The NYBG Urban Naturalist Certificate Program equips you with the observation, identification, and documentation skills you need to become a citizen scientist and an effective environmental steward. Led by Nancy Slowik and a team of expert naturalists, you’ll use NYBG grounds and select New York City Parks as living labs to investigate the interrelationships between species and discover how our urban environment sustains those ecosystems. NYBG Urban Naturalists will learn to keenly observe the natural world using a variety of scientific tools. You’ll also create scientifically useful records—written, hand-drawn, and photographs—of your observations. Current NYBG Urban Naturalists are using the knowledge and skills they gained to develop their own projects, help manage invasive species in local parks, and document NYC plant species as volunteers in NYBG’s EcoFlora project.
Click here for an overview of the Certificate and required courses and electives.
September
|
|
|
|
This
group
of
plants
challenges
even
trained
botanists,
but
with
expert
guidance,
you
can
learn
how
to
identify
wild
native
grasses
and
some
of
the
more
popular
landscaping
ones.
Sedges
(Cyperaceae)
and
rushes
(Juncaceae),
often
confused
with
grasses
(Poaceae),
are
more...
|
|
201BOT319
|
09/22
|
Su
|
10:00am-2:30pm
|
Alvarez
|
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...
|
|
201GAR360A
|
09/25
|
We
|
10:30am-12:30pm
|
Bakshi
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Autumn
is
one
of
the
most
spectacular
times
to
learn
more
about
the
native
flora
of
the
Northeast.
Goldenrods
and
asters
take
center
stage
at
this
time
of
year,
but
can
be
difficult
to
identify.
Equipped
with
a
10X
power
more...
|
|
201BOT331A
|
09/28
|
Sa
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Holmes
|
NYBG
|
October
|
|
|
|
Here
in
NYC,
fall
is
the
best
time
to
hunt
for
edible
fungi,
including
honey,
oyster,
and
hen-of-the
woods
mushrooms.
Paul
Sadowski,
25-year
veteran
of
the
New
York
Mycological
Society,
shows
you
how
to
identify
many
species
and
their
look-alikes,
more...
|
|
202BOT368A
|
10/01
|
Tu
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Sadowski
|
MDTN
|
|
|
|
|
Join
NYBG
lichenologist
James
Lendemer
for
an
in-depth
look
at
these
amazing
and
important
fungi.
Use
microscopes
to
observe
and
distinguish
species
common
in
the
New
York
City
area.
Find
out
how
lichens
get
their
color
and
how
those
colors
more...
|
|
202BOT388
|
10/02
|
We
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Lendemer, Ph.D.
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Discover
a
variety
of
techniques
that
will
help
you
create
stunning
photos
of
the
birds
you
spot.
Photographer
Clay
Taylor
will
discuss
what
type
of
light,
vantage
point,
and
gear
will
help
you
produce
shots
that
are
most
true
to
more...
|
|
202GWP279
|
10/05
|
Sa
|
10:00am-2:00pm
|
Taylor
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Explore
the
myriad
structures
and
life
cycles
of
the
vast
diversity
of
plants,
algae,
fungi,
and
bacteria.
Delve
into
the
evolutionary
reasons
behind
how
and
why
scientists
have
divided
and
classified
these
organisms.
We
will
also
discuss
biomes
and
ecological
more...
|
|
202BOT317A
|
10/07
|
Mo
|
5:00pm-8:00pm
|
Boyer, Ph.D.
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
With
its
wide
variety
of
habitats
and
its
position
on
the
Atlantic
Flyway,
NYC
is
a
bird-lover's
paradise.
Over
300
distinct
resident
or
migratory
species
live
here
or
pass
through,
including
many
nesting
species
such
as
Peregrine
Falcons,
Red-tailed
Hawks,
more...
|
|
202NAT321B
|
10/07
|
Mo
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Chaya
|
MDTN
|
|
|
|
|
The
fascinating
lives
of
bats
are
revealed
courtesy
of
J.
Alan
Clark,
Ph.D.,
co-author
of
Bats
in
the
Bronx,
a
recent
study
of
five
local
bat
species.
After
brief
lecture,
we
will
venture
onto
NYBG's
grounds
using
handheld
equipment
to
more...
|
|
202NAT329
|
10/09
|
We
|
6:30pm-8:30pm
|
Clarke, Ph. D.
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Autumn
is
one
of
the
most
spectacular
times
to
learn
more
about
the
native
flora
of
the
Northeast.
Goldenrods
and
asters
take
center
stage
at
this
time
of
year,
but
can
be
difficult
to
identify.
Equipped
with
a
10X
power
more...
|
|
202BOT331B
|
10/10
|
Th
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Slowik
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Last
May
the
Intergovernmental
Science-Policy
Platform
on
Biodiversity
and
Ecosystem
Services
(IPBES)
published
its
comprehensive,
landmark
report
on
the
state
of
our
natural
world
—
and
its
implications
for
species,
ecosystems,
and
society
are
dire.
