as he gives us a rare glimpse of some of the Mertz Library’s oldest and most prized books in its collection.

Before New York: An Atlas and Gazetteer

November 6, 2024

Dr. Eric Sanderson has a keen understanding of the historical ecology of New York City. In this webinar, he gives us a sneak peek of his upcoming book, talks about its relevance to the contemporary ecology of the city, and describes how the Garden is leveraging this information for a program in urban conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience.

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