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.


January

In class and in forays around the Garden, you'll learn to recognize the winter characteristics of native and common woody plants by bud types, leaf scars, fruit remnants, and other distinguishing marks.
243BOT332 01/05 Fr 10:00am-1:00pm Slowik
NYBG

Discover the fascinating traits that most frogs, toads, and salamanders share-such as having thin, smooth skins through which they can breathe-as well as what makes them unique. You'll pick up tips to identify local species by sight and/or sound and more...
243NAT347O 01/10 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Johnson
ONLINE

Discover how trees communicate via chemical signals in the air (to warn of insect attacks) and transfer nutrients to one another through complex underground fungal networks (sometimes to assist sick trees).
243BOT385O 01/11 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Kutos
ONLINE

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.
243BOT346O 01/20 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Candee
ONLINE

While plants enjoy their winter's sleep, many fungi are active in forests and parks. We'll explore table favorites like Enoke and Oysters in class and in their habitats.
243BOT394 01/24 We 10:00am-1:00pm Sadowski
NYBG
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