Upcoming Events
Sep 16
Before New York: Pier 57
Discover Manhattan as you have never seen it. In this public lecture, Dr. Eric W. Sanderson uncovers the borough’s historical ecology and shows how its original forests, wetlands, and waterways inform today’s challenges related to flooding, climate resilience, and environmental justice. Presented as part of the Before New York lecture tour.
Learn more→Sep 19
Soundview Restoration Day
Join the Bronx River Alliance for a day of stewardship in Soundview Park on Saturday September 19th!
We will be partnering with NYBG, Bronx is Blooming, and our community to remove litter (as part of International Coastal Cleanup Day), and plant native species to help protect, improve and restore this important waterfront park!
Register here→We will be partnering with NYBG, Bronx is Blooming, and our community to remove litter (as part of International Coastal Cleanup Day), and plant native species to help protect, improve and restore this important waterfront park!
Sep 19
Landscapes in Dialogue: A Historical Ecology Walk
Join Dr. Eric W. Sanderson and Hudson River Park for a conversational walking tour that blends Manhattan’s past and present landscapes into dialogue. Together, participants will explore the historical ecology of Hudson River Park—what native species once thrived here and how the Park nurtures a living landscape that can regenerate, adapt, and support life in an ever evolving city. The tour will meet in the Pier 57 Living Room in front of the Before New York Exhibit. We encourage guests to wear comfortable walking shoes and to bring a hat and/or sunglasses.
Learn more→Sep 23
Urban Conservation at NYBG Climate Week 2026
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→Sep 23
HORT/CULTURE: Eric Sanderson + Legs McNeil
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...
Learn more→New York City is constantly changing, for better and for worse. What was once a forested island of streams, wetlands, and meadows teeming with...
Sep 24
From Floodwaters to Future Planning: Lessons from Historical Streams, Ponds, and Flooding Events in Southeast Queens
Building on the themes explored in Before New York: A Traveling Pop-Up Exhibition, this presentation and classroom-style workshop is a collaboration between New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG), NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM), and Queens Public Library to showcase a link between the historical ecology, resiliency planning, and recovery.
Register here→