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.

Dos ríos urbanos, un compromiso compartido

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Dos ríos urbanos, un compromiso compartido

Posted in Environment & Conservation on November 5, 2026, by Génesis Abreu y Luis Calzadilla

Los participantes del Intercambio Técnico se reúnen en el Jardín Botánico Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (JBQSPA) en Santa Marta, Colombia. Representan a organizaciones científicas, académicas, gubernamentales y comunitarias de Santa Marta y de otras partes de Colombia, junto con colegas de NYBG y CAF.

¿Cómo pueden los jardines botánicos cuidar los ríos que atraviesan sus terrenos y construir las alianzas que sostienen la restauración fluvial a escala de cuenca?

El río Bronx atraviesa el Jardín Botánico de Nueva York (NYBG). El río Manzanares atraviesa el Jardín Botánico Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (JBQSPA) en Santa Marta, Colombia. Cada río conecta su jardín con un paisaje más amplio y con las comunidades aguas arriba y aguas abajo. En NYBG, el cuidado del tramo de 1.6 Km del río integra investigación, restauración y educación en las cerca de 20 hectáreas del Thain Family Forest. También colaboramos con socios para restaurar bosques ribereños en sitios prioritarios del Bronx y del condado de Westchester. Por su parte, el JBQSPA está construyendo una red de aliados comprometidos con revitalizar un río que durante mucho tiempo ha sido desatendido, vinculando la conservación de su bosque seco tropical de cerca de 15 hectáreas con una visión cada vez más amplia para la restauración del Río Manzanares.

Mediante nuestra cooperación técnica con CAF, el Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe, apoyamos el desarrollo institucional del JBQSPA y su liderazgo como articulador de aliados de diversos sectores dedicados a la salud y la resiliencia del Río Manzanares y del bosque seco tropical de la región. Ese liderazgo comienza en casa: un tramo de 2 kilómetros del Río Manzanares atraviesa los terrenos del jardín. Al asumir su cuidado, el JBQSPA puede proteger directamente el río y convertirlo en un ejemplo vivo de restauración, donde convergen la investigación, la conservación y la educación ambiental. Cuidar este tramo también ofrece al jardín un espacio para reunir a residentes, escuelas, instituciones y otros actores de toda Santa Marta e inspirar acciones conjuntas para restaurar el Río Manzanares.

Un hito importante de esta cooperación tuvo lugar del 13 al 16 de octubre de 2026, cuando nuestros dos jardines se reunieron en Santa Marta para el Intercambio Técnico «Colaboración interinstitucional para el fortalecimiento del JBQSPA y la restauración del Río Manzanares».

¿Cómo pueden los jardines botánicos cuidar los ríos que atraviesan sus terrenos y construir las alianzas que sostienen la restauración fluvial a escala de cuenca? Esta se convirtió en una pregunta central del intercambio.

: Día 1
En el primer día del Intercambio Técnico, aliados de Santa Marta y de otras partes de Colombia presentan sus instituciones y las fortalezas que pueden aportar a futuras colaboraciones.

: Día 1
José Castillo, Coordinador del JBQSPA, presenta una visión general del jardín y su plan estratégico.

: Día 1
Mauricio Diazgranados, Director Científico y Decano de Ciencias, presenta la misión de NYBG y su trabajo en ciencia, horticultura y educación con sus aliados.

: Día 1
Luis Calzadilla, Director Sénior de Relaciones Externas de NYBG, presenta el modelo de Bronx Green-Up en nombre de Ursula Chanse, Directora Sénior de Bronx Green-Up y Horticultura Comunitaria. El programa de extensión de jardinería comunitaria de NYBG apoya a líderes de base y el cuidado del territorio liderado por las comunidades del Bronx.

: Día 1
Génesis Abreu, Directora de Alianzas para la Conservación Urbana, presenta el Programa de Salud y Resiliencia de la Cuenca del Río Bronx de NYBG, que apoya a quienes cuidan el territorio desde las comunidades y a aliados de diversos sectores mediante estrategias basadas en plantas, participación comunitaria y educación, ciencia aplicada a la acción y colaboración.

