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.


December

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.
272BOT308BO 12/02 We 5:30pm-7:30pm Bucuvalas
ONLINE

January

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...
273NAT347O 01/12 Tu 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).
273BOT385AO 01/13 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Kutos
ONLINE

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.
273BOT308CO 01/14 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Holmes
ONLINE

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.
273BOT332 01/14 Th 10:00am-1:00pm Slowik
NYBG

Botanical Latin is essential for anyone with a serious interest in identifying plants. But, contrary to popular belief, mastering Latin plant names need not be intimidating or boring. Review the rules of taxonomy, Latin grammar, and pronunciation, and learn the more...
273GAR360AO 01/14 Th 11:00am-1:00pm Bakshi
ONLINE

In winter, New York City becomes a busy resort for scoters, eiders, geese, grebes, loons, owls, songbirds, and even seals that visit to wait out colder weather to the north. Explore the various seasonal behaviors of these animals—from their spectacular more...
273NAT358BL 01/21 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Jacobs
OFS-BL

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.
273BOT346AO 01/23 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Candee
ONLINE

Coyotes, bears, and deer are becoming an integral part of urban life due to the extirpation of their predators and conversion of natural habitats. We will look closely at these species and discover how they have adapted to co-exist with more...
273NAT326O 01/26 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Herrera
ONLINE

February

Urbanization is changing biodiversity, interspecies relationships, and even animal behavior, in the tri-state area and beyond. Liz Johnson, former manager of AMNH's Metropolitan Biodiversity Program, will introduce you to the particular habitats found here, as well as plants and animals more...
273NAT338BO 02/18 Th 10:00am-12:00pm Johnson
ONLINE

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.
273BOT308DO 02/23 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Sparreo
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 more...
273BOT315BO 02/24 We 6:00pm-9:00pm Kutos
ONLINE

March

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).
273BOT385BO 03/04 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Herrera
ONLINE

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.
273BOT308EO 03/06 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Bucuvalas
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.
273BOT346BO 03/13 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Candee
ONLINE

Botanical Latin is essential for anyone with a serious interest in identifying plants. But, contrary to popular belief, mastering Latin plant names need not be intimidating or boring. Review the rules of taxonomy, Latin grammar, and pronunciation, and learn the more...
273GAR360BO 03/25 Th 11:00am-1:00pm Bakshi
ONLINE