Vital
ecosystems
are
deteriorating
more
more...
|
|
202GAR817
|
10/10
|
Th
|
6:00pm-8:00pm
|
Watson
|
CHRISTIES
|
|
|
|
|
Revel
in
the
colors
and
sounds
of
autumn
and
complete
the
first
three
classes
in
our
Urban
Naturalist
Program
in
just
four
weeks!
Introduction
to
Natural
History
Naturalists
are
keen
observers
of
the
world
around
them
and
have
played
an
more...
|
|
202NAT318
|
10/10
|
Th
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Slowik
Risdon-Nugent
Chaya
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Naturalists
are
keen
observers
of
the
world
around
them
and
have
played
an
integral
role
in
the
evolution
of
scientific
thought.
Now
you
can
be
one
too!
Learn
how
to
identify
plants
and
animals
using
a
10x
hand
lens,
dichotomous
more...
|
|
202NAT300B
|
10/15
|
Tu
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Risdon-Nugent
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
With
its
wide
variety
of
habitats
and
its
position
on
the
Atlantic
Flyway,
NYC
is
a
bird-lover's
paradise.
Over
300
distinct
resident
or
migratory
species
live
here
or
pass
through,
including
many
nesting
species
such
as
Peregrine
Falcons,
Red-tailed
Hawks,
more...
|
|
202NAT321A
|
10/16
|
We
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Chaya
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Here
in
NYC,
fall
is
the
best
time
to
hunt
for
edible
fungi,
including
honey,
oyster,
and
hen-of-the
woods
mushrooms.
Paul
Sadowski,
25-year
veteran
of
the
New
York
Mycological
Society,
shows
you
how
to
identify
many
species
and
their
look-alikes,
more...
|
|
202BOT368B
|
10/18
|
Fr
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Sadowski
|
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...
|
|
202GAR360B
|
10/24
|
Th
|
6:15pm-8:15pm
|
Bakshi
|
MDTN
|
November
|
|
|
|
Share
your
passion
for
nature
by
learning
to
lead
interactive
walks
that
engage
diverse
audiences.
We'll
discuss
how
to
break
down
complex
ecological
concepts
into
digestible
pieces,
as
well
as
how
to
encourage
participation
while
keeping
your
group
focused.
Build
more...
|
|
202NAT324
|
11/03
|
Su
|
1:00pm-4:00pm
|
Boyer, Ph.D.
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
A
recent
UN
report
predicts
that
climate
change,
invasive
species,
pollution,
and
other
anthropogenic
disturbances
will
have
a
disastrous
effect
on
biodiversity
worldwide.
Any
careful
observer
of
nature
in
our
region
has
witnessed
significant
changes
to
our
local
flora
over
more...
|
|
202HRT839
|
11/15
|
Fr
|
10:00am-3:30pm
|
Tallamy
Westbrooks
Sears, Ph.D.
|
NYBG
|
December
|
|
|
|
Trees
may
appear
to
be
strong
and
silent,
but
they
can
"talk"—to
one
another,
to
other
plants,
and
to
animals
and
insects.
Discover
how
trees
communicate
via
chemical
signals
in
the
air
(to
warn
each
other
of
insect
attacks),
as
more...
|
|
202BOT385A
|
12/03
|
Tu
|
6:00pm-9:00pm
|
Kutos
|
MDTN
|
January
|
|
|
|
Get
a
solid
grounding
in
the
basic
plant
body,
from
the
cell
to
the
roots,
stems,
leaves,
flowers,
and
fruits.
After
an
overview
of
microscope
use
and
fundamental
science
in
the
first
session,
you'll
use
both
dissecting
and
compound
light
more...
|
|
203BOT315A
|
01/08
|
We
|
6:00pm-9:00pm
|
TBA
|
MDTN
|
|
|
|
|
Learn
to
recognize
the
characteristics
of
native
and
common
woody
and
herbaceous
plants
in
the
winter.
While
in
their
dormant,
leafless
state,
trees
and
shrubs
can
be
identified
by
bud
types,
leaf
scars,
fruit
remnants,
and
other
distinguishing
marks.
Specimens
more...
|
|
203BOT332
|
01/10
|
Fr
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Slowik
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Rock
pimples,
fog
fingers,
old
man's
beard—
their
common
names
are
amusing,
but
lichens
are
among
Earth's
most
amazing
and
oldest
living
things,
and
display
incredibly
beautiful
colors
and
shapes.
They
grow
on
bark,
rock,
and
barren
soil,
and
thrive
more...
|
|
203BOT313A
|
01/13
|
Mo
|
6:00pm-9:00pm
|
Lendemer, Ph.D.
|
MDTN
|
|
|
|
|
From
the
field
to
the
folder,
this
course
covers
the
essentials
of
making
museum-
quality
preserved
plant
specimens
suitable
for
research,
education,
and
decoration.
Learn
techniques
and
skills
for
collecting
and
preserving
plants
of
your
interest,
wild
or
cultivated.
Build
more...
|
|
203BOT338
|
01/14
|
Tu
|
4:30pm-7:30pm
|
Atha
Alli
|
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...
|
|
203GAR360A
|
01/16
|
Th
|
10:30am-12:30pm
|
Bakshi
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Trees
may
appear
to
be
strong
and
silent,
but
they
can
"talk"—to
one
another,
to
other
plants,
and
to
animals
and
insects.
