Draft Strategic Plan
Explore our goals for the future at The New York Botanical Garden with the current draft of our strategic plan through 2030.
Read the Draft 2030 Strategic Plan
Branch Out Week
June 12 – 18, 2023
Branch Out Week is here! This week-long celebration of NYBG Staff is designed to provide professional development opportunities, build community, and familiarize us with the draft Strategic Plan.
The full schedule of the week’s events is shared below. Registration for limited-space events has closed. Please check your email for registration confirmations. Questions? Contact us.
What does NYBG mean to YOU?
All Week Long
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Watson Lunch Room
Add a leaf to our Branch Out wall art and share what NYBG means to you. Our feedback will help inform the brand refresh project happening this summer and fall.
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Watson Lobby
Since 1982, Part of the Solution (POTS) has grown to become a leading provider of comprehensive and personalized services to fight poverty and hunger in the Bronx.
Help support their cause by donating some of the below items to the donation box in Watson Lobby. Items should be new and unopened.
Travel-Sized Toiletries
Unopened Non-Perishable Canned/Packaged Foods
School Supplies
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In connection with the Strategic Planning initiative to accelerate the digitization of the Herbarium, learn how you can contribute to scientific research by helping botanists interpret herbarium specimens. Sign up to participate in a Virtual Herbarium Expedition.
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Participate in Branch Out Week activities to gain raffle entries and win cool prizes!
How to earn raffle entries:
- Drop off donation items at Watson Lobby for the POTS Drive
- Register your donation with the Watson Reception Team. One entry per day.
- Attend a Bring Your Own Lunch Strategic Planning Discussion
- Make sure to check in with a Branch Out Committee member. One entry per day.
- Participate in the Herbarium Label Transcription campaign
- One entry per transcription.
- Submit your favorite photo from Branch Out Week to the Branch Out Week Committee*
- One entry per photo.
Entries close at 12 p.m. on Friday. Winners will be selected at random at the Ice Cream Social on Friday at 4 p.m. in the Home Gardening Center. You do not need to be present to win!
*Your submission serves as your permission for use of your image by NYBG.
Raffle Prizes
- Bamboo Slate Device
- $100 NYBG Shop Credit
- $100 Hudson Garden Grill Gift Card
- Freshwater Pearl Necklace and Earring Set
- Gold and White Leather Watch with Rose Gold Detail
- And other goodies from NYBG Shop!
- Drop off donation items at Watson Lobby for the POTS Drive
Monday, June 12
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9:15–10 a.m.
Ross HallJoin us for the kick-off of Branch Out Week, along with an overview of the draft Strategic Plan and a preview to NYBG’s upcoming rebranding.
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10–11 a.m.
Steere HerbariumImmediately following the all-staff meeting, kick off Branch Out Week by joining the Herbarium staff for an open house event highlighting Bronx history through plants.
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1–4 p.m.
Daffodil HillJoin us for a celebration of NYBG Staff! There will be music, games, giveaways, delicious lunch options from Bronx Night Market, and so much more!
Tuesday, June 13
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7–8 a.m.
Watson Lunch RoomTo thank you for your dedication to NYBG, drop by for a continental breakfast and table-top exhibit from the Herbarium highlighting specimens related to the Ebony G. Patterson exhibition.
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8:15–9:15 a.m.
Registration requiredGabriel Willow is a naturalist with a particular passion for birds and urban spaces. Join Gabriel to get to know the birds and other wildlife across NYBG grounds.
This session is also offered on Thursday, June 15 at 4 p.m.
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9–9:30 a.m.
Registration requiredGeneral Counsel Justin Jamail shares his tips and tricks for getting the responses you need from your emails, and how to avoid embarrassing email blunders.
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9:30–10:30 a.m.
Registration requiredAllow yourself to be fully present as you bathe your senses in the sights, smells, sounds, and sensations of the Thain Family Forest with forest bathing experiences, known as shinrin-yoku in Japan.
This session is also offered on Friday, June 16 at 12 p.m.
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10–11 a.m.
Registration requiredJoin Library staff for a tour of the Conservation Lab, and the hard work that goes into preserving our collections.
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10–11 a.m.
Registration required
Participants will learn how to identify and avoid triangulating others in the workplace into conflict and address the person(s) directly. They will also learn how to formulate confrontation and how to regulate emotions before, during, and after. Lastly, participants will learn how to process through “fear cycles” that can keep us stuck and cause us to not confront issues when we need to. Presented by Flurish.
