This Weekend: Fall Forest Fun!

Posted in Around the Garden on November 8 2013, by Ann Rafalko

That awesome crisp fall air is due back this weekend, just on schedule for another Fall Forest Weekend!

Why fete a forest? Because the 50-acre Thain Family Forest isn’t just another woodland. It’s one of the largest remaining tracts of old growth forest in New York City. New York’s five boroughs were once covered by woodlands, but the relentless march of time and commerce denuded our fair islands, until only isolated pockets of forest remained. But the Thain Family Forest is hardly isolated, despite being in the middle of the Bronx. It is connected to woodlands further upstate by the Bronx River and the greenest borough’s extensive network of parks. This makes the Forest a truly unique place, home to native plants, trees, and critters, as well as a cadre of scientists studying it all.

And the Forest’s majestic, sometimes centuries old, trees are currently at peak fall foliage! Perfect timing, right? So come walk our trails, paddle the Bronx River, sample local beers, watch demonstrations of birds of prey, tree climbing, woodworking, and home gardening, enjoy fun-filled family activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden (adjacent to the Forest), geek out on the many scientific pursuits being pursued under the Forest’s mighty trees, and so much more!

And while it is the Forest we are celebrating this weekend, the entirety of our 250-acres is looking spectacular! Bid a fond farewell to the gorgeous Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden for the season, enjoy beautiful vistas from the Azalea Garden, sit and read a book in the serene Perennial Garden, and wander amongst the green lushness of the Benenson Ornamental Conifers collection. We hope to see you soon!

Saturday, November 9

Bird Walk – 11 a.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of species of birds throughout the year. Bring your binoculars and walk the Garden grounds with an expert to learn about bird-friendly habitats, migrating species, and birds that make a permanent home at the Garden.

Tours of the Thain Family Forest
Daily; Meet at the Forest Orientation Point
Themed discovery walks of the Forest take place throughout each day. Wear comfortable shoes and seasonal attire for the weather.

11 a.m. Birds of the Forest (Meet at Reflecting Pool)
12 p.m. Natural History of the Thain Family Forest
1 p.m. Fall Foliage
2 p.m. Forest Forays for Families
3 p.m. Forest Ecology

Woodcrafting Demonstration – 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Near the Thain Family Forest entrance on Azalea Way
Watch Ivan Braun create unique wooden bowls created from fallen trees of the Garden and learn about the art and value of this craft. Take home one of his unique creations from Shop in the Garden. Shopinthegarden.com

Bronx-based craftsman Ivan Braun has collected wood from felled trees such as yew, red maple, plum, juniper, white oak, cherry, apple, and zelkova (a Japanese elm), crafting them into exquisite bowls and vases. He turns each piece by hand, letting the individual character and form of the tree influence the final shape, making each truly one of a kind. In addition to working with wood all his life, he has worked for several nonprofit social-service organizations.

Citizen Science at the Garden – 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Throughout the Forest
NYBG volunteers have been tracking the tree cycles of leaf, flower, and fruit development for more than 5 years. They will help you look closer at the trees within the Forest, giving you an entirely new perspective from the trails. Get help with tree and plant identification so you can explore the trees in your neighborhood more closely. Learn more about how you can be part of this ongoing project.

Canoe Trips on the Bronx River – 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, & 3 p.m.
Limited spaces available; first-come, first-served basis
Enjoy a short paddle on the Bronx River with the Bronx River Alliance and experience the beauty of this reclaimed local gem, home to an incredible variety of fish, birds, and even beaver! The Alliance works toward the conservation of the river as an ecological, economic, and community resource.

The Bronx River Alliance serves as a coordinated voice for the river and works in harmonious partnership to protect, improve and restore the Bronx River corridor so that it can be a healthy ecological, recreational, educational and economic resource for the communities through which the river flows. The Alliance works in close partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to achieve these goals.

Beer Tastings with Bronx Beer Hall – 12–4 p.m.
Nestled in the heart of the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, The Bronx Beer Hall is the borough’s latest hot spot. They offer the complete selection of the Jonas Bronck’s Beer Co.’s original craft beers, as well as an original menu curated by Chef David Greco of Mike’s Deli notoriety. Whether shopping for groceries or perusing the bustling streets of the Bronx’s Little Italy, The Bronx Beer Hall is the perfect place to kick back, grab a bite and enjoy a cold one.

The weekends’ samples: The New York Chocolate Egg Cream Stout and Mr. October Ale

Tree Climbing Demonstration by an Arborist – 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m.
Near the Thain Family Forest entrance on Azalea Way
Find out what it is like to take care of the Forest trees! Watch an arborist climb to amazing heights and get a new perspective on the Garden. Their job is important for maintaining healthy trees. Sign up for a class on November 16, the Recreational Tree Climbing Workshop, the only time you can climb a tree at the Garden!

Home Gardening Demonstration: Fall Wonderland – 2 p.m.
In the Native Plant Garden
Late-season light is so moody and mystical that it provides a wonderful spotlight for the glowing autumn colors of reds, oranges, yellows, purples, and blues. Join us to learn how you can brighten up your late-season garden with colorful foliage and beautiful berries.

Sunday, November 10

11 a.m. Birds of the Forest (Meet at the Reflecting Pool)
12 p.m. Natural History of the Thain Family Forest
1 p.m. Fall Foliage
2 p.m. Forest Forays for Families
3 p.m. Forest Ecology

Special Partner Program: Swann’s Way: A Nomadic Reading – 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
At the Bronx River Overlook
As part of a citywide event presented by the French Embassy, French and American writers, artists, scholars, and Marcel Proust fans read from Proust’s Du côté de chez Swann (Grasset, 1913), in a setting that evokes memories of his childhood in the countryside.

The weekends’ samples: The New York Chocolate Egg Cream Stout and Mr. October Ale

Tree Climbing Demonstration by an Arborist – 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m.
Near the Thain Family Forest entrance on Azalea Way
Find out what it is like to take care of the Forest trees! Watch an arborist climb to amazing heights and get a new perspective on the Garden. Their job is important for maintaining healthy trees. Sign up for a class on November 9, the Recreational Tree Climbing Workshop, during which you can climb a tree too!

Ongoing Children’s Programs

Tree-rific Trees
November 1–15
Visit the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden to see the enormous tree cookies of a giant sequoia and a white oak, and can participate in other hands-on fun. Dig deeper into the magnificent world of fall trees, from roots to branches. Learn to think like a scientist and track the changing colors of the leaves. Take a break from your research to count the rings of a giant sequoia and a white oak!

This Weekend: Fall Forest Fun!

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