Un enfoque de cuenca basado en alianzas

El Programa de Salud y Resiliencia de la Cuenca del Río Bronx de NYBG se centra en apoyar a quienes cuidan el territorio desde las comunidades y a los aliados de diversos sectores que protegen la cuenca. El programa aporta nuestros conocimientos y experiencia en horticultura, educación y ciencia para potenciar su trabajo mediante cuatro áreas interconectadas: estrategias basadas en plantas, participación comunitaria y educación, ciencia aplicada a la acción y colaboración entre sectores.

El conocimiento de las comunidades puede ayudar a formular preguntas de investigación, y la investigación puede ayudar a los aliados a tomar decisiones informadas sobre la gestión del territorio. La restauración de bosques ribereños puede generar oportunidades de aprendizaje práctico, mientras que las alianzas pueden conectar sitios de restauración individuales con una visión más amplia de la salud de la cuenca. Así, las cuatro áreas del programa trabajan de manera conjunta, en lugar de seguir líneas separadas.

Durante el Intercambio Técnico, exploramos un papel más amplio para los jardines botánicos: uno que conecta la conservación y la colaboración científica con la educación, la participación comunitaria y las alianzas institucionales. Fundamentamos esa conversación en enfoques y lecciones de nuestro trabajo de restauración fluvial, horticultura comunitaria y planificación colaborativa.

El objetivo era adaptar los enfoques pertinentes al contexto de Santa Marta, no replicar un modelo de Nueva York. Las condiciones ecológicas, los conocimientos locales y las prioridades de Santa Marta orientaron nuestra discusión sobre cómo las lecciones del Bronx podían contribuir a la conservación y restauración de la biodiversidad urbana, y la conversación enriqueció el aprendizaje de ambos jardines.

: Día 2
En el segundo día, los participantes pasan de las presentaciones a la reflexión conjunta, intercambiando perspectivas e identificando prioridades entre instituciones.

: Día 2
Mauricio Diazgranados, Director Científico y Decano de Ciencias, comparte los temas planteados durante el primer día. Los aliados ofrecen sus perspectivas y ayudan a precisarlos.

: Día 2
Los participantes registran sus propias ideas durante una actividad individual antes de compartirlas con el grupo.

: Día 2
Luis Calzadilla, Director Sénior de Relaciones Externas, facilita una mesa redonda sobre cómo podría desarrollarse la colaboración, reuniendo voces de los sectores científico, académico, gubernamental y comunitario.

: Día 2
Los participantes registran sus propias ideas durante una actividad individual antes de compartirlas con el grupo.

Fortalecer la comunidad es parte de la restauración fluvial

Bronx Green-Up muestra cómo se lleva a la práctica un enfoque liderado por la comunidad. Creado en 1988 para apoyar a líderes de base que establecían jardines comunitarios, este programa de extensión de jardinería comunitaria de NYBG ofrece educación hortícola, capacitación y asistencia técnica a residentes, jardineros, agricultores urbanos, escuelas y organizaciones comunitarias del Bronx.

La experiencia de las comunidades es fundamental para la jardinería comunitaria. Además de producir alimentos y plantas nativas, estos espacios permiten a los vecinos intercambiar conocimientos, fortalecer vínculos y organizarse en torno a necesidades compartidas. Para un jardín botánico, apoyar estos espacios significa reconocer a las comunidades no como beneficiarias del cambio, sino como quienes lo impulsan.

En Santa Marta, compartimos lo que Bronx Green-Up nos ha enseñado: la participación comunitaria es una relación continua, no una actividad aislada. Esa idea abrió nuevas preguntas para el grupo. ¿Cómo podemos apoyar el liderazgo local? ¿Cómo pueden los residentes y los jóvenes vincularse con el río? ¿Cómo pueden los recursos científicos y hortícolas complementar los conocimientos que las comunidades ya poseen?