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11 a.m.–noon
Registration requiredIn this workshop, learn how to better navigate life events by developing good savings habits, managing student loans, understanding credit scores, and learning investment basics—including taxes and retirement plans. Presented by MetLife.
A workshop geared toward older generations is available on Thursday, June 15 at 11 a.m.
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11 a.m.–noon
Registration requiredOn this walking tour, hear from Arthur Ross VP for Horticulture and Living Collections Todd Forrest about the Bronx River Watershed and plant-based strategies we can undertake to increase the River’s health and resilience.
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12–12:30 and 12:30–1 p.m.
Registration requiredLed by Avery Rosa, MS, CSCS, these 30-minute fitness classes will put your strength and endurance to the test! Be prepared for an all-out muscle burner, suitable for all skill levels from beginners to the more advanced.
Sessions are also offered on Thursday, June 15 at 1 and 1:30 p.m.
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12–1 p.m.
Watson Lunch RoomStop by the Watson Lunchroom to enjoy a delicious and nutritious avocado toast—the perfect snack any time of day. A nutrition coach will be on hand with recipes to take home. Presented by Flurish.
This session is also offered on Thursday, June 15 at 12 p.m.
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12–1 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
Mosholu Solar CanopiesDrop in on your lunch break at either 12 or 1 p.m. to catch up with colleagues, learn more about the Strategic Plan, and share your thoughts. Each hour will feature discussion about one Strategic Plan initiative.
- 12 p.m.: Bronx Green-Up Expansion. Facilitated by Ursula Chanse, Senior Director of Bronx Green-Up and Community Horticulture, and Aaron Bouska, VP for Government & Community Relations.
- 1 p.m.: New NYBG.org. Facilitated by Ariel Handelman, AVP of Marketing and Audience Strategy, and Michael Crowley, Chief Marketing Officer.
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1–2 p.m.
Registration requiredStop by for a look behind the scenes of our state-of-the-art production greenhouses, where we grow so many of the plants you see in our exhibitions and keep numerous horticultural collections.
This session is also offered on Thursday, June 15 at 1 p.m.
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2–3 p.m.
Ross HallCome ride a time machine into the ecological past of the landscape that became The New York Botanical Garden! Combining landscape ecology techniques with historical research, the inaugural Vice President of Urban Conservation, Dr. Eric W. Sanderson, will discuss what he and his team have uncovered about this site from 1609 and before. Afterwards, we will have an open discussion about how understanding historical ecology and change can help us imagine different futures for the garden, the borough, and the city. All are very welcome.
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3–4 p.m.
Registration requiredCalling all managers! Join Raquel Nazario, VP for HR and Chief Diversity Officer, and Jennifer Colon, Director, HR, as they outline the essential components of a job description to attract a broad range of qualified candidates and provide a clear understanding of what the duties and responsibilities are for a particular position. This session will be interactive, so bring your enthusiasm and a copy of a job description that needs a refresh!
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3–4 p.m.
Registration requiredIT staff lead a crash course on the makeup and purpose of various components of your PC.
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3–4 p.m.
Registration requiredDirector of Security Chris Daniello shares a condensed first aid course designed to help you know how to administer care during an emergency. This is not a certification course.
This session is also offered on Wednesday, June 14 at 1 p.m.
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4–4:30 p.m.
Registration requiredThis brief, gentle course introduces and builds a strong foundation for yoga poses and progresses in difficulty.
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5–6 p.m.
Registration requiredJoin us for fun tram tour with trivia questions and prizes—all before the sun sets.
Wednesday, June 14
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All Day
It’s time to buy that item you’ve had your eye on! Today, employees get 30% off, both in-person at NYBG Shop and nybgshop.org using your NYBG email.
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10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Mosholu EntranceStop by our table at the NYBG Farmer’s Market to collect your voucher for $10 to use at any vendor, today only.
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9 a.m.–noon
Registration requiredEmployees are invited to join the Friends of Mosholu Parkland to help clean up Mosholu Boulevard, showing our pride and support for our neighborhood and keeping the path to NYBG beautiful. Bring your favorite work gloves and wear appropriate attire.
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9:15–9:45 a.m.
