Urban Naturalist Classes

In this teeming metropolis we call home, nature is all around us whether we pause to carefully observe it or not. Amaranth springs through the cracks in our sidewalks; migrating warblers rest in our parks; horseshoe crabs scuttle onto our beaches to breed. As a NYBG Urban Naturalist, you will have a unique opportunity to explore these diverse habitats while discovering the keys that unlock their many secrets. Enroll in a course for fun or pursue a Certificate.

Click here for an overview of the Certificate Program.


May

Take a deep dive into the history and modern-day uses of trees found in the tri-state area, from American elm to white pine. On this walk and talk, we will discuss 12 species and how the specific ecology and wood more...
254NAT206 05/02 Fr 2:00pm-5:00pm O'Brien
NYBG

This is the class for plant-lovers eager to up their game! Learn the terminology and basic botanical nomenclature that will help you recognize and describe key differences in common plants.
254BOT308CO 05/04 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Bucuvalas
ONLINE

Take your knowledge of botanical nomenclature to the next level. In this course, you'll look closely at plants to better understand and identify their diversity and similarities. Examining plant structures can seem tricky, as some resemble each other but belong more...
254GAR366O 05/06 Tu 10:30am-12:30pm Bakshi
ONLINE

Get a solid grounding in the basic plant body-from the cell to the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit. We'll use dissecting and compound light microscopes to observe plant anatomy, then introduce the base-level chemistry required to understand the world more...
254BOT315AO 05/07 We 6:00pm-9:00pm Kutos
ONLINE

Join herbalist and foraging expert Journei Bimwala for an immersive walk through spring's edible landscape. Using sight, touch, smell, and taste, you'll learn to identify, harvest, and understand the deeper meaning of wild plants-their cultural significance, medicinal power, and culinary more...
254CKG245 05/13 Tu 11:00am-2:00pm Bimwala
NYBG

Whether you are an experienced birder or a beginner, this single-day walk and talk will sharpen your skills and provide fascinating insight into the world of birds. Learn how to observe and identify migrant and local birds—such as Peregrine Falcons, more...
254NAT234B 05/15 Th 10:00am-1:00pm Chaya
NYBG

Join ecologist Michael Gaige as he demonstrates how to identify old and ancient trees, both in Eastern woodlands and across the globe. He will discuss the factors that allow them to grow for centuries and illustrate how the advanced age, more...
254NAT353O 05/22 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Gaige
ONLINE
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