Discover
how
trees
communicate
via
chemical
signals
in
the
air
(to
warn
each
other
of
insect
attacks),
as
more...
|
|
203BOT385B
|
01/22
|
We
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Barnes
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Even
after
many
plants
have
begun
their
long
winter's
sleep,
fungi
are
still
very
active.
For
some
species
like
Velvet
Foot
and
Turkey
Tail,
winter
is
high
time!
Enoki
and
Oyster
Mushrooms
can
be
found
in
our
forests
and
parks.
more...
|
|
203BOT394A
|
01/23
|
Th
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Sadowski
|
MDTN
|
|
|
|
|
For
centuries
herbs
and
spices
have
been
prized
not
just
for
their
flavors,
but
as
state-of-the-art
medicine.
Learn
about
a
variety
of
plants
historically
used
for
first
aid,
to
revitalize
the
immune
system,
and
to
treat
and
prevent
asthma,
insomnia,
more...
|
|
203BOT346B
|
01/25
|
Sa
|
10:00am-2:30pm
|
Anthony
|
MDTN
|
February
|
|
|
|
Get
a
solid
grounding
in
the
basic
plant
body,
from
the
cell
to
the
roots,
stems,
leaves,
flowers,
and
fruits.
After
an
overview
of
microscope
use
and
fundamental
science
in
the
first
session,
you'll
use
both
dissecting
and
compound
light
more...
|
|
203BOT315S
|
02/03
|
Mo
|
5:00pm-8:00pm
|
Boyer, Ph.D.
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Even
after
many
plants
have
begun
their
long
winter's
sleep,
fungi
are
still
very
active.
For
some
species
like
Velvet
Foot
and
Turkey
Tail,
winter
is
high
time!
Enoki
and
Oyster
Mushrooms
can
be
found
in
our
forests
and
parks.
more...
|
|
203BOT394B
|
02/11
|
Tu
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Sadowski
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Rock
pimples,
fog
fingers,
old
man's
beard—
their
common
names
are
amusing,
but
lichens
are
among
Earth's
most
amazing
and
oldest
living
things,
and
display
incredibly
beautiful
colors
and
shapes.
They
grow
on
bark,
rock,
and
barren
soil,
and
thrive
more...
|
|
203BOT313B
|
02/20
|
Th
|
6:00pm-9:00pm
|
Lendemer, Ph.D.
|
MDTN
|
|
|
|
|
Discover
how
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
which
more...
|
|
203NAT338
|
02/27
|
Th
|
11:00am-1:00pm
|
Johnson
|
NYBG
|
March
|
|
|
|
For
centuries
herbs
and
spices
have
been
prized
not
just
for
their
flavors,
but
as
state-of-the-art
medicine.
Learn
about
a
variety
of
plants
historically
used
for
first
aid,
to
revitalize
the
immune
system,
and
to
treat
and
prevent
asthma,
insomnia,
more...
|
|
203BOT346C
|
03/01
|
Su
|
10:00am-2:30pm
|
Candee
|
NYBG
|
|
|
|
|
Angiosperms
(flowering
plants)
are
the
dominant
plants
in
most
of
the
world's
habitats
today.
Through
laboratory
demonstrations
and
dissections,
examine
the
morphology
of
flowers,
fruits,
and
vegetative
plant
parts.
You'll
also
learn
about
the
development
of
these
structures.
Prerequisite:
Plant
more...
|
|
203BOT431S
|
03/09
|
Mo
|
12:00pm-3:10pm
|
Alvarez
|
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...
|
|
203GAR360C
|
03/09
|
Mo
|
6:15pm-8:15pm
|
Bakshi
|
MDTN
|
|
|
|
|
Are
you
a
plant-lover
eager
to
up
your
game
and
start
distinguishing
one
species
from
another?
Then
this
is
the
class
for
you!
Using
commonly
known
plants,
you'll
learn
the
terminology
used
to
describe
their
growing
habits
and
structures.
This
more...
|
|
203BOT308B
|
03/11
|
We
|
5:00pm-8:00pm
|
Barnes
|
MDTN
|
|
|
|
|
Get
a
solid
grounding
in
the
basic
plant
body,
from
the
cell
to
the
roots,
stems,
leaves,
flowers,
and
fruits.
After
an
overview
of
microscope
use
and
fundamental
science
in
the
first
session,
you'll
use
both
dissecting
and
compound
light
more...
|
|
203BOT315B
|
03/19
|
Th
|
5:00pm-8:00pm
|
Fusco
|
NYBG
|
May
|
|
|
|
Urban
flora
can
be
found
growing
in
unlikely
places,
from
city
sidewalks
and
highway
medians
to
lawns,
and
other
man-made
structures.
Most
of
these
plants
are
introduced
and
many
are
considered
weeds.
We
will
hear
more
about
their
origins,
life
more...
|
|
204NAT332
|
05/20
|
We
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Slowik
|
NYBG
|
June
|
|
|
|
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...
|
|
204NAT323
|
06/03
|
We
|
10:00am-1:00pm
|
Slowik
|
NYBG
|
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