What will my child do in the Children's Gardening Program?

Throughout the season they are enrolled, Crafters and Sprouts plant and care for a garden and learn about garden-related topics through fun enrichment activities. Each session includes time dedicated to hands-on gardening and time dedicated to learning about a particular theme, through investigations, hikes, discussions, and games. Caregiver accompanying their Sprout actively participates along with their Sprout.

Where does the Children's Gardening Program take place?

The program takes place outdoors at the Edible Academy (EA). The campus is located near the East Gate and includes gardens, classrooms, greenhouse, open air pavilions (offering relief from sun and rain), restrooms, water bottle refill station, and hand sanitizer dispensers. The classrooms and greenhouse will not be utilized during the program. The Edible Academy campus is NOT open to the public during the CGP sessions.

Does my child harvest and keep what they grow?

Many of the crops the Crafters and Sprouts plant and care for are harvested during the season they are enrolled. Some of the crops are left to grow and are harvested by the Crafters and Sprouts enrolled in subsequent seasons. Some of the crops will be harvested by Edible Academy staff and donated to local community-based food providers.

Does my child choose what they grow?

In order to have seeds and seedlings ready each program session, EA staff develop planting plans that include a diversity of crops that are seasonally appropriate. Each season more than a dozen different vegetables, herbs, and flowers are grown.

How does my child get to the Edible Academy?

Crafters and Trams are transported to and from the Edible Academy on the NYBG Trams. Trams depart from the Tulip Tree Allee. Crafters Educators join the Crafters to provide supervision during the ride.

Who teaches my child during the Children's Gardening Program?

NYBG hires and trains Crafters and Sprouts Educators to facilitate the gardening and enrichment activities planned by Edible Academy administrators. Each Educator is assigned up to 12 Crafters or 12 Sprouts and accompanying caregivers and is supported during program sessions by several Edible Academy administrators as well as Assistant Educators.

What efforts are being made to promote my child's safety during the program session?

All activities of the Children’s Gardening Program will take place outdoors; all staff and participants are required to wear face coverings indoors and in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and the Edible Academy. Hand washing stations and hand sanitizer stations are installed throughout the Edible Academy campus. All garden tools will be disinfected with an alcohol-based disinfectant in between users. Enrichment activities will include hikes and games that promote social distancing.

How do I enroll my child in the Children's Gardening Program?

You can enroll https://www.nybg.org/learn/kids-teens/childrens-gardening-program/ or via phone at 718.817.8181.

When does registration for the Children's Gardening Program begin?

You can register your child for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and/or Fall 2022 sessions now.

Do NYBG Members receive a discount?

Yes, we offer CGP Crafters and Sprouts at a discounted rate for NYBG Members at the Family Level and above.

Are discounts available for enrolling in more than one season?

Yes, we offer a 10% discount for enrolling your child in three or more seasons. Please use code CGP1022 at check out.

Do you offer financial scholarships?

Yes, you may apply for a https://nybg.doubleknot.com/form/takesurvey.aspx?surveyid=83821&orgkey=3803 .

Who do I contact if I have further questions regarding the Children's Gardening Program?

You can email childed@nybg.org or call 718.817.8181

How can I purchase or renew a Membership?

You can purchase a Membership https://www.nybg.org/join-support/membership/ , on-site at any ticket window, or by calling the Membership Office. To purchase online you’ll have to create a new Member account. Renewing Members have an existing account. https://www.nybg.org/content/uploads/2019/11/ME_Members-Login-Info_2019-Final.pdf

Trade-in Tickets Towards Membership

If you have purchased regular-priced admission to the Garden, during your visit the ticket price can be applied to the cost of a Membership. For Individual and Teacher level, the cost of one regular-priced ticket is applied. The cost of two regular-priced tickets can be applied towards the purchase of a Dual Membership. The cost of two adult and two children’s tickets can be applied towards the purchase of Family–Sustaining Memberships. Please see a Visitor Services Representative on the day of your visit for additional details.

When will I receive my Membership materials?

Please allow 2–3 weeks from the date of purchase to receive your Membership materials. We will assume all proper Membership materials have been received unless notified. Please notify the Membership Office if you have not received your Membership materials 3 weeks after purchase.

