Revelry and Recovery

Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on November 3 2011, by Matt Newman

It’s not often that we’re thankful for the rare sounds of industry in the Garden. We do love our peace, and if silence is golden, it’s an abundant commodity here in a place where car horns and creaking subway trains can be so readily forgotten. But since the storm left its mark over the Halloween weekend, the sound of work being completed is–at least for the moment–a comfort.

Arborists and the horticulture staff have leapt to the task of trimming away damaged tree branches, removing fallen boughs, and returning the Garden to its original splendor. And while we may have endured a bit of a jolt, we’re already back on our feet and moving forward with a weekend of events both exciting and memorable.

Those who’ve followed the restoration of the Thain Family Forest will know that the anticipation of its rededication is almost palpable here at the NYBG. Thousands of hours of work have gone into reintroducing native plant species, threading new trails through the trees, and revitalizing the legacy of the largest native forest in New York City. This weekend’s ribbon cutting follows several years of dedicated effort, and we invite everyone to celebrate this monumental accomplishment right along with us.

As the festivities kick off on Saturday, November 5th, guests will have opportunities to join along in expert-led nature walks, visit the Forest Fair, and even canoe along the glassy waters of the Bronx River. Want to see how professional woodsmen climb trees? We can’t recommend trying it at home, but we’ll have trained arborists on hand to give hourly demonstrations. Or, if “casual” is more your speed, you can grab refreshments and stay for the live music.

The Forest’s 50 acres will be alive with activities beyond what we’ve mentioned here, and while we want to avoid falling back on the trite phrase that there’s “something for everyone,” we can’t help but think it’s true.

Of course, the golden wood isn’t the only show in town–there are certainly more activities to be enjoyed elsewhere in the Garden. Those enthralled by the owls and red-tailed hawks, or the blush-breasted robins living on our grounds can meet on Saturday morning for our Bird Walk. And for visitors with green thumbs, home gardening demonstrations will be offered throughout the weekend. It’s all rather a bustling bunch of events we have planned.

It may be true that the winter brings its frosty challenges, but make no mistake: like our towering trees, we’re a resilient group here at The New York Botanical Garden. We’re hoping you’ll come along and raise a toast to another 120 years of natural beauty.