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.


May

Join herbalist and foraging expert Journei Bimwala for an immersive walk through spring's edible landscape. Using sight, touch, smell, and taste, you'll learn to identify, harvest, and understand the deeper meaning of wild plants-their cultural significance, medicinal power, and culinary more...
254CKG245 05/13 Tu 11:00am-2:00pm Bimwala
NYBG

Whether you are an experienced birder or a beginner, this single-day walk and talk will sharpen your skills and provide fascinating insight into the world of birds. Learn how to observe and identify migrant and local birds—such as Peregrine Falcons, more...
254NAT234B 05/15 Th 10:00am-1:00pm Chaya
NYBG

Join ecologist Michael Gaige as he demonstrates how to identify old and ancient trees, both in Eastern woodlands and across the globe. He will discuss the factors that allow them to grow for centuries and illustrate how the advanced age, more...
254NAT353O 05/22 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Gaige
ONLINE

June

Learn to identify native and introduced herbs, ferns, shrubs, and trees as they appear in summer, and get to know plants that may be found in fields, on roadsides, and in woodlands and wetlands. Learn about basic plant structure and more...
254BOT334BL 06/04 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Holmes
BLENDED

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...
254NAT323 06/11 We 9:00am-12:00pm Slowik
NYBG

The tri-state area contains many distinct ecosystems, including woodlands, salt marshes, meadows, and fresh water wetlands. Study the unique characteristics of local habitats and the species they support, paying close attention to interspecies relationships. We'll spend time on Garden grounds more...
254NAT337BL 06/14 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Herrera
OFS-BL

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.
254BOT308DO 06/17 Tu 10:00am-12:00pm Bucuvalas
ONLINE

Delve into the fascinating world of the creatures that make up 84% of the Animal Kingdom—what renowned biologist E.O. Wilson once called "the little things that run the world." We'll discuss the roles that insects play—both in maintaining healthy ecosystems more...
254NAT322ABL 06/25 We 10:00am-12:00pm Chaya
BLENDED
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