Conifers of Green-Wood Cemetery

Conifers of Green-Wood Cemetery

Green-Wood Cemetery is renowned not only as a burial ground but also as a world-class arboretum, home to over 800 species and cultivars represented by nearly 8,000 trees. Situated on the terminal moraine and isolated from surrounding development, Green-Wood provides a unique habitat for many tree species.

Among these are an assortment of conifer species, many of which are evergreen and stand out among the winter landscape. Join us for a walk through Green-Wood as we focus on the diversity of conifers, comparing tree habit, needle and cone morphology, and the unique features of different species. (dawn redwood). We'll also explore the ecological roles these trees play in the cemetery and in their native habitats. Our route will include multiple types of evergreen pines (Pinus spp.), cedars (Cedrus spp.), and spruces (Picea spp.), and some more unusual species like Sciadopitys verticillata (Japanese umbrella pine) and Cephalotaxus harringtonii (Japanese plum yew). We'll also see a number of deciduous species: Larix japonica (Japanese larch), Taxodium distichum (bald cypress), and Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood).

Dress warmly, and be prepared for some hilly terrain. A hand lens is recommended - we will have extra lenses available to borrow.

Meeting Location: Inside the Gothic gate at the Cemetery’s main entrance, at the intersection of 5th Avenue & 25th St., Brooklyn, NY.

Public transit directions: take the R train to 25th Street, thenwalk one block East on 25th St (Brooklyn).

Trip Leader: Lydia Paradiso

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Green-Wood Cemetery, 751 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, United States