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.
Explore
the
basic
principles
that
influence
the
ecological
relationships
of
the
urban
forest
ecosystem,
and
learn
how
these
principles
can
be
applied
to
forest
stewardship.
Using
the
Garden
grounds
as
a
site
for
observation
and
field
study,
learn
to
understand
more...
Analyze
the
biology,
behavior,
and
ecology
of
local
bat
species
through
a
combination
of
indoor
study
and
guided
fieldwork.
You'll
develop
skills
in
observing,
identifying,
and
documenting
bats
using
both
visual
cues
and
acoustic
monitoring
techniques.
Through
hands-on
sessions,
you'll
more...
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...
Discover the many herbs and spices prized for centuries to heal, to revitalize the immune system, and to treat and prevent asthma, insomnia, flu, and more.
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...
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.
Learn
to
measure
and
monitor
the
ecological
diversity
observed
and
celebrated
in
and
around
New
York
City
environs.
Practice
using
field
techniques
for
recording
observations
in
nature
while
walking
along
trails
in
the
Garden.
Explore
the
biodiversity
within
your
chosen
more...
Learn
to
identify
native
and
introduced
herbs,
ferns,
shrubs,
and
trees
as
they
appear
in
summer,
and
get
to
know
plants
that
may
be
found
in
fields,
on
roadsides,
and
in
woodlands
and
wetlands.
Learn
about
basic
plant
structure
and
more...
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...
The
tri-state
area
contains
many
distinct
ecosystems,
including
woodlands,
salt
marshes,
meadows,
and
fresh
water
wetlands.
Study
the
unique
characteristics
of
local
habitats
and
the
species
they
support,
paying
close
attention
to
interspecies
relationships.
We'll
spend
time
in
Pelham
Bay
more...
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...
Delve
into
the
fascinating
world
of
the
creatures
that
make
up
84%
of
the
Animal
Kingdom—what
renowned
biologist
E.O.
Wilson
once
called
"the
little
things
that
run
the
world."
We'll
discuss
the
roles
that
insects
play—both
in
maintaining
healthy
ecosystems
more...