Renewals may be processed at any point once your Membership term has commenced. When you renew an active Membership, it will be extended for one year from the current expiration date. The Membership Office does not retain the credit card information. This information must be re-submitted with each renewal.

When can I begin using my Member benefits?

Member admission and discounts can be used immediately upon purchase of Membership. Member Passes for guest admission or parking will be sent with your Membership materials within 2-3 weeks of purchase. Member passes can only be redeemed by presenting the physical pass at the Garden.

What admission benefits do Members receive?

Membership entitles you to year-round admission. Each Membership is allotted a fixed number of complimentary Member tickets per day determined by Membership level.

What discounts do Members receive?

Members receive a 10% discount off purchases at NYBG Shop. Members also receive discounts on education course fees and on select premium events.

Do I have to reserve tickets for timed entry?

Timed tickets may be required for admission to the Garden. This is necessary to alleviate overcrowding, ensure a more pleasant experience, and protect the Conservatory, collections, and delicate exhibitions.

How do I redeem my Member Passes?

To receive complimentary parking, redeem pass to the parking attendant upon arrival on Garden premise. When parking at our secure parking facility at 401 Bedford Park Blvd, Members must validate parking ticket and redeem pass at a Garden ticket window to avoid Event and Standard Weekday non-visitor rates. For guest admissions, passes can only be redeemed at Garden ticket windows; they cannot be reserved in advance. Each pass can be used once. If you do not have your passes when you visit, you will be required to pay regular price (no refunds).

How do I redeem Member Passes for timed-entry admission?

If a Member with a timed ticket brings a friend using a guest pass, Garden Representatives will do their best to accommodate the guest(s) at the same time. Additional timed tickets are available for purchase at regular price if you have exceeded the number of complimentary admissions allowed by your Membership level.

Can I give a friend one of my Member passes?

No. Members are required to accompany their guest(s) when using a guest pass.

Are Member Passes always valid for guest admission?

Member Passes are not valid for guest admission during the Holiday Train Show® or select premium events.

What reciprocal benefits do Members have at participating gardens and arboreta?

Garden Members receive reciprocal benefits at gardens and arboreta throughout the United States through our association with the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program. Benefits vary by organization. Members must contact the Garden they wish to visit confirm what benefits are available. A complete listing can be found https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/ .

Can I access the Garden prior to opening hours?

Early Morning Access is a great way to enjoy the beauty and solace of the New York Botanical Garden’s grounds before the Garden is open to the general public. Supporting, Contributing, Sustaining, and Patron level Members can utilize their complimentary Early Morning Access from Tuesday–Sunday, 6–10 a.m. Please have your Membership ID card or proof of Membership purchase (receipt) available when entering the Garden. Please note that no building entry is allowed with the exception of the Visitor Center and East Gate restrooms and parking is only available at the Mosholu Entrance (2950 Southern Blvd.).

How long does it take to receive my Membership card(s)?

Membership cards and passes will be mailed within 2-3 weeks of Membership purchase. Membership is active upon purchase and is not contingent upon the receipt of Membership materials.

How many cards will I receive?

Individual level will receive one Membership card. Memberships that include two or more individuals will receive at most two Membership Cards, one for each adult named on the Membership. If a Member wishes to add a new second individual to the Membership during cycle, there is a $10 replacement card fee.

Do I need my Membership card to access my benefits?

No. If you do not have your Membership card, a photo ID will be requested by Garden Representatives to receive your Member benefits. Member benefits are for the Member(s) listed on the Membership.

I lost my card. How do I get a replacement?

There is a $10 replacement fee for lost, damaged, or stolen Membership Cards You can purchase a replacement card at any ticket window when visiting the Garden or by calling the Membership Office. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the mailing of replacement card(s).

Membership is valid for one year from the date your application is processed. No refunds, extensions, or exchanges will be granted if you are for any reason unable to utilize your Membership Benefits.

Memberships, Membership Benefits, passes, and Membership Cards are nontransferable.

Membership Downgrades

The Garden does not permit a Member to downgrade to a lower Category once the Membership materials have been received and/or benefits have been used.

