This Weekend: Last Chance for Fall Forest Weekends

Posted in Programs and Events on November 7 2014, by Lansing Moore

This weekend is the culmination of NYBG’s Fall Forest Weekends! Winter will be here before you know it, so don’t miss your chance to come and admire our stunning fall foliage while enjoying a wide variety of seasonal programs and activities. Take a canoe through New York City’s largest remaining tract of old-growth forest via the Bronx River, see live hawks and owls, and watch a master woodcarver at work—whose handiwork will be for sale in the Shop in the Garden!

Next weekend will be the debut of all of NYBG’s winter programs and exhibits, including the 23rd year of the Holiday Train Show, so be sure to reserve your tickets soon before your preferred date sells out! In the meantime, click through for all the ways you can take advantage of peak color at NYBG!

Saturday, November 8

Fall Forest Weekends – 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Explore the Thain Family Forest, the largest remaining tract of old-growth forest in New York City, and immerse yourself in the magnificent colors of fall foliage. See the Forest from a different perspective with a scenic canoe trip down the Bronx River and spot birds that call this woodland home. Tree-climbing demonstrations, guided tours, and more make for an unforgettable autumn experience.

Tours of the Thain Family Forest
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 (meets 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

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

Canoe Trips on the Bronx River – 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, & 3 p.m.
Limited spaces available; first-come, first-served basis
Sign up at the Waterfall Trail Canoe Portage
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.

Bird Beat-Boxing – 12 & 2 p.m.
Across from the Native Plant Garden entrance
Amateur “bird-boxer” Ben Mirin entertains with a twist on traditional bird calling, integrating modern beat-boxing into his method of attracting birds.

Tree Climbing Demonstrations – 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m.
Near the Thain Family Forest entrance along Azalea Way
Find out what it’s like to take care of the Forest’s trees! Watch an arborist climb to amazing heights and get a new perspective on the Garden.

Raptors: Live Birds of Prey Demonstrations – 1 & 3 p.m.
Across from the Native Plant Garden entrance
Hawks and owls deftly swoop through the air, alert for prey. Their unique design and deadly talons place them at the top of the food chain. Learn how to identify these birds while gaining a greater understanding of their adaptations and habitats.

Sunday, November 9

Fall Forest Weekends – 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Explore the Thain Family Forest, the largest remaining tract of old-growth forest in New York City, and immerse yourself in the magnificent colors of fall foliage. See the Forest from a different perspective with a scenic canoe trip down the Bronx River and spot birds that call this woodland home. Tree-climbing demonstrations, guided tours, and more make for an unforgettable autumn experience.

Tours of the Thain Family Forest
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 (meets 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 along Azalea Way
Watch Ivan Braun create unique wooden bowls from the Garden’s fallen trees and learn about the art and value of this craft. Take home one of his unique creations from Shop in the Garden.

Canoe Trips on the Bronx River – 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, & 3 p.m.
Limited spaces available; first-come, first-served basis
Sign up at the Waterfall Trail Canoe Portage
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.

Bird Beat-Boxing – 12 & 2 p.m.
Across from the Native Plant Garden entrance
Amateur “bird-boxer” Ben Mirin entertains with a twist on traditional bird calling, integrating modern beat-boxing into his method of attracting birds.

Tree Climbing Demonstrations – 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m.
Near the Thain Family Forest entrance along Azalea Way
Find out what it’s like to take care of the Forest’s trees! Watch an arborist climb to amazing heights and get a new perspective on the Garden.

Raptors: Live Birds of Prey Demonstrations – 1 & 3 p.m.
Across from the Native Plant Garden entrance
Hawks and owls deftly swoop through the air, alert for prey. Their unique design and deadly talons place them at the top of the food chain. Learn how to identify these birds while gaining a greater understanding of their adaptations and habitats.

Ongoing Children’s Programs

Tree-rific Trees – 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
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!