Urban Naturalist Certificate Program

OVERVIEW

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.

FIELD STUDY PROJECT

In order to receive a Certificate, you must complete an in-depth study of a natural site of your choosing based on observations made there over many months that includes a survey of the plants and animals found there and a plan for how the site can be improved to provide ecological and social benefits.

 

REQUIRED COURSES

COURSE CODE               HOURS
Basic Plant ID BOT 308   6
One of the two Birds courses:     12
Natural History of Birds: Fall
 NAT 321   -- 
Natural History of Birds: Spring NAT 317   -- 
Natural History of Insects                                                            NAT 322   9
Two of the four Native Flora courses:     24
Native Flora in Autumn
 BOT 331   -- 
Native Flora in Winter BOT 332   -- 
Native Flora in Spring BOT 333   -- 
Native Flora in Summer BOT 334   -- 
Introduction to Urban Ecology           NAT 338   4
The Ecosystems of New York City           NAT 337   9
Urban Ecology Field Study           NAT 323   9
Elective courses     30
TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS                                                            103

ELECTIVES

Elective course offerings vary with every catalog season. Browse our certificate classes page to discover what’s currently scheduled.

 

P = Courses with a prerequisite before you can register.

Note, for classes with no current session available, please check back when we announce the Spring-Summer 2021 catalog.