Linked Ecologies: The Bronx River and the Thain Family Forest

Daniel Willner fell in love with photography and nature while exploring the wild edges of town with his father’s camera. He continued his studies in photography at Oberlin College and Columbia University, where he received his MFA in 2007. His multiyear study of the Great Swamp, a 6,000-acre wetland stretching from Westchester to Dutchess County, resulted in multiple exhibits and supporting grants from the Puffin Foundation, Collaborative Concepts, and Arts Westchester. He continues to explore this territory, photographing reservoir infrastructure, portraits of native plants, and panoramic studies of vernal pools, forest streams, and other upland water sources within the reservoir system. He is a Westchester resident and an instructor of photography in the Department of Visual Arts at Fordham University.

Todd Forrest is NYBG’s Vice President for Horticulture and Living Collections. He is responsible for the Horticulture Division’s programs and activities, including overseeing the grounds, all 50 gardens and living collections, flower shows and exhibitions, and a staff of 80 managers, curators, gardeners, and community horticulturists. In addition, he advises on long-term strategy for the Garden’s 250-acre landscape. An expert advocate for historic trees, forests, and urban landscapes, Forrest is also an instructor of ornamental woody plants and has written many articles and interpretative materials. He joined NYBG in 1997, first as an intern and then as a research assistant, before becoming a vital part of the horticulture staff in 1999. Previously, Forrest worked at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. A graduate of Wesleyan University, he has a Master of Forest Science degree from Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.