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
Spring Wildflowers of Prospect Park – Brooklyn
Sunday, April 20 from 11 AM – 1 PM
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-wildflowers-of-prospect-park-tickets-1318942094309
Description: Who is blooming in the understory of the last forests of Brooklyn? Join botanist Audrey Bartow on a nature walk to see the blooming spring ephemerals in Prospect Park, including Bloodroot, Trilliums, Virginia Bluebell, and Troutlilies. Together we will also observe the migrating songbirds and tender new leaves on trees and shrubs in this urban oasis. This is an easy hike over paved paths. All ages and levels of nature knowledge are welcome. Bring a hand lens and binoculars if you have them.
Meeting Location: Intersection of 3rd Street & Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Trip Leader: Audrey Bartow, botanist from Remnant Earth Collective
Thain Family Forest Walk at the New York Botanical Garden – the Bronx
Sunday, April 27 from 11 AM – 12 PM
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thain-family-forest-walk-at-the-new-york-botanical-garden-tickets-1319527053939
Description: The Thain Family Forest is the largest old growth woodland in NYC and is located at the heart of the New York Botanical Garden. During the walk, we will discuss the history, stewardship and research activities in the forest. A couple highlights include a massive Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and a mature American Elm (Ulmus americana). The forest has abundant Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum), Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), and May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum), with American wintergreen (Pyrola americana) and Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) along the ridges. During the walk, we will also note introduced plant species and plant pathogens.
Dress appropriately for the weather, and be prepared for some mildly hilly terrain.
Please note that this is a free walk and admission to the New York Botanical Garden is not included.
Meeting Location: At the north trailhead of the Spicebush trail, near Magnolia Bridge, about 10 minutes walking distance from the Mosholu Entrance at 2950 Southern Blvd. Magnolia bridge is the northernmost bridge in the Garden that crosses the Bronx River. (GPS Coordinates: 40.8664, -73.8757)
If you need guidance to get to the meeting location stated above, please arrive 15 minutes early at the Mosholu Entrance and we will depart from there together.
Trip Leader: John Zeiger, Manager of the Thain Family Forest
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