Membership Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions apply to all Members of the Botanical Garden. In these terms “you/r” or “Member/s” refer to all people who have purchased or applied for a Membership at the Individual, Individual Senior, Dual, Dual Senior, Family, Family Senior, Friends & Family, Supporting, Contributing, Sustaining, and Teacher categories. The terms “we”, “NYBG”, “the Botanical Garden”, or “the Garden” refer to The New York Botanical Garden. With the exception of the benefit of admission to the Garden, we reserve the right to alter the Membership Categories and Benefits without prior notice. Members and guests are subject to conditions and policies of the Garden. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to refuse entry and/or Membership to a Member and to revoke a Membership without refund if a Member behaves in a threatening or abusive manner toward any person, or damages or threatens to damage any of the collections at The New York Botanical Garden. We reserve the right to amend the terms of these policies at any time. At the time of an amendment, Members will be notified.

What’s the advantage of attending the school of professional horticulture versus earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in horticulture?

The advantage can be summarized with one word—skills! The School’s strength is that it teaches students valuable horticulture skills, which give our graduates a competitive advantage over other programs based solely on coursework. The School’s program combines the theoretical and the practical, teaching not just how to grow plants, but why plants grow the way they do. It is due to this kind of education that our students are highly sought after, not just for internships, but also for full-time employment upon graduation.

As someone who is switching careers, what is it like to work in the horticulture industry?

It is a close-knit community of dedicated and passionate professionals who are willing to share their knowledge, experience, information, and employment opportunities. As a student, you meet many key people in this profession from around the world in diverse areas of horticulture, and as a graduate, you become part of that community. One of the biggest benefits of attending the School is making these lifelong contacts here at NYBG and beyond.

What is the typical demographic of students in the school?

Students come from all over the country and world. Most students have some college background, and many have degrees in fields other than horticulture. The majority of students are career changers and range in age from their late teens to mid-50s.

What is the job placement rate for graduates?

The School has had a job placement rate of 100% for the past 8 years. Our alumni are highly sought after by botanical gardens, public parks, celebrity estates, and even major league sports stadiums. Exceptional students also are often hired at NYBG upon graduation when a position is available. However, the School does not promise or guarantee employment.

What kind of salary can I expect to recieve

Generally, private industry pays more than public parks and gardens. The starting salary range in private industry is typically $50,000–$60,000; for non-profits it is $40,000–$55,000.

How is the two-year program divided?

The program is divided into nine terms. Academic classes are concentrated between rotations and include evening sessions.

What if I have fewer hours of experience by application deadline, should I still apply?

Yes; contact the Director to assess your situation.

How many course hours should I expect to take?

Students are required to complete 630 Course Hours and 1,990 Horticulture Rotation and Internship Hours in order to qualify for graduation.

How many hours of studying can I anticipate?

On horticulture rotation days, students start at 8 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m. On class days, students may start at 10 a.m. and finish at 6 or 9 p.m. Students also can expect to have classes some evenings throughout the year. Some courses require homework and studying outside class hours.

Why are some courses taught in the evenings?

Many courses are taught by our expert Horticulture staff. Due to their daytime schedules, they are only free to teach after 4 p.m.

Is it possible to work part-time while I am a student in the School?

Due to the intense schedule of academic courses and work rotations, in addition to various lectures, field trips, and plant ID walks, it’s nearly impossible to hold a part-time job, find time to study, and stay in good academic standing for the two-year program.

What does one recieve after Graduating from the school?

After successfully completing the program, students receive a Diploma in Horticulture from The New York Botanical Garden.

Housing is available in the Bronx and lower Westchester County within a convenient distance from the Garden. Housing is not provided by the School, and out-of-town and international students are advised to secure housing prior to arriving in New York.

When does orientation start?

Orientation starts the last week in January. New students meet staff and become familiar with the Garden’s philosophies, policies, and facilities. Orientation and special group projects with Horticulture continue through February and March to prepare students for their horticulture rotations in the spring.

Does the school provide computer access?

Computers are available 24 hours a day in the Student Room, M-280. Students may be assigned an NYBG e-mail address if desired. In addition, there is Wi-Fi service in the Watson Building and other buildings on campus.

What study and dining facilities are available to students?

