The largest remaining old-growth forest in New York City is at the NY Botanical Garden, dating back to the 17th century. The 50-acre forest -- now known as the Thain Family Forest -- is located along the Bronx River, and it's home to hundreds of towering oaks, beeches, hickories, sweetgums, tulip poplars, and many other beautiful, old trees.
For the past several years, garden employees and volunteers have been restoring the forest by removing hundreds of invasive trees and shrubs, including 800 Amur corktrees, Japanese honeysuckle, linden viburnum and devil's walking stick. Taking their place are 5200 native trees, shrubs, and perennials, among them oaks, hickories, tulip poplars and sweetgums; spicebush, witch hazel and low-bush blueberry; ferns, goldenrod, white wood aster, and many, many others.
The forest will be officially dedicated on November 5th, part of a two week celebration that begins with a symposium on that same day, featuring scientists and policy-makers who will address the role that forests play in biodiversity, connecting people with nature, and mitigating environmental change.
Many more events are planned during the two-week celebration. See the garden website for details.
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