Native Plant Month at BBG

This July, join BBG in a monthlong exploration of the plants that thrive in the backyards, parks, and natural spaces of New York City.

While the New York metropolitan area is a region known for its natural diversity, the recent completion of a 20-year study by the New York Metropolitan Flora project (NYMF) found that at least 50 varieties of native plants are locally extinct or near it.

To help bring awareness to the plight of native species, BBG is offering classes, talks, and tours throughout July that focus on native flora and fauna and what each of us can do to support our natural landscape.

The study of native plants has long been a core mission for the Garden. In BBG’s early years, botanist Norman Taylor intensively studied local flora by walking nearly 2,000 miles over Long Island, mapping locations of plant families. Today that tradition continues with regular fieldwork done by BBG’s Science and Horticulture departments, and the NYC Parks & Recreation Department’s Greenbelt Native Plant Center, and citizen scientists.

To sign up for classes and tours or to learn more about natives, visit Native Plant Month at BBG.