Classrooms and academic facilities are in the Watson and Library buildings. The Student Room is available for meal breaks, studying, drafting, and computer use. Horticulture training is carried out at locations throughout the Garden. The Garden’s Pine Tree Café on Garden grounds is open Tuesdays through Sundays, and students enjoy a 20% discount. The Café serves pizza, panini, salads, snacks, and beverages. The Hudson Garden Grill is a more formal dining option on Garden grounds. There are also several moderately priced diners, cafés, and pizzerias within walking distance of the Garden.

Beech Leaf Disease - July 2025

Beech leaf disease (BLD) is an emerging plant pathogen responsible for the decline and mortality of native and introduced beech trees. It is associated with a microscopic nematode (Litylenchus crenatae) that feeds on beech leaves and buds, leading to distinctive striping, curling, and thinning of leaves. Symptoms were first observed in New York City around 2020, and BLD has since spread to all five boroughs. The American beech is an integral component of our forest ecosystems, making BLD a serious concern. This month, help track its continued impact by making observations of infected beech trees in natural areas throughout the city.

How to Get Started

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph infected beech trees anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

Meet the Mints - June 2025

The Mint family (Lamiaceae) is a large group of plants that includes many aromatic species used by humans for food and medicine. They can be recognized by their scent, square stems, opposite leaves, and clusters of flowers with a large lower “lip.” More than 60 species have been observed growing wild in New York City. How many Mints can you find?

How to Get Started

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph Mint plants anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

Must Find Mustard - May 2025

The Mustard family (Brassicaceae) is a large, diverse, and economically important group. They are identifiable based on their small flowers, usually with four yellow or white petals; their distinctive, elongated fruit structure called a silique; and leaves which give off a pungent smell when crushed. Over 50 species of Mustards have been found growing wild in New York City. The most abundant species in NYC are the invasive Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and the non-native Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), but there are also a number of noteworthy native species such as Virginia Pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum), Cut-leaved Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata), and American Sea-rocket (Cakile edentula). How many Mustards can you find this May?

View our Guide to Mustards in NYC

How to Get Started

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph Mustards anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

Map Maple - April 2025

Maple (Acer spp.) is an ecologically and economically important genus of trees that have distinctive palmate leaves and winged fruits. In early spring, many species produce flowers while the tree is still leafless.

There are seven species of maple that grow spontaneously in New York City, four of which are native. Seven more introduced species are planted throughout the city, but are rarely found outside of cultivation.

Species you’ll see in natural areas and along city streets include Norway maple (A. platanoides), a common street tree turned invasive; red maple (A. rubrum), named for its distinctive buds, flowers, and fruits; and boxelder (A. negundo), the only North American maple with compound leaves. How many maples can you find this April?

How to Get Started

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph maple anywhere in New York City. Use a magnifier over your camera phone lens to get close-up photos of leaves, sporangia, and other features.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help document as many species of maple as possible by April 30.
The New York City EcoFlora project seeks to enhance the ecological literacy of all New Yorkers and to compile new and original data on the City’s flora and ecological dynamics.

Additional Information

Guide to Maples

Browse Bryophytes - March 2025

Bryophytes are small, non-vascular, spore-bearing plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They are pioneers of barren surfaces such as rocks, tree trunks, and pavement, and play essential roles in nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water retention.

When we launched “Browse Bryophytes” as the March 2024 EcoQuest, there were 85 bryophyte species with Research Grade iNaturalist observations known from NYC. Since then, an additional 7 bryophyte species have been documented as Research Grade in the city. Can you find more species, or document additional occurrences of the 92 species of bryophytes currently known to occur in NYC?

How many bryophyte species can you find this March?

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph Mosses, Liverworts, and Hornworts anywhere in New York City. Use a magnifier over your camera phone lens to get close-up photos of leaves, sporangia, and other features.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help document as many bryophytes as possible by March 31.
The New York City EcoFlora project seeks to enhance the ecological literacy of all New Yorkers and to compile new and original data on the City’s flora and ecological dynamics.

Additional Information

Bryophyte Guide

Flowers in February - February 2025

In the early spring, before trees leaf out and shade the forest floor, some plants get a jumpstart on the season. These early-flowering species, including natives like Common Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and Eastern Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), and non-natives like Ivy-leaved Speedwell (Veronica hederifolia), Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), and Greater Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii), can be important resources for pollinators, and provide splashes of color to an otherwise bare landscape.