Registration requiredJoin us for gentle toning core work combined with full body stretches to increase core strength and improve flexibility. Presented by Culture of Fit.
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9:30–10:30 a.m.
Registration requiredThis one-hour tour is the first of a two-part series on the Ebony G. Patterson exhibition. This tour will focus on the Conservatory and Conservatory Lawn components of the exhibition. There is a tour of the art galleries on Friday, June 16 at 9 a.m.
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10–11:15 a.m.
Registration requiredWant to better understand NYBG’s pension and retirement plans? This session will give an overview of the various tools you have on your journey to financial wellness.
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10-10:30 a.m.
Registration requiredDesigned for beginners, but appropriate for all levels of practice, this class starts by teaching the basics while providing tools on how to create and maintain a regular meditation routine. Presented by Culture of Fit.
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11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Registration requiredYou’ve got a lot of great selfies, but do you have a professional headshot? Have your portrait taken by NYBG’s own Photographer and Digital Media Manager, Marlon Co, to spruce up your profiles.
Additional sessions are scheduled for Saturday, June 17, at 9 a.m.
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11 a.m.–12 p.m.
12–1 p.m.
Registration required
You’re invited to see some of the Mertz Library’s greatest treasures on an exciting tour of the Rare Books Room.
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12–1 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
Pfizer Lab PatioDrop in on your lunch break at either 12 or 1 p.m. to catch up with colleagues, learn more about the Strategic Plan, and share your thoughts. Each hour will feature discussion about one Strategic Plan initiative.
- 12 p.m.: Comprehensive Master Planning. Facilitated by Ursula Hoskins, VP for Capital Planning, Construction, and Operations, and Lauren Turchio, Chief Operating Officer.
- 1 p.m.: Urban Conservation Strategy. Facilitated by Eric W. Sanderson, Vice President of Urban Conservation, and Jennifer Bernstein, CEO and The William C. Steere President.
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1–2 p.m.
Registration requiredNYBG Gardener Michele Haber leads this hands-on workshop to show you how, what, when, and why to prune your plants to rejuvenate and maintain them within your garden. This session is also offered on Friday, June 16 at 1 p.m.
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1–2 p.m.
Registration requiredDirector of Security Chris Daniello shares a condensed first aid course designed to help you know how to administer care during an emergency. This is not a certification course.
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2–2:40 p.m.
4-4:40 p.m.
Registration requiredEnjoy a cooking demonstration featuring recipes celebrating the plants grown in the Edible Academy, with samples to follow.
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2-3 p.m.
Registration requiredTour New York City’s largest old-growth forest with Eliot Nagele, Director of the Thain Family Forest. This session is also offered on Thursday, June 15 at 10 a.m.
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3–4 p.m.
Registration requiredDirector of Plant Health Vincent Galatolo leads you in creating your own mushroom starter.
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3–6 p.m.
Fordham Fields; walk over from Visitor CenterJoin your colleagues in a friendly softball match! Teams will be formed at the field. All are welcome—including spectators and cheering sections! Stop by and enjoy a frozen treat while you watch.
UPDATE, 6/13: We’re sad to announce that the Softball Game is postponed due to an inclement weather forecast. We will schedule another game later this summer! In the meantime, Mister Softee is still going to be here—find the ice cream truck at Watson Lunch Room between 3 and 6.
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3–4 p.m.
Steere HerbariumHappy Pride Month! Join Herbarium staff for an open house highlighting LGBTQ+ botanists and plants celebrating the diversity of nature.
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4–5 p.m.
Registration requiredGet a behind-the-scenes look at the Pfizer Plant Research Laboratory! This session is also offered on Thursday, June 15 at 3 p.m.
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5-6 p.m.
Watson Lunch RoomEnjoy a catered Italian dinner from Arthur Avenue.
Thursday, June 15
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7–8 a.m.
Watson LunchroomStop by the Watson Lunchroom for a delicious and refreshing smoothie—a perfect morning treat! Presented by Flurish.
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8:15–8:45 a.m.
This class addresses common spinal and postural issues to strengthen and re-align you before you start your day. Presented by Culture of Fit.
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9:30–10:30 a.m.
Gardeners lead tours of various Gardens and Collections—you decide which you’d like to see today!
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10–11 a.m.
Learn the botany basics you’ve always wondered about with Jamie Boyer, Ph.D., Stavros Niarchos Foundation Vice President for Children’s Education and Senior Director of Education.
