New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Human Impact
We are all stewards of this forest. By staying on the trails and not removing plants or other wildlife, you can help to ensure the survival and beauty of this incredible resource for future generations.
Though old-growth forests such as this one have not been cut or otherwise developed, they are still affected by people. Soil compaction from foot traffic was one of the first documented signs of human influence in this ecosystem in the mid-20th century. Healthy forest soil is light and fluffy, while hard, compacted soil inhibits forest regeneration by preventing the growth of seedlings. By staying on the designated trails, you can help steward the Forest.
Over-collection is another cause of plant species decline in the Forest. In 1911 New York Botanical Garden co-founder Elizabeth Knight-Britton confiscated 410 jack-in-the-pulpit plants (Arisaema triphyllum) that had been uprooted by visitors. Only a few of the plants survived and were replanted in the Forest. Other species have not recovered. Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repeus), which was once a popular holiday decoration, is one of several species that are not extirpated,
this page online
Climate change impacts forest worldwide. At the Botanical Garden, the Forest has been affected by air pollution, extreme weather events, recurring seasonal droughts, and thriving pests and diseases—all exacerbated by climate change.
Erected by New York Botanical Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 40° 51.773′ N, 73° 52.587′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in New York Botanical Garden. It is on Spicebush Trail north of Bridge Trail, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81 Spicebush Trail, Bronx NY 10458, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Black Oak (here, next to this marker); Thain Family Forest (within shouting distance of this marker); Common Spicebush (within shouting distance of this marker); Forest Conservation (within shouting distance of this marker); Old-Growth Forests: Snags (within shouting distance of this marker); Old-Growth Forests: Pit and Mound Formations (within shouting distance of this marker); Pokeberry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mountain Magnolia (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
