Activity Hub
Throughout the weekend
Main Entrance to the Thain Family Forest
Enjoy hands-on crafts and activities, and meet NYBG staff to learn more about the research, conservation, and care that goes into our mission to advocate for the plant world
Leaf ID Activity Table
November 4, 5, 11, & 12, 2023; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Learn more about the colorful fall leaves of the Thain Family Forest—and pick up a guide to the trees of New York City’s five boroughs.
Sapling Giveaway
November 5 & 12, 2023; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Pick up a seedling of your choice to take home! Chestnut oak and white oak seedlings are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mounting Demonstrations
November 4, 5, 11, & 12, 2023; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join staff from the William and Lynda Steere Herbarium as they demonstrate the process of protecting and preserving the specimens that NYBG’s Herbarium receives from all over the world. Mount a specimen yourself to take home!
Explore New Books with NYBG Library Staff
November 4, 5, & 11, 2023; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Check out a selection of new books from the Mertz Library, sign up for a library card, get a free bookmark, enjoy coloring our special Library coloring books, and other fun activities!
Pop-Up Field Science Station
November 4, 5, 11, & 12, 2023; 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Without plants, life on Earth would be impossible, yet the plant diversity that sustains us is imperiled today as never before in human history. Meet NYBG scientists responding to the biodiversity crisis by conducting cutting-edge research on plants and their habitats and taking institutional action to protect them—securing a healthy future for our planet and our children.
Meet the Scientists
November 4: Brad Oberle and Matthew Pace
November 5: Kate Armstrong and Michael Balick
November 11: Larry Kelly and Alex McAlvay
November 12: Ben Torke and Fabian Michelangeli
Bronx Green-Up Compost and Worm Bin Giveaways
November 4, 2023; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join the NYC Compost Project Hosted by NYBG at their info table! Learn about Bronx Green-Up and their work with the community, and get informational tip sheets on how to compost at home and in New York City. Enjoy a Worm Bin demo and discover how worms make compost out of food scraps, then play our fun composting spin-wheel game to win some prizes!
Discovery Table with Explainers from the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
November 4, 5, 11, & 12, 2023; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Explainers showcase tree specimens from the forest and their uses by the Lenni Lenape people in honor of Native American Heritage month. In addition, kids can make their own tree cookie necklace to take home.
Design within Nature: Tote Bag Crafts with Artist Carlos Encarnación
November 4, 5, 11, & 12, 2023; 12–3 p.m.
Create your own tote bag with stencils and stamps that celebrate NYBG’s trees, designed in collaboration with visual artist Carlos Wilfredo Encarnación.