EcoQuest Challenge Archive 2022
EcoQuests, part of the NYC EcoFlora Project, challenge New Yorkers to become citizen scientists and observe, study and help conserve the native plants and animals of the City, using iNaturalist, an easy-to-use mobile app.
The New York City EcoFlora project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MG-70-19-0057-19].
Tracking Pteridophytes - December 2022
New York City is home to diverse plants that continue to paint the landscape green well after much of it has died back or turned dormant. Many of these winter greens are pteridophytes, which are vascular plants that produce spores instead of seeds.
Falling for Galls - October 2022
Galls are abnormal, vegetative growths that develop on various plant parts in reaction to the stimulus of insects, mites, nematodes, viruses, fungi, or even other plant species. The appearance of a gall is unique to the organism that creates it, and they sport a spectacular variety of shapes, colors, and textures. Take a closer look at your favorite plants and see if you can spot any galls!
Encounter Evening Primrose - September 2022
Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a native, disturbance-adapted wildflower that can grow up to six feet tall. Its yellow flowers, which open in the evening, are pollinated by insects such as Hawk Moths (Sphingidae) and the Evening Primrose Sweat Bee (Lasioglossum oneotherae).
August Aphids, Monarchs, and Milkweeds - August 2022
Although Milkweeds (Asclepias) have classically been associated with the valuable and endangered Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), this genus is an actor in a complex community of organisms. The Oleander Aphid (Aphis nerii) is a non-native Aphid that feeds on the sap of Milkweeds, and whose population distribution is increasing worldwide. Their effect on Monarch survival is unknown.
Juicy July - July 2022
Rubus (Rosaceae) is a large, diverse genus that includes raspberries and blackberries. These plants, which often colonize disturbed areas, can be identified by their compound leaves and berries, shrubby habit, and prickles. Rubus species are an important seasonal food for many birds and mammals. There are more than 10 species found in New York City. How many can you find?
Meet the Mints - June 2022
The Mint family (Lamiaceae) is a large group of plants that includes many aromatic species used by humans for food and medicine. They can be recognized by their scent, square stems, opposite leaves, and clusters of flowers with a large lower “lip.” More than 60 species have been observed growing wild in New York City. How many Mints can you find?
Maianthemum May - May 2022
Maianthemum is a monocot genus including many spring-flowering forest herbs that prefer shaded, moist conditions. They are characterized by a zigzag stem in between alternating, simple leaves with parallel venation, and a terminal cluster of small white flowers.
Map Maple - April 2022
Maple (Acer) is an ecologically and economically important genus of trees that have distinctive palmate leaves and winged fruits. There are at least 12 species of Maple that can be found in New York City, including Norway Maple (A. platanoides), a common street tree; Sugar Maple (A. saccharum), the state tree of New York; and Boxelder (A. negundo), the only North American maple with compound leaves.
Pursue Prickly Plants - March 2022
Spines, prickles, and thorns are sharp structures produced by plants that provide protection against herbivores and help climbing plants attach to supporting objects. These structures are differentiated based on which part of the plant they develop from. There are many native and introduced trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs in New York City that have spines, prickles, and thorns.
Search for Birch - February 2022
Birches (Betula spp.) are small to medium-size trees and shrubs found in temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, used extensively for their wood and bark.
Behold Bark, Buds, and Berries - January 2022
January is a great month to refine your winter botany skills by learning to recognize important dormant-season plant characteristics such as bark, buds, and persistent flower and fruit structures.
