The NYBG Urban Naturalist Certificate Program equips you with the observation, identification, and documentation skills you need to become an effective environmental steward. Using NYBG grounds and select New York City Parks, you will learn to keenly observe the natural world, create scientifically useful records of your observations, and investigate the interrelationships between species. NYBG Urban Naturalists work as environmental educators, help manage invasive species in local parks, and volunteer with our EcoFlora project to help document NYC plant species.
Those in pursuit of a Certificate must complete 107 total course hours (77 required + 30 elective), plus a Field Study project. Browse this page to discover what required courses are currently scheduled.
With
its
variety
of
habitats
and
position
on
the
Atlantic
Flyway,
NYC
is
a
bird-lover's
paradise!
Over
300
distinct
resident
or
migratory
species
live
or
pass
through
here
each
year,
including
many
nesting
species
such
as
Peregrine
Falcons,
Red-tailed
Hawks,
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...