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10 – 11 a.m.
In an interactive workshop, Todd Forrest, Arthur Ross VP for Living Collections, and Joanna Groarke, Vice President for Exhibitions and Programming, will share some examples of times they made mistakes, misjudged a situation, or had plans that went awry. They’ll discuss how they recovered and how to turn a mistake into a learning opportunity.
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10 – 11 a.m.
Tour New York City’s largest old-growth forest with Eliot Nagele, Director of the Thain Family Forest.
This session is also offered on Wednesday, June 14 at 2 p.m.
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11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Back by popular demand, library staff will lead a Japanese stab bookbinding workshop. Come by and make your own booklet to enjoy and take home!
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11 a.m.–12 p.m.
There are 10 key practical financial and retirement planning tips to
consider in your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. This workshop will cover them all, from managing taxes and having the proper asset allocation to setting realistic goals. Presented by MetLife.A workshop geared toward 20- and 30-somethings is available on Tuesday, June 13 at 11 a.m.
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12–1 p.m.
Watson Lunch RoomStop by the Watson Lunchroom to enjoy a delicious and nutritious avocado toast—the perfect snack any time of day. A nutrition coach will be on-hand with recipes to take home. Presented by Flurish.
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12 – 1 p.m.
1 – 2 p.m.
Edible Academy AmphitheaterDrop in on your lunch break at either 12 or 1 p.m. to catch up with colleagues, learn more about the Strategic Plan, and share your thoughts. Each hour will feature discussion about one Strategic Plan initiative.
- 12 p.m.: Inclusive Interpretation and Programming. Facilitated by Joanna Groarke, VP for Exhibitions and Programming, and Tom Mulhare, Director of Public Programming.
- 1 p.m.: Investing in Professional Development. Facilitated by Sophia Black, VP for Benefits Administration, and Raquel Nazario, VP for Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer.
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1–1:30 p.m. and 1:30–2 p.m.
Led by Avery Rosa, MS, CSCS, these 30-minute fitness classes will put your strength and endurance to the test! Be prepared for an all-out muscle burner, suitable for all skill levels from beginners to the more advanced.
Sessions are also offered on Tuesday, June 13 at 12 and 12:30 p.m.
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1–2 p.m.
Stop by for a look behind the scenes of our state-of-the-art production greenhouses, where we grow so many of the plants you see in our exhibitions and keep numerous horticultural collections.
This session is also offered on Tuesday, June 13 at 1 p.m.
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2–3 p.m.
Anyone can become a skillful presenter with practice. Chief Advancement Officer Isaac W. K. Thweatt gives you his tips and tricks to successful public speaking.
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2 – 3 p.m.
Saul Ramirez, Manager of Training and Workforce Development for Visitor Services, provides his tips for harnessing your coaching skills to better support your colleagues.
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3 – 4 p.m.
Do you know the difference between spam and phishing? This refresher from the NYBG IT team will shed light on these dangerous practices and how to stay safe online.
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3–4 p.m.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Pfizer Plant Research Laboratory!
This session is also offered on Wednesday, June 14 at 4 p.m.
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3 – 4 p.m.
Join Emir Kajoshi, AVP for Engineering and Compliance, on a tour and talk about renewable energy at NYBG.
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4–5 p.m.
Gabriel Willow is a naturalist with a particular passion for birds and urban spaces. Join Gabriel to get to know the birds and other wildlife across NYBG grounds.
This session is also offered on Tuesday, June 13 at 8 a.m.
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4–5 p.m.
Human Resources staff will teach the basics of how to sell yourself for your next role at the Garden…on paper! Bring your own resume for one-on-one feedback.
This session is also offered on Saturday, June 17 at 2 p.m.
Friday, June 16
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9–10 a.m.
This one-hour tour is the second half of a two-part series on the exhibition and will focus on the Art Galleries within the Mertz Library.
There is a tour of the Conservatory on Wednesday, June 14 at 9:30 a.m.
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9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join us at Karol’s Urban Community Farm in Soundview to help with maintenance of this garden. Transportation will be provided.
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9:30–10 a.m.
Learn dynamic and static stretching, and increase blood flow, flexibility, and release tightness. End with meditation to rest, relax, and recharge. A perfect way to start your day. Presented by Culture of Fit.
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10 – 11 a.m.
