Long before streets and buildings, much of Brooklyn was covered by forests, streams, ponds, and wetlands. Today, this garden brings together more than 70 species of native trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, and wildflowers to recreate those interconnected habitats and demonstrate how they support life.

Native oaks are among the most valuable trees for wildlife, supporting hundreds of species of moths and butterflies during their caterpillar stage. Those caterpillars become essential food for nesting birds, while native woodland flowers provide early-season nectar and pollen for mining bees (Andrena), mason bees (Osmia), queen bumble bees (Bombus), and other native pollinators emerging in spring.

The fallen leaves beneath your feet are part of the habitat, not yard waste. They shelter beetles, millipedes, spiders, fungi, and countless other organisms that recycle nutrients back into the soil. Leaf litter also provides winter refuge for fireflies and other beneficial insects and helps native Eastern Box Turtles safely brumate through the colder months.

The Native Plant Garden connects directly to NBG's Wildlife & Turtle Sanctuary, where woodland habitat transitions into freshwater ponds. Together they support native turtles, dragonflies, frogs, birds, and aquatic insects, creating a connected ecosystem that provides food, shelter, breeding habitat, and clean water.

Native plants and trees evolved alongside local insects and wildlife over thousands of years, forming relationships that many ornamental plants cannot replace. By planting native species, we help sustain the pollinators, birds, and other animals that keep healthy ecosystems functioning, even in the middle of the city.

Towering trees, flowering shrubs, woodland wildflowers, vines, ferns, sedges, and leaf litter each provide food and shelter for different species. Together, these layers create the structure of a healthy forest ecosystem and support far more biodiversity than any single planting could.