Field trips are one of the most important activities of the Society and participation is the best way to increase one’s knowledge of local plants. Most of the trips are for general study and monitoring of the flora and ecology of an area. Other trips are led by individuals who specialize in certain groups of plants and their trips are planned accordingly. While most trips emphasize plant study, other aspects of natural history and cultural heritage are not neglected. Trip participants are always free to ask questions about anything of interest they see. The leader or other members of the group can often supply an answer.
The location may be any place of botanic interest which is usually within 50 miles of New York City. We are not a hiking club and walking distances are usually not great. Those who come on the field trips are urged to participate in the Society’s other activities as well. Trips generally go rain or shine; if in doubt, check the website or contact the leader. Some trips are reachable only by automobile. Those in need of rides and those who are offering rides should post and check for messages on Torrey Botanical Society’s Facebook and Twitter sites or contact the trip leader. Those who use public transportation are advised to check updated schedules in advance. Interested guests and non-members are always welcome on field trips.
Upcoming Field Trips
Fort Washington Park – Manhattan
Saturday, October 19 from 10 AM – 12:30 PM
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plant-walk-at-fort-washington-park-tickets-1031738978057
Description: Fort Washington Park is one of very few places where we can still see the natural shoreline of the island of Manhattan. The rocky coast and ridges in the park are the last refugia for a variety of locally rare species such as Fibrous-root Sedge (Carex communis) and the hemi-parasite Bastard Toadflax (Comandra umbellata). Nantucket Juneberry (Amelanchier nantucketensis), a globally rare shrub, was only recently confirmed to grow in the park.
The park is also home to one of the last salt marshes in Manhattan. Here we’ll see the rare graminoids Seacoast Bulrush (Bolboschoenus robustus) and Big Cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides).
We’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Palisades and the George Washington Bridge. Join us to explore this scenic park and enjoy both the natural beauty and architectural wonders of the northwestern shore of Manhattan.
Trip Leader: Zihao Wang
Meeting Location: Plaza Lafayette, on the intersection of W 181st Street & Riverside Drive (in front of 875 W 181st Street), near 181 St Station on the A Train. (GPS coordinates: 40.851505, -73.941534)
Lichens and Bryophytes of Clay Pit Ponds Park – Staten Island
Saturday, October 26 from 11 AM – 2 PM
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lichens-and-bryophytes-of-clay-pit-ponds-state-park-tickets-1038649006137
Description: Clay Pit Ponds State Park is unique in the city for having the regionally rare habitat of pine oak barrens. As a result, the park contains numerous rare plants and a large variety of lichens. Join us in the appreciation of these small but exquisite organisms. Joint trip with Protectors of Pine Oak Woods.
Meeting Location: The parking lot of Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center, at 2351 Veterans Rd W, Staten Island, NY 10309 (GPS coordinates: 40.537681, -74.225411)
Directions: By car: Take NY-440 S to Veterans Rd W. Take exit 3 A from NY-440 S. By public transportation: the closest bus is the S74 stop at Bloomingdale Rd/Kramer Ave, a 15 min walk from the meeting location.
Check back soon for more details on upcoming field trips, or become a member to receive updates via email!
Field trip leaders are asked to complete and submit a field trip reporting form which includes vegetation lists and notes on any new or unusual plants or vegetation types to the Field Chair, Simon Verlynde. These trip reports, when submitted, will be made available as a year end field trip summary publication.
Please click on the link to access the field trip reporting form:
TBS Field Trip Instructions
Past Field Season Reviews: TBS 2016 Field Review & TBS 2017 Field Review