Join Jennifer Bernstein, CEO and The William C. Steere President, for a leadership workshop. Jennifer will discuss what leadership means to her and offer tips on how to be a leader if your own area.
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10:30–11 a.m.
Participants will be invited to take a walk outside and combine movement with present observation, all while using the senses. Presented by Culture of Fit.
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11–12 p.m.
Our friends from the Bronx Library Center join us for a drop-in library card sign-up. Register for an NYBG Library Card and an NYPL Library Card at the same time! All employees are eligible for NYPL cards regardless of residence.
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11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Director of Plant Health Vincent Galatolo leads you in creating your own mushroom starter.
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11:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Take part in a series of meditation practices, including Loving Kindness, Gratitude, Joy, Observation, and Visualization. Each meditation is designed to cultivate an appreciation for life while broadening awareness of how we treat ourselves and other beings. Presented by Culture of Fit.
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12–1 p.m.
Allow yourself to be fully present as you bathe your senses in the sights, smells, sounds, and sensations of the Thain Family Forest with forest bathing experiences, known as shinrin-yoku in Japan.
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12 – 1 p.m.
1 – 2 p.m.
Stone Mill PatioDrop in on your lunch break at either 12 or 1 p.m. to catch up with colleagues, learn more about the Strategic Plan, and share your thoughts. Each hour will feature discussion about one Strategic Plan initiative.
- 12 p.m.: Bronx River Watershed and Resilience. Facilitated by Todd Forrest, Arthur Ross VP for Horticulture and Living Collections, and Eliot Nagele, Director of the Thain Family Forest.
- 1 p.m.: Expand and Improve Technology Infrastructure. Facilitated by Lawrence Smith, VP for Information Technology, and Lauren Turchio, COO.
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1 – 2 p.m.
Gardener Michele Haber leads this hands-on workshop to show you how, what, when, and why to prune your plants to rejuvenate and maintain them within your garden.
This session is also offered on Wednesday, June 14 at 1 p.m.
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4–5 p.m.
Watson LunchroomJoin us to celebrate the conclusion of Branch Out Week 2023. Enjoy a free ice cream cone and win prizes!
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Staff are invited to join the opening of the African American Garden: The Caribbean Experience at the Edible Academy. Stroll the garden as you enjoy Caribbean food, music, and performances during a special evening celebration of the African American Garden, Juneteenth, and the Bronx with remarks by curator Dr. Jessica B. Harris.
Please RSVP here.
Saturday, June 17
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10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Daffodil HillNYBG Staff are invited to join the Bronx Day Celebration on Daffodil Hill.
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10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Ross HallStaff are invited to hear about food stories of the Caribbean in a lineup of compelling talks that consider history and memory, as well as the culinary journeys of both people and plants. Highlights include Dr. Jessica B. Harris, curator of NYBG’s African American Garden, in conversation with renowned author Jamaica Kincaid, followed by a panel discussion featuring Pierre Serrao, Shannon Mustipher, and Dr. Maricel Presilla, moderated by Dr. Scott Alves Barton.
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12–5 p.m.
Edible AcademyJoin us for hands-on gardening, crafts and exploration throughout the state-of-the-art Edible Academy campus. Enjoy cooking demonstrations featuring special guests and the crops of the African American Garden.
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12–1 p.m.
Visitor Center LunchroomGrab a slice of pizza at the Visitor Center.
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2–3 p.m.
Watson Lunch RoomHuman Resources staff will teach the basics of how to sell yourself for your next role at the Garden…on paper! Bring your own resume for one-on-one feedback.
Sunday, June 18
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8:30–9 a.m.
Visitor CenterWeekend staff are invited to learn dynamic and static stretching, increase blood flow, flexibility, and release tightness. End with meditation to rest, relax, and recharge. A perfect way to start your day. Presented by Culture of Fit.
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9–10 a.m.
Visitor Center BreakroomWeekend staff are invited to grab a delicious smoothie to start the day with a cool, refreshing, energizing treat. Presented by Flurish.
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12–5 p.m.
Edible AcademyJoin us for hands-on gardening, crafts and exploration throughout the state-of-the-art Edible Academy campus. Enjoy cooking demonstrations featuring special guests and the crops of the African American Garden.
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12–1 p.m.
Visitor Center LunchroomAll staff working on Saturday are invited to grab a slice of pizza at the Visitor Center.