Brooklyn Botanic Garden

What was once an ash dump in the late 1800s is now dozens of acres of horticultural mastery and education. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was founded in 1910. It is located in the Prospect Park neighborhood. The Garden would have never been built if not for state legislation that set aside 39 acres of land specifically for a botanic garden. It has expanded over the years to include a variety of facilities and programs that showcase the best in urban horticultural as well as educational resources. Today, the Garden spans 52 acres.

According to its website, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's mission is to maintain an urban botanic garden that connects people to the world of plants, fostering delight and curiosity while inspiring an appreciation and sense of stewardship of the environment.

Although its name says “Garden,” there are many individual gardens inside. Numerous theme gardens give visitors both an artistic and educational experience. The Garden also features many signs, plaques, and plants throughout, giving visitors a glimpse into history from the glaciers that helped form the area, to monetary donations used to build the facility, and even plant markers commemorating major events such as the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers many classes and workshops for adults and children and lots of family friendly activities throughout the year. It also has a large historic image collection for guests to enjoy. There is a Visitor’s Center which is located in an existing hillside and helps highlight conservation and sustainability. Its leaf-shaped roof hosts more than 40,000 plants.

"About." Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Accessed Web. 6/7/17. https://www.bbg.org/about.