Before New York:

A Traveling Pop-Up Exhibition

April 25 through November 15, 2026

We are proud to announce the opening of our five-borough pop-up exhibition, Before New York, featuring historical panoramic images, landmark features, plant life, and the landscapes of each borough as they were 400 years ago.

Upcoming Events

Aug 1

America 250: Discovering the Ecological Stories Beneath our Neighborhoods

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Queens Public Library Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432

Using the Before New York exhibit, join us and the New York Botanical Garden for a community dialogue to explore how the landscape of Queens has changed over time. Through digital exploration, storytelling, discussion, and a hands-on native seed ball activity, connect with the ecological history of your own experiences living in NYC!
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Aug 12

Before New York: A Public Lecture on the Historical Ecology of Queens

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Queens Public Library Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432

In connection with the Before New York exhibit, join us for a public lecture by Dr. Eric Sanderson exploring the historical ecology of Queens. Drawing on archival research, maps, and ecological data, the lecture will examine how the borough’s landscapes, waterways, and ecosystems have evolved over time and how these changes relate to flooding, climate resilience, environmental justice, and urban planning efforts.
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Sep 23

HORT/CULTURE: Eric Sanderson + Legs McNeil

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Nine Orchard

A sweeping historical tour of the great island of Manhattan and other music for uplifting gormandizers.

New York City is constantly changing, for better and for worse. What was once a forested island of streams, wetlands, and meadows teeming with...
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Sep 23

Urban Conservation at NYBG Climate Week 2026

New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Blvd Bronx NY 10458)

Following a keynote delivered by Dr. Timon McPhearson of the Urban Systems Lab, Dr. Eric Sanderson will moderate a panel discussion on Cities as Climate Catalysts, followed by a guided Historical Ecology Walk through the Garden in the afternoon.
Register here