New York Botanical Garden

In the latest update from Short Wave, a science podcast from NPR, hear from NYBG Assistant Curator Aleca Borsuk as she discusses the fascinating details of plant growth during the show's 5th-anniversary episode. https://brnw.ch/21wOKTl

While much of the work being done during #COP16 took place around conference tables and presentation stages, it was out among the natural landscapes of Colombia—where the event was hosted—that participants immersed themselves in the significance of this important work first-hand. Hear from NYBG CEO Jennifer Bernstein, alongside Chief Science Officer Mauricio Diazgranados, PhD and representatives of the Nariño Department of Colombia, as they discuss the vast beauty and biodiversity of the territory. As a place where environment and culture intertwine, it represents a microcosm of everything we strive to protect and uplift on our shared planet.

Among the huge number of items in our Mertz Library archives, there are always surprises waiting to be discovered. Recently our staff came upon a previously unidentified folder of pencil illustrations depicting various species of grasses—which turned out to include some 1871 originals that were part of the Flora Brasiliensis, a monumental work of botanical literature in the 19th century. Hear from Stephen Sinon, our Curator of Special Collections, Research, and Archives, as he details the sleuthing that revealed the drawings’ origins.

It’s been a busy past two weeks in Cali, Colombia, as our scientists took part in #COP16, and we’re back with a recap of this important event. 🌎 Delegates from over 180 nations gathered in Colombia for the United Nations biodiversity conference to discuss solutions to the crises our planet faces. Among them was NYBG's own delegation, including CEO Jennifer Bernstein; Chief Science Officer Mauricio Diazgranados, PhD; VP of Urban Conservation Dr. Eric W. Sanderson; and Drs. Aleca Borsuk and Evelyn Beaury, each NYBG Assistant Curators. The critical work by this team advances real-world solutions around conservation, restoration, land use, regenerative agriculture—and plants, people, and culture. Check out a rundown of the forward-looking, collaborative work done at COP16.

We’re proud to announce that we’ve signed an agreement with CAF -banco de desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe-—the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean—to develop research on biodiversity, promote restoration strategies to improve the connectivity of natural vegetation, and foster the growth of green urban areas in sustainable environments, among many other combined efforts. “The scientists at the New York Botanical Garden look to plants for the answers in advancing real-world solutions around conservation, restoration, land use, regenerative agriculture, and plants, people, and culture,” said Mauricio Diazgranados, PhD, NYBG’s Chief Science Officer. “NYBG has been a leader in plant research in Latin America and the Caribbean since its founding in 1891 …. Our collaboration with CAF is an exciting new chapter in this long tradition.” Want to learn more? Read our press release about this forward-looking partnership as #COP16 continues in Cali, Colombia: https://brnw.ch/21wOeLm

Coming Spring 2025, Van Gogh: Painting with Flowers makes NYBG a canvas for the brush strokes of one of the world’s most revered artists. 🎨🌻 It’s your chance to revel in the beauty of the flowers that inspired the Dutch master's iconic paintings. Find yourself immersed in botanical displays and large-scale art as you wander through a breathtaking lawn of monumental sunflowers, and see the expressive masterpieces bloom in recreations made of living flowers. You've seen the paintings, now see them come to life in a way that only NYBG can deliver—and let Vincent van Gogh's unforgettable world of art and nature envelop you in a vibrant daydream during this botanical celebration of the internationally acclaimed painter. Sign up for ticket alerts to this all-new exhibition opening May 24, 2025.

Opening February 15, The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism carries you to the vibrant setting of Mexico City. 🌺 Set off on a journey where the fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry takes center stage amid awe-inspiring displays of orchids, and wander through lush landscapes that showcase Mexico's diverse ecosystems and rich cultures. Among settings inspired by the bold, multicolored designs of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán, come visit CDMX—without ever leaving the Bronx. Orchid Nights are also BACK with 21+ evenings featuring music and dancing, cash bars, and food for purchase. Sign up for ticket alerts, and stay tuned for ANOTHER major announcement this afternoon!

Since the 2016 peace accord that mitigated hostilities between FARC rebels and military forces in Colombia, many regions of this hugely biodiverse nation have reopened to researchers—and a number of new species discoveries have resulted, with finds occurring regularly. While conflicts have not completely ceased, the discoveries bring hope to conservationists and international delegates working to protect Colombia's landscapes, as evidenced by the theme of this year's #COP16 biodiversity conference: "Peace with Nature." Learn more about the remarkable discoveries happening today, and hear from NYBG Chief Science Officer Mauricio Diazgranados, PhD, as he details his own experiences as a young Colombian scientist and park ranger caught in the midst of armed conflict in years past.

As part of #COP16, the New York Botanical Garden was warmly welcomed by Governor Escobar to the department of Nariño, Colombia where we visited the incredible Páramo, Choćo Biogeographic and mangroves on the Pacific coast. We must work together as a global community to protect these biodiversity hotspots! Mauricio Diazgranados, PhD

If you're on-site in Cali for #COP16 this coming Monday, October 28, don't miss the NYBG Science team's talk on using plant-based solutions to address the climate and biodiversity crises, kicking off at 9 a.m. at the Jardín Botánico de Cali. Learn more and RSVP to this thought-provoking panel discussion: https://brnw.ch/21wO89G