Explore the Thain Family Forest, the largest remaining tract of old-growth forest in NYC, with a guided hike on the trails. Immerse yourself in magnificent fall color while enjoying Shakespearean performances, and listen to roaming fiddlers, mimicking the natural sounds of the forest.

Full Schedule:

Discover the Thain Family Forest—Themed discovery walks of the Forest take place each day with a “Natural History of the Thain Family Forest Tour” at 10:30am, “Birds of the Forest Tours” at 11am, and an “Ecological Restoration and Plant ID Walk” at 3pm.
Daily; Meet at the main entrance to the Forest on Azalea Way

Become a Citizen Scientist—NYBG volunteers have been tracking the annual cycles of leafing, flowering, and fruit development of the Thain Family Forest’s trees for more than seven years. They are on hand to help visitors look more closely at those trees, giving them a new perspective. They also provide help with tree and plant identification so visitors can better understand the trees in their own neighborhoods.
Daily; 11am–4pm; Azalea Way

Explore Herbarium Specimens—Staff of NYBG’s William and Lynda Steere Herbarium showcase pressed and preserved plant specimens collected from the Thain Family Forest and other American forests and explain how plant specimens are housed in the collection. Visitors learn how to collect, press, and preserve leaves. Plant specimen demonstrations by Herbarium staff take place at 12 and 2pm each day.
Daily; 11am–4 pm; Azalea Way

Shakespeare in the Forest: The Sonnet Strolls—Interact with the cast of Hamlet Isn’t Dead’s Resident Acting Company as they perform Shakespeare’s greatest sonnets on nature’s beauty.
Daily; 12pm–3pm; Along Thain Family Forest trails

Fiddler in the Forest—Roaming fiddlers mimic the natural sounds of the forest.
Daily; 11am–3pm; Along Thain Family Forest trails