Estas preguntas apuntan a una lección práctica: fortalecer la comunidad no es un complemento de la restauración fluvial. Es parte del trabajo que permite que la restauración perdure en el tiempo.

: Día 3
En el tercer día, los participantes recorren el bosque seco tropical de aproximadamente 15 hectáreas del JBQSPA de camino al Río Manzanares. Observar el río de primera mano sitúa las prioridades de conservación y restauración en el propio paisaje y ayuda a que el intercambio pase del diálogo a la acción.

: Día 3
Los participantes se reúnen junto al Río Manzanares, cuyo tramo de 2 kilómetros atraviesa los terrenos del JBQSPA.

: Día 3
Harold Estrada Forero, Director de la Fundación Salva tu Río, describe a los participantes el estado del Río Manzanares durante la visita.

: Día 3
Génesis Abreu, Directora de Alianzas para la Conservación Urbana, guía a los participantes en una actividad colaborativa para priorizar acciones para el río y el jardín y acordar un conjunto de próximos pasos.

Del aprendizaje compartido a la acción conjunta

Representantes de los sectores científico, académico, gubernamental y comunitario de Santa Marta y de otras partes de Colombia se reunieron en el intercambio para examinar los desafíos y las oportunidades del río Manzanares y del JBQSPA. Las presentaciones, las discusiones facilitadas y la observación directa durante una visita al río conectaron el conocimiento técnico con la experiencia local, situando las prioridades de conservación y restauración en el propio paisaje.

El intercambio se diseñó para pasar del diálogo a la acción. Los participantes revisaron y validaron la información y las lecciones de las discusiones, identificaron oportunidades de colaboración entre instituciones y priorizaron un conjunto acotado de acciones para el río y el jardín.

El proceso también sentó las bases de una hoja de ruta preliminar que vincula esas prioridades con posibles roles, responsabilidades, aliados, plazos y mecanismos para mantener la coordinación en Santa Marta. Ofrece un punto de partida para la planificación colaborativa, no un plan de implementación definitivo.

Esa hoja de ruta se apoya en los aportes del JBQSPA y de los aliados invitados: el bosque seco tropical, las colecciones vivas y la creciente capacidad del JBQSPA para reunir aliados, junto con los conocimientos del territorio, las relaciones y la experiencia de las organizaciones científicas, académicas, gubernamentales y comunitarias que participaron en el intercambio.

La desembocadura del Río Manzanares en Santa Marta, aguas abajo del jardín, donde el río se conecta con el paisaje más amplio y con las comunidades a lo largo de su recorrido. La basura se acumula alrededor de la desembocadura del Río Manzanares, un recordatorio de los desafíos que los aliados de Santa Marta están trabajando para abordar de manera conjunta.

Mirando hacia el futuro

En la próxima fase, trabajaremos con el JBQSPA para convertir los resultados del encuentro en un marco práctico de colaboración a largo plazo entre nuestros dos jardines, arraigado en el contexto local. Este trabajo continuo, que forma parte de nuestra cooperación técnica con CAF, se apoyará en las relaciones, los conocimientos y las prioridades desarrollados en Santa Marta.

A partir del liderazgo que demostró el JBQSPA durante el intercambio, ayudaremos al jardín y a sus aliados a precisar las prioridades identificadas, aclarar los roles y las oportunidades de las instituciones y comunidades participantes y establecer una ruta coordinada para la implementación y el seguimiento.

Entonces, ¿cómo pueden los jardines botánicos cuidar los ríos que atraviesan sus terrenos? Para nuestros dos jardines, la respuesta es la misma: sosteniendo las relaciones que hacen posible la restauración e impulsando conjuntamente la salud ecológica y el bienestar de las comunidades, desde el río Bronx hasta el río Manzanares.

Aliados participantes en el Intercambio Técnico

Agradecemos a las organizaciones e instituciones que participaron en el Intercambio Técnico: