Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Let’s celebrate Brooklyn’s greenest blocks! 💚 Did you know BBG’s Greenest Block in Brooklyn has categories not just for residential blocks, but greenest storefront, best street tree bed, best window box, and more? Featured in this gallery: some of the many winners and honorable mentions from our 2024 Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest. Pictured in order: Decatur Street between Lewis & Stuyvesant, Agate Court, Ridge Boulevard between 71st & Ovington, East 46th Street, Stuyvesant Avenue between Bainbridge & Chauncey, MacDonough Street between Lewis & Stuyvesant, Maple Street Community Garden, Sterling Street between Bedford & Washington, Flatlands 7th Street between East 108th & Fresh Creek, and Muse Cafe. Thanks to National Grid, Major Sponsor of Greenest Block in Brooklyn.

We’ve officially announced the winners of the 2024 Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest! 🎉 Coming in first in the residential category: Lincoln Place between New York Avenue and Nostrand Avenue! The contest is a project of Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso. This year’s entrants represented more than 100 blocks, covering a wide swath of Brooklyn, from Williamsburg to Fort Hamilton and DUMBO to Canarsie with many other neighborhoods in between. For nearly 30 years, the contest has been a cornerstone of BBG's community greening initiatives, promoting not only streetscape greening, but also social cohesion and neighborly connectivity. Thanks to National Grid, Major Sponsor of Greenest Block in Brooklyn. Congratulations to all the winners and participants! You can see the full list of winners here: https://buff.ly/3AalKnM

Registration for fall classes at BBG is open now! 🚨 BBG offers a wide variety of art, nature, horticulture, and gardening classes for all skill levels. More info here. 👇

Attention Fight for Sunlight supporters! ☀️ The City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 7, to evaluate the rezoning application for 962–972 Franklin Avenue. We’re once again asking supporters to join us in opposing this rezoning, which would result in a 14-story building roughly twice the height permitted under current zoning. Due to its bulk, massing, and proximity to the Garden’s conservatory complex, the shadow impact from this project represents an existential threat to BBG. Earlier this summer, both Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Community Board 9 disapproved this rezoning application, but we need a continued show of strength and written testimony from Garden supporters for the final public land use hearing by the City Planning Commission. Head to bbg.org/sunlight to find more information and register to submit written testimony or attend the City Planning hearing virtually or in person. 

🌿 Celebrate #DisabilityPrideMonth at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden! 🎨 Join the "Disability Pride, Disability Joy, Exist" art-making program on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 6–7 PM & celebrate disability as a vibrant part of human diversity. 🌟 All ages and backgrounds are welcome to: - Learn about the progressive Disability Pride flags - Explore various aspects of disability - Create your own art 🎨 Let's foster inclusivity, understanding, and empowerment! 💪

The Fight for Sunlight is back, and we are asking for your support. ☀️ Developers have applied for a new rezoning at 962–972 Franklin Avenue to allow for the construction of a 14-story tower on six lots just 350 feet from BBG. Because of its size, scale, and proximity to the Garden’s most sunlight-sensitive resources (BBG’s conservatory, greenhouses, and nursery, where plants for the entire Garden are propagated), BBG opposes the rezoning. Borough President Antonio Reynoso will hold a public hearing at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Tuesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. to evaluate the new zoning application and we are calling on the community to join us there. It is crucial that the Garden’s supporters voice their opposition to the proposed rezoning before Borough President Reynoso makes his recommendation. You can help BBG by coming to the hearing and giving testimony or submitting written testimony in support of preserving the current zoning to protect BBG! Find details and see tips on providing testimony at the link below.

Are you an NYC educator interested in learning about the fascinating world of plants? 🌱 Explore the beautiful gardens and collections at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and gain an understanding of the value of plants in natural and human history with an after-school professional development program “P” Credit Course. More info: https://lnkd.in/gcgKATtJ

Experience a meditative evening soundbath at BBG. 🧘🏽 In this unique performance, composer Ricardo Romaneiro will create an auditory tapestry that mirrors the symbiotic relationships found in plants and pollinators. Bring a mat or towel, find a spot on the grass of Cherry Esplanade, lie back, and soak up the multisensory experience. July 22, tickets available now! 👇

I am thrilled to see Mayor Adams and NY City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announce a $53 million investment in arts and culture for this year's budget. This funding represents a crucial commitment to the vibrancy of our city's cultural sector. Arts and culture are not just integral to New York City's identity; they are essential to our economic vitality and overall well-being. I want to extend my sincere gratitude and that of the trustees and staff of Brooklyn Botanic Garden to Mayor Adams, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, Deputy Mayor Maria Torres Springer, Speaker Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Cultural Affairs Chair Carlina Rivera, Council Member Crystal Hudson and the entire NYC City Council for their leadership in prioritizing arts and culture.

This summer, insect habitats designed by first-year interior design students will be on display at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City! Part of a larger art installation designed by Associate Professor Nerea Feliz and her collaborator Joyce Hwang, the project “Pollinator Lounge” creates a space for native insect pollinators and human garden visitors to coexist, with individual habitats designed to invite insects to feel at home. https://lnkd.in/gZuJbhvb