Rats!: An Interactive Panel on Managing Rats with a Green Thumb

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2010 | 6:30 p.m.

Release Date: September 27, 2010

Brooklyn, NY—Is it realistic to imagine an urban garden—or a city—without rats? On Tuesday, October 5, at 6:30 p.m., urban gardeners and composters will gather for Rats!, a panel discussion at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) to discuss New York City’s most notorious inhabitants. For centuries, humans and rats have contentiously shared our city, competing for prime real estate in subways, apartment buildings, and green spaces. From traps to toxins, New Yorkers are known to use extreme measures to banish these unwanted rodents.

The panelists–three experts on urban rats–will engage in an informative, interactive discussion on the problem the exploding rat population poses for city gardeners. Attendees will learn about both the practical and political sides of rat management in New York City, including why rats appear in particular locations, what gardeners can do to battle infestations, and how city agencies can help. Attendees will also have an opportunity to share their own rat tales and offer tips on managing these rodents.

The lively discussion will feature the following panelists:

• Caroline Bragdon – Research scientist with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• Robert Sullivan – Author of Rats: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City’s Most Unwanted Inhabitants
• James Goldstein – Coordinator of the Prospect Heights Community Farm’s community composting project

Admission is $15 ($10 for BBG members); preregistration is required. For media access, contact BBG Communications at 718-623-7241.

WHAT: Rats!: a Panel Discussion at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
WHEN: Tuesday, October 5 | 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
REGISTER: Online at bbg.org/learn/class_registration, or by calling 718-623-7220.

Founded in 1910, Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is an independent nonprofit institution committed to education, research, and the display of horticulture. Situated on 52 acres in the heart of Brooklyn, the Garden is home to over 12,000 kinds of plants and hosts more than 725,000 visitors annually. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Garden is closed on Mondays. For directions, please visit bbg.org/learn/visit/directions.