We are so excited for Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22 that we’re continuing the celebration into the weekend! Reflect on the beauty and resiliency of nature during a wellness walk, Winter Workspace Open Studios, or at the Alpine House Open House. For hands-on activities, don’t miss the Family Art Project, Scavenger and Decomposer Petting Zoo, mushroom cultivation workshop and our Woodland Community Volunteer Workday. Most events are free with admission!

Schedule of Events:

Friday, April 25, 2025

12:00PM - 1:30PM -- Indoor Mushroom Cultivation Workshop

Dive into the world of fungi and learn how to cultivate your own edible mushrooms at home!  Aubrey Carter, mycologist and author of the newsletter Mushroom Monday, begins the workshop with a brief walk through the woodlands to identify and chat about optimal conditions for fungal growth. Then gather indoors to build oyster mushroom “grow kits” using household materials that are often treated as waste. Participants will explore mushroom cultivation and take home their own grow kit with instructions. The woodland walk is optional; participants who prefer to skip the walk should report to Armor Hall by 12:30pm for the hands-on portion of the program. Severe weather cancels the walk.

Advance registration is encouraged online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed.

1:30PM - 2:30PM -- Spring Mushroom Cooking Demonstration

Earth Day marks the beginning of spring mushroom season in and around NYC.  No matter if you grow your own, forage with a mycological group or shop at your local farmers market, we’ll show you how to enjoy them! Chef Brandi Solomon of Great Performances, Wave Hill’s exclusive caterer, demonstrates techniques for selecting and preparing oyster and other spring mushrooms, and shares tasty samples and recipes to take home.

Registration is not required. Drop in anytime during the event. Questions? Please email us at [email protected] or call 718.549.3200 x251.

Saturday, April 26, 2025:

10:00AM - 1:00PM -- Family Art Project: A Growing Season -- Meet at Wave Hill House

As spring blooms around us, it's time for green things to grow! Inspired by Earth Day and the many plants emerging at this time of year, create a pot using upcycled cardboard boxes. Then, decorate your pot, add some soil and you'll be ready to plant a seed.

At 11:30am families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome. We will be celebrating Earth Day with a reading of the book A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portis.

11:00AM - 12:00PM -- Alpine House Open House -- Meet at Alpine House

What is a trough made of? Why are the plants so small? Drop by the Alpine House to chat with our experts as they share the art of trough gardening and answer your questions about these diminutive plants. Usually viewable from the outside only, the public will be welcomed behind the scenes on Earth Day Weekend to get more acquainted with Wave Hill’s extensive collection of alpine plants. Severe weather cancels.

12:00PM - 2:00PM -- Close Encounters: Scavengers and Decomposers Petting Zoo

What do lowly millipedes, mushrooms and land mollusks have in common? They are all star players on the decomposition squad that makes life on earth sustainable for plants and animals alike! Chat with naturalist?Pam Golben as she de-mystifies the de-composition process and get up close and personal with some friendly creatures at our Scavengers and Decomposers Petting Zoo. Severe weather cancels.

12:30PM - 3:30PM -- Winter Workspace 2025: Open Studios -- Meet at Glyndor Gallery

The Winter Workspace is a program that takes place over two, seven-week sessions and provides artists with free studio space, a financial stipend, and access to Wave Hill’s living collection. Session Two takes place from March 4 to April 27, 2025. Since its start in 2010, the Workspace has supported more than 165 artists. During the Winter Workspace, artists have intimate access to the greenhouses, as well as horticultural and curatorial staff. Experimentation is encouraged and artists expand their practices while working on site. Artists also engage with Wave Hill visitors through Drop-In Sundays, Open Studios, as well as adult or family workshops. At the core of the Winter Workspace is the recognition that creating art within the context of a garden is a unique experience.
 
During this Open Studios event, meet the artists participating in Session Two of the Winter Workspace and see what they've been working on over the last eight weeks. Visitors can learn about the artists' practice, sources and materials. Explore each artist studio, see new and in-process work inspired by Wave Hill and created on site, and meet other art-lovers.