In addition to uploading your observations to iNaturalist, consider adding details about the plant’s phenological state—whether it has leaves, flowers, or fruit. These data help researchers track shifts in phenology due to climate change and other factors. To contribute, log in to your iNaturalist account on a web browser and navigate to your observations. For more information, see the recording of the recent webinar Phenology in Focus: Exploring Plant Cycles with iNaturalist.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph these plants anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many plants with flowers in New York City as possible by February 28.

Winter Botany - January 2025

January is a great month to refine your winter botany skills by learning to recognize important dormant-season plant characteristics such as bark, buds, and persistent flower and fruit structures.

Previous winter-month EcoQuest Challenges provide many examples of common plants and fungi that can be identified in winter, representing diverse groups of native and invasive species, including lichens, cryptogams, and gymnosperms, as well as flowering plants (grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees).

How many species can you find this January?

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph plants and lichens anywhere in New York City. Make sure to capture important dormant-season characteristics, including bark, buds, and persistent flower and fruit structures.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many pines as possible in New York City, especially the infrequently observed species, by December 31.

MORE INFORMATION:

Prospect for Pines - December 2024

Pine trees (Pinus spp.) are evergreen conifers, currently represented in New York City by eight species: three naturalized cultivars native to Europe and/or Asia, and five native North American species. Of the natives, three (P. echinata, P. resinosa, and P. virginiana) are only infrequently observed on iNaturalist in NYC, where they are at the extreme northern extent of their ranges and/or are habitat restricted to nutrient poor, sandy, or well-drained soils. So far in NYC, P. echinata has only been observed in Clay Pit Ponds State Park on Staten Island.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph pines anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many pines as possible in New York City, especially the infrequently observed species, by December 31.

MORE INFORMATION:

Guide to Pines of New York City

Salt Marsh Shrubs - November 2024

Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel bush) and Iva frutescens (bigleaf marsh-elder) are vital salt marsh shrubs that help stabilize shorelines and provide habitat for wildlife. Unique in the Aster family for their woody growth, these shrubs bloom from late summer into fall, providing late-season interest and nectar for a variety of insects.

Unfortunately, they are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, and competition from invasive species like Phragmites australis (common reed). This month, upload your observations of these shrubs to help track their occurrence and timing of flowering and fruiting (phenology) throughout the city!

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph salt marsh shrubs anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many salt marsh shrubs in New York City as possible by November 30.

Falling for Galls - October 2024

Galls are abnormal, vegetative growths that develop on various plant parts in reaction to the stimulus of insects, mites, fungi, or nematodes. Specific gall-formers can be identified by the unique shape, color, and structure of the gall that develops, and the specific host plant the gall is found on.

Oaks are particularly susceptible to galls, hosting over 500 gall-forming organisms. Although gall formers have a parasitic relationship with the plants they utilize, galls are not typically detrimental to their host.

EcoFlora challenges you to take a closer look at some of your favorite plants (especially oaks!) and see if you can find any signs of galls.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph galls anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many galls in New York City as possible by October 31.

Seagrass September - September 2024

This month, we’re teaming up with the NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) to identify patches of submerged marine plant species to research and protect! The waters surrounding NYC provide critical habitat and many ecosystem services. However, they are also severely threatened by urbanization and climate change.

The main target species for this EcoQuest are Eelgrass and Widgeon grass. Helping us find these species would allow practitioners to examine the optimal local conditions for restoration.

Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a marine, perennial, vascular flowering plant commonly found in saline waters up to 24 feet deep. Eelgrass can form large beds on the seafloor that are one of the most productive habitats on earth. While it is found further out on Long Island, Long Island Sound and on the NJ Atlantic Coast, it is largely considered to be locally extinct to the NY-NJ Harbor. However, some patches may remain!
Widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima) is a marine, annual, vascular flowering plant found in saline or brackish waters up to 9 feet deep. Widgeon grass also provides habitat (though generally not forming thick beds like eelgrass), can oxygenate the water and its pioneering nature may pave the way for the more vulnerable eelgrass.

What else might you find?

Saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) is our dominant intertidal marsh species. It is an extremely beneficial habitat builder used by hundreds of wildlife species.
Rock weed (Fucus distichus) is a brown algae species that colonizes rocks and other hard surfaces near the shore.
Other seaweeds: Harbor waters contain dozens of other seaweed species that may be red, brown or green. These species get nutrients right from the water column through their tissue and have no need for a vascular system (roots) but may be free floating or secure themselves to surfaces.

How do I get in the water?

These species are best found by wading into the water from shore or by boat. Use the Hudson Access Project to find locations where you can get into and onto the Hudson River and harbor estuary. The site includes fishing, swimming, human-powered boating, motor-powered boating, and community science and educational opportunities.

Milkweed Insects - August 2024

Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) are often associated with the iconic monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), but many other insects also rely on these plants. New York City is home to five native species of milkweed, whose sap contains toxic cardiac glycosides that defend against herbivores. Several insects, often sporting bright orange or red coloration, have evolved ways to withstand these toxins. This month, take a closer look at milkweeds to get to know these unique plants and their insect associates!

How to Get Started

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph milkweeds and any insects associated with them anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

More Information

Tracking Beech Leaf Disease - July 2024

Beech leaf disease (BLD), which is associated with a foliar nematode species, Litylenchus crenatae, can cause the decline and death of native and introduced species of beech trees (Fagus sp.). The disease causes distinctive striping, curling, and thinning of the foliage, and can cause tree mortality in as little as 2–3 years.

BLD was first discovered in Ohio in 2012, and has since spread east into New England and north into Ontario, first reaching New York state in 2018. Little is known about BLD or how it spreads, so identifying new areas of infestation is crucial. Currently, there are ~100 observations of the disease in NYC on iNaturalist; help to track its spread by uploading your observations of BLD. Also, consider uploading your observations to iMapInvasives, which New York State uses to track and manage invasive species.

How to Get Started

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph beech leaf disease anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

What’s the Goal?

Help NYBG document as many areas of BLD infestation in New York City as possible by July 31.

More Information

DEC’s BLD Flyer about disease symptoms and how to report

Fern Foray - June 2024

In 1800, there were 60 native fern species known to occur in New York City. It is estimated that 30 percent of NYC’s original fern flora is now locally extinct, and 20 percent of the remaining species are rare—primarily due to habitat loss.

Currently, more than 30 native fern species have been observed in New York City on iNaturalist. Additionally, 5 fern species introduced as cultivars or accidently to New York City are now also reported as growing wild: Autumn Fern, Japanese Painted Fern, Water Spangles, Fortune’s Holly-Fern, and Japanese Lady Fern. Help NYBG document the occurrence of native fern species and introduced fern species growing spontaneously in New York City in this month’s Fern Foray!

How many species can you find this June?

What is the Goal?

Help document as many ferns growing wild in NYC as possible by June 30.

The New York City EcoFlora project seeks to enhance the ecological literacy of all New Yorkers and to compile new and original data on the City’s flora and ecological dynamics.

How to Get Started

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph ferns anywhere in New York City. Observations showing the spore-producing structures (called sori and usually on the back of the leaf) are more likely to be identified by experts.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

Additional Information

Ferns, Spikemosses, Clubmosses and Quillworts of Eastern North Americ

Browse Bryophytes - March 2024

Bryophytes are small, non-vascular, spore-bearing plants which include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They are pioneers of barren surfaces such as rocks, tree trunks, and pavement, and play essential roles in nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water retention.

An inventory of the bryophytes of New York City has never been published, but there are currently 85 species with Research Grade observations available on iNaturalist. Your observations will help to further our understanding of the variety and abundance of bryophytes in our city!

Bryophyte Guide

How many species can you find this March?

How to Get Started

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph Mosses, Liverworts, and Hornworts anywhere in New York City. Use a macro lens or magnifier held over your camera phone lens to get close- up photos of leaves, sporangia, and other features.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

What is the Goal?

Help document as many bryophytes as possible by March 31.

The New York City EcoFlora project seeks to enhance the ecological literacy of all New Yorkers and to compile new and original data on the City’s flora and ecological dynamics.

