Urban Naturalist Certificate Electives

Elective course offerings vary with every catalog season. Browse this page to discover what's currently scheduled. Students in pursuit of a Certificate must complete at least 30 elective course hours.


December

Discover the power, the allure, and the science of psychedelic mushrooms. This lecture focuses on the mycology of psychedelic mushrooms, focusing on Psilocybe species, Amanita muscaria, and Claviceps purpurea (from which LSD is synthesized), and how they are used in more...
262BOT302O 12/03 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Bone
ONLINE

January

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.
263BOT346AO 01/03 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Candee
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).
263BOT385AO 01/08 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Herrera
ONLINE

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...
263NAT347O 01/13 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Johnson
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...
263GAR360BO 01/15 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakshi
ONLINE

February

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...
263NAT358BL 02/05 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Jacobs
OFS-BL

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...
263NAT326O 02/11 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Herrera
ONLINE

Discover the fascinating world beneath the soil by exploring the botanical intricacies of geophytes—commonly known as "earth plants". From the layered architecture of bulbs and tubers (such as tulips and potatoes) to the stealthy spread of rhizomes (think ginger or more...
263BOT370O 02/17 Tu 10:00am-1:00pm Bijkerk
ONLINE

March

Lichens are among the most unique, resilient organisms on Earth—and among the least understood. In this class, you'll explore the identification, natural history, and ecology of lichens of the Northeast, especially those in the NYC area.
263BOT365 03/01 Su 11:00am-2:00pm Rao
NYBG

Take your knowledge of botanical nomenclature to the next level. In this course, you'll look closely at plants to better understand and identify their diversity and similarities. Examining plant structures can seem tricky, as some resemble each other but belong more...
263GAR366O 03/03 Tu 10:30am-12:30pm Bakshi
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).
263BOT385BO 03/05 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Herrera
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.
263BOT346BO 03/07 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Candee
ONLINE