Nature Talks: Ecological History of NYC
New York City is wilder than you might think. Thousands of species of birds, mammals, insects, plants, fungi, and more are surviving, and thriving, in every part of our city. This new lecture series, featuring ecologists, naturalists, and other nature enthusiasts, will give you a new perspective on the surprisingly abundant living things all around you.
Have you ever wondered what Bryant Park was like prior to the city? Come hear Dr. Eric Sanderson of the New York Botanical Garden read from his upcoming book, Before New York: The Natural Geography of The City (Abrams, Nov. 2026). Sanderson will tell stories of Murray Hill, where the park is now, Broadway Stream, the Sun-fish Pond, the Great Kill, the Soap Stone Boulders, and other aspects of the historical ecology of midtown. Come also to see a preview of maps and images of ancient Mannahatta. New York City is wilder than you might think.
Sanderson is the Vice President for Urban Conservation at the New York Botanical Garden. He is the author of Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City (Abrams, 2009), Terra Nova: The New World after Oil, Cars, and Suburbs (Abrams, 2013), and the upcoming Before New York: The Natural Geography of the City.
June 5 – September 11
Fridays, noon-1pm
June 5: Ecological History of NYC with Eric Sanderson - Vice President of the New York Botanic Garden and author of Mannahatta and the upcoming Before New York: The Natural Geography of the City
June 19: NYC Fungi and Lichens with Wilton Rao - Naturalist and mycology expert with the New York Mycological Society
July 3: Exploring NYC Wildlife with Ryan Mandelbaum - Author of Wild NYC, science writer, nature educator, and wildlife photographer
July 17: Native Bees of NYC with Sarah Kornbluth - Invertebrate Zoology Field Associate at the American Museum of Natural History
July 31: Nature and Humanity with William Bryant Logan - Arborist and author of Oak: The Frame of Civilization; Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of Earth; and Sprout Lands: Tending the Endless Gift of Trees
August 14: Herbalism and Urban Gardening with Madeleine Beirne - Herbalist and gardening educator with GrowNYC
August 28: NYC Wildlife Rehabilitation with The Wild Bird Fund - Nonprofit rehabilitating sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife in NYC
September 11: Socio-Environmental History of Parks with Georgia Silvera Seamens - Founder and director of Local Nature Lab, urban community forester, and science writer
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Nature Talks