This event is family-friendly, and we welcome visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to attend. A Discovery Guide for families is available at the gallery desk, offering a fun way to engage with the artwork on view.

1:00PM - 3:30PM -- Woodland Community Volunteer Workday -- Meet at Perkins Visitor Center

Join Wave Hill staff in the Herbert and Hyonja Abrons Woodland to celebrate Earth Day! Volunteers will learn about the importance of urban forests while lending a hand managing invasive species. Gain first-hand knowledge of ecological practices and get your hands dirty while applying them alongside our staff experts. Tasks may include pulling invasive garlic mustard, planting native plants or clearing pathways. Please dress appropriately: long pants, layered clothing and sturdy shoes are required. Gloves and tools provided.

This program is appropriate for adults 16 and older as hand tools will be used. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For community groups interested in volunteering please contact Saran Adkinson at [email protected]. For corporate volunteer opportunities please contact Carolyn Liv at [email protected].

1:00PM - 4:00PM -- A Labyrinth in the Garden -- Meet at Lower Lawn

A labyrinth is a spiraling path that encourages a walker to slow down, relax and refocus. On Earth Day Weekend, take time out for reflection as you walk a labyrinth presented by the Inwood Labyrinth Project (ILP). Visitors are encouraged to walk the labyrinth at their own pace; each person's experience is unique. Members of ILP will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions and provide guidance. "How to Walk a Labyrinth" guides will be available in both English and Spanish. Severe weather cancels.

Sunday, April 27, 2025:

10:00AM - 1:00PM -- Family Art Project: A Growing Season -- Meet at Wave Hill House

As spring blooms around us, it's time for green things to grow! Inspired by Earth Day and the many plants emerging at this time of year, create a pot using upcycled cardboard boxes. Then, decorate your pot, add some soil and you'll be ready to plant a seed.

At 11:30am families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome. We will be celebrating Earth Day with a reading of the book A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portis.

11:30AM - 3:00PM -- A Labyrinth in the Garden -- Meet at Lower Lawn

A labyrinth is a spiraling path that encourages a walker to slow down, relax and refocus. On Earth Day Weekend, take time out for reflection as you walk a labyrinth presented by the Inwood Labyrinth Project (ILP). Visitors are encouraged to walk the labyrinth at their own pace; each person's experience is unique. Members of ILP will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions and provide guidance. "How to Walk a Labyrinth" guides will be available in both English and Spanish. Severe weather cancels.

12:00PM - 2:00PM -- Forest Bathing: Honoring Earth -- Meet at Perkins Visitor Center

Celebrate planet earth with some moments of grounding and mindfulness. Receive prompt invitations to engage your senses as you move through the garden on a meditative stroll with certified nature therapy guide Cindy Olsen. Benefits of Forest Bathing may include cardiovascular strength-building, stress reduction, improved cognitive functioning, boosting the immune system, and creating a deeper connection to nature and the self. Enjoy the healing benefits of the garden, then conclude with ceremonial tea. Severe weather cancels.

Space is limited; adults only, please. Registration is required online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. If you have any questions about this program or have registration questions, please contact us [email protected]

1:00PM - 2:00PM -- Kids on the Move! Earthy Explorations -- Meet at Perkins Visitor Center

What better way to celebrate the earth than by exploring nature at Wave Hill? Tour the Wave Hill grounds with guest educator Corinne Flax, using your eyes, ears and nose to experience the landscape fully. After gaining inspiration from the beauty of the gardens, move through a series of poses and games to create a connection between your body and the earth. Recommended for ages three to eight. Severe weather cancels.

1:00PM – 2:00PM -- Garden Highlights Walk: Earth Day -- Meet at Perkins Visitor Center

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign up for Private Garden Tours.

Severe weather cancels. Registration is not required for this drop-in event.

Dates: April 25 - 27, 2025

Venue: Various Locations in Bronx, NY

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