Natural Areas Conservancy, which works to preserve the ecosystems of New York City, is hosting a plant identification and management workshop at Highbridge Park from 10 a.m. to noon on June 19. Advance registration is required. The program is funded by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and the Hudson River Estuary Program.

This in-person event is one of a series of conservancy workshops and virtual presentations centered around forest ecology and forest management. During the workshop, participants will “learn about forest ecology and how to identify plants and other indicators of forest health,” according to the conservancy website. They will leave with the knowledge of species composition and forest habitats, and how plant-identification skills can help them care for the forest.

Anyone is welcome to attend the event, and the conservancy is encouraging attendance by neighbors of Highbridge Park in Washington Heights and Inwood. Participants will be walking on both paved and unpaved forest trails that may not be handicap accessible at times. Close-toed shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended. Participants may bring their own water and snacks, as they are not provided. 

For more information about Natural Areas Conservancy and to register for this and other conservancy events, visit NaturalAreasNYC.org/get-outside.