This Weekend: At the Peak of Fall Color
Posted in Programs and Events on November 6 2015, by Matt Newman
We’re at 90% and counting! Our road to peak fall color has been a bit of a strange one, as this autumn heat wave has made for a slow changing of the leaves. But in a sense, it’s worked out for the best—we’re essentially seeing the best color of the year just as we head into Saturday, the kick-off of our first Fall Forest Weekend.
Join us all weekend (and next!) for fall activities among the trees, like live bird of prey demonstrations from expert raptor handlers, the woodcrafting artistry of Ivan Braun, and tree-climbing demos from our arborists. Or just enjoy the incredible sight of the forest, wandering its trails under a canopy of reds, oranges, and yellows.
This is one of the most incredible times of year to see the Garden in all its autumn finery, but the warm colors of the trees won’t last forever. Head below for the full schedule of events.
Saturday, November 7
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.
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 at Citizen Science.
Woodcrafting Demonstration — 11 a.m.–4 p.m
Near the Thain Family Forest entrance along 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 NYBG Shop.
Tree Climbing Demonstration by our Arborists — 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.
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.
Bird-Boxing Performance — 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 way of attracting birds. He creates music exclusively from bird songs and other sounds that occur in nature: trees are drums, swans are trumpets, warblers are cymbals, and more! Stop by his booth to enjoy original performances of this unique music style.
Birds of Prey Demonstrations — 1 & 3 p.m.
Across from the Native Plant Garden entrance
Hawks, owls, and falcons deftly swoop through the air, alert for prey. Their unique design and deadly weapons place them on top of the food chain. Learn how to identify these birds while gaining a greater understanding about their adaptations and habitats.
Tours of the Thain Family Forest — 11 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m.
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.
Sunday, November 8
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 at Citizen Science.
Tree Climbing Demonstration by our Arborists — 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.
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.
Bird-Boxing Performance — 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 way of attracting birds. He creates music exclusively from bird songs and other sounds that occur in nature: trees are drums, swans are trumpets, warblers are cymbals, and more! Stop by his booth to enjoy original performances of this unique music style.
Birds of Prey Demonstrations — 1 & 3 p.m.
Across from the Native Plant Garden entrance
Hawks, owls, and falcons deftly swoop through the air, alert for prey. Their unique design and deadly weapons place them on top of the food chain. Learn how to identify these birds while gaining a greater understanding about their adaptations and habitats.
Tours of the Thain Family Forest — 11 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, &3:30 p.m.
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.