Must Find Mustard - May 2024

The Mustard family (Brassicaceae) is a large, diverse, and economically important group. They are identifiable based on their small flowers, usually with four yellow or white petals; their distinctive, elongated fruit structure called a silique; and leaves which give off a pungent smell when crushed. Over 50 species of Mustards have been found growing wild in New York City.

The most abundant species in NYC are the invasive Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and the non-native Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), but there are also a number of noteworthy native species such as Virginia Pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum), Cut-leaved Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata), and Bog Yellowcress (Rorippa palustris). How many Mustards can you find this May?

View our Guide to Mustards in NYC

How to Get Started

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph Mustards anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

City Nature Challenge 2024

We are gearing up for the City Nature Challenge 2024, which will take place from April 26-29. During this annual bio-blitz, participants from around the world work together to observe and document biodiversity in their cities.

During the 2023 CNC in New York City, 542 users made 14,434 observations of 1,575 species, including 63 which had not yet been documented on iNaturalist before in NYC!

Stay tuned for more information later in the month on virtual and in-person training events, as well as a listing of the many activities planned for the CNC weekend by organizations from around the city.

More Information

Map Maple - April 2024

Maple (Acer spp.) is an ecologically and economically important genus of trees that have distinctive palmate leaves and winged fruits. There are at least 12 species of maple found in New York City.

Maples in New York City include Norway maple (A. platanoides), a common street tree; sugar maple (A. saccharum), the state tree of New York; and boxelder (A. negundo), the only North American maple with compound leaves. In early spring, many species produce flowers while the tree is still leafless. How many maples can you find?

View a Guide to Maples of NYC

How many species can you find this April?

How to Get Started

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph Maples anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

What is the Goal?

Help document as many Maples as possible by April 30.

The New York City EcoFlora project seeks to enhance the ecological literacy of all New Yorkers and to compile new and original data on the City’s flora and ecological dynamics.

Behold Barks, Buds, and Berries - February 2024

February is a great month to refine your winter botany skills by learning to recognize important dormant-season plant characteristics such as bark, buds, and persistent flower and fruit structures.

Previous winter-month EcoQuest Challenges provide many examples of common plants that can be identified in winter, representing diverse groups of native and invasive species, including cryptogams and gymnosperms as well as flowering plants (grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees).

How many species can you find this February?

How to Get Started

1. Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.

2. Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org

3. Photograph barks, buds, and berries anywhere in New York City.

4. Upload your observations to iNaturalist.

What is the Goal?

Help document as many barks, buds, and berries as possible by February 29. How many species can you spot this month?

The New York City EcoFlora project seeks to enhance the ecological literacy of all New Yorkers and to compile new and original data on the City’s flora and ecological dynamics.

The New Manual of Vascular Plants

Interested in learning more about the region’s biodiversity? Check out The New Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada, a project by NYBG and indispensable resource that provides new tools to identify plants in North America.

Learn More

A photo of the Palm Dome in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory

EcoQuest Challenge Archive

Continue to the New York City EcoFlora EcoQuest archive.

ECOQUEST ARCHIVE 2023

ECOQUEST ARCHIVE 2022

ECOQUEST ARCHIVE 2021

ECOQUEST ARCHIVE 2020

ECOQUEST ARCHIVE 2019

ECOQUEST ARCHIVE 2018

ECOQUEST ARCHIVE 2017

Beech Leaf Disease - July 2025

Meet the Mints - June 2025

Must Find Mustard - May 2025

Map Maple - April 2025

Browse Bryophytes - March 2025

Flowers in February - February 2025

Winter Botany - January 2025

Prospect for Pines - December 2024

Salt Marsh Shrubs - November 2024

Falling for Galls - October 2024

Seagrass September - September 2024

What else might you find?

How do I get in the water?

Milkweed Insects - August 2024

How to Get Started

More Information

Tracking Beech Leaf Disease - July 2024

How to Get Started

What’s the Goal?

More Information

Fern Foray - June 2024

What is the Goal?

How to Get Started

Additional Information

Browse Bryophytes - March 2024

How to Get Started

Must Find Mustard - May 2024

How to Get Started

City Nature Challenge 2024

Map Maple - April 2024

How to Get Started

Behold Barks, Buds, and Berries - February 2024

How to Get Started

The New Manual of Vascular Plants

EcoQuest Challenge Archive

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