Behind NYBG's public gardens sits the Steere Herbarium — roughly 7.8 million pressed and preserved specimens, including plants collected on expeditions going back centuries, the raw material of botanical science. These virtual expeditions get you into that collection, showing how specimens are gathered, mounted, catalogued and used to answer questions about climate, extinction and plant distribution. It is the most genuinely nerdy thing the Garden offers, and it is free.
What to expect
Expect a guided look at herbarium specimens and the work of the collection — how plants are pressed and mounted, how a specimen sheet is read, and how researchers use the archive. Sessions run online, so no travel or admission is required. Content is pitched at curious adults and older students rather than young children.
Good to know
- Runs online — no visit to the Bronx required
- Free to participate through NYBG's website
- Best for adults, students and anyone interested in botany or natural history collections
- The Steere Herbarium holds roughly 7.8 million specimens
- Pairs well with the Garden's virtual tours and continuing education courses
- Check NYBG's event listing for session availability
Common questions
What is the Steere Herbarium?
NYBG's plant and fungal specimen collection — one of the largest in the world, with roughly 7.8 million preserved specimens.
Is it free?
Yes, the virtual herbarium programs are free.
Do I need to travel to the Garden?
No — these expeditions run online.