June 17–October 22, 2023
Power of Trees, Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s 2023 exhibition and program series, is all about trees: in the Garden, in Brooklyn, and around the world. Trees are at the center of our ecosystem and help safeguard us from the effects of climate change, but those same effects put them at risk. What can people do to protect the trees that protect us?
Through art and science exhibitions, tours, family programs, and special events, Power of Trees looks at these remarkable plants from various perspectives to help visitors understand, appreciate, and advocate for the trees in their lives.
Plant Family Collection
Check out six site-specific works inspired by the theme of trees as community hosts in our 2023 exhibit Branching Out. Learn More about Branching Out: Trees as Community Hosts
Look for On-Site Interpretation
Learn more about Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s collection of over 3,700 trees and their role in mitigating climate change. Learn More about Power of Trees: Stories from the Collection
Conservatory Gallery
Bear witness to the effects of climate change worldwide and explore the trees rooted in these lands through a photography exhibit by local artist Carolyn Monastra. Learn More about Witness Trees
Conservatory Gallery
Take action on the sticker wall in the Climate Museum’s pop-up installation presented in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. Learn More about You Can Make a Difference on Climate
Steinhardt Conservatory
Visit our Trees of Little Caribbean exhibit, a celebration of the trees (and treelike plants) cherished by Caribbean people that spark stories of rebellion, resilience, spirituality, and joy. Learn More about Trees of Little Caribbean
On display through October 22, 2023
Investigate the inside of a newly dissected pin oak tree, laid out in the Osborne Garden for a close-up view. Through signage and exploration, learn about tree physiology.
Learn More about Dissected Tree InstallationDiscovery Garden
Say hello to eight special trees and discover what makes them unique. See science in action with tools used to collect data about trees and climate change. Learn More about Meet the Trees
Self-Guided Story Walk
Travel through a story of climate change and learn how families can keep the conversation going. Learn More about To Change a Planet Story Walk
Self-Guided Exhibit & Audio Tour (Listen on Your Own Device)
Presented by Chenae Bullock, this exhibit and audio tour highlights native plants and the ways that Indigenous peoples use and know them. Learn More about Ohkehteau (Plants of the Earth): A Shinnecock Oral History
Saturday, September 30 & Sunday, October 1, 2023 | 2 p.m.
BBG artist in residence Kamala Sankaram presents work culminating her residency, inspired by the Garden’s 2003 theme, Power of Trees. Learn More about Artist in Residence Performance
October 7, 2023 | 3 p.m.–4 p.m.
Learn more about the power of trees and their fascinating inner workings. Learn More about Arborist Tree Walk
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Observe the second-annual City of Forest Day at Brooklyn Botanic Garden! Learn More about City of Forest Day Events
October 14, 2023 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Preregistration Required
Learn to avoid the common “pit”-falls of tree bed gardening and how to remedy them. Get a free plant to try! Learn More about Fall Secrets to Having a Healthy Street Tree Bed Next Spring
October 14, 2023 | 1 p.m.–2 p.m.
Learn about some featured trees and explore seasonal highlights. Learn More about Seasonal Highlights Tour: Power of Trees
We spoke with artist in residence Kamala Sankaram about learning to listen and the blurry line between nature and ourselves.
Read Kamala Sankaram Asks What We Mean By “Nature”The relationships between pollinators and their tree hosts deserve a closer look.
Read Intimate Associations: Pollinators and Their TreesIn consultation with Andrew Reinmann, an ecologist and biogeochemist at CUNY, Brooklyn Botanic Garden has installed dendrometers—tools that measure tree growth—on trees around the grounds.
Read What’s With the Bands on BBG’s Trees?Emily Nobel Maxwell is the New York Cities program director for The Nature Conservancy. She coleads the Forest for All NYC coalition to promote the protection, stewardship, and equitable expansion of New York City’s tree canopy.
Andrew Reinmann is an assistant professor in the department of Geography and Environmental Science at CUNY. He is an ecologist and biogeochemist whose work focuses on plant ecophysiology and the terrestrial carbon cycle.
Chris Roddick is a consulting arborist and former head arborist and foreman of grounds at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. He is coauthor of the BBG handbook The Tree Care Primer.
Georgia Silvera Seamans is an urban and community forester. She is a member of #BlackBotanistsWeek and the founder of Local Nature Lab, a nonprofit that monitors, supports, and advocates for local nature in cities.
The Natural Areas Conservancy is a nonprofit that works to restore and conserve the green and blue spaces of New York City in order to enhance the lives of all New Yorkers.
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.
