There is something so special about the newness of spring. When I look at the trees around me, with their budding branches, I am always amazed. In the dead of winter, it is hard for me to imagine anything green or blooming on these barren trees. Even after all of these decades, the emergence of life every spring still fills me with wonder and surprise and gratitude.
I like to use the budding of spring as a time to reset and readjust my priorities in life. The school year is coming to a close and I am preparing for the summer months. Election season is barreling towards the June 24 primary and I am trying to organize my political priorities for the rank choice voting in the primary election. As always, I am trying to balance the right amount of rest and work.
One of my favorite activities to help me usher in spring is to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). I have my favorite trees I like to hug. I even have certain paths I enjoy and I always spend time watching dragonflies on the waterlilies. My favorite tree is a massive tree called a Caucasian Wingnut that spans several yards and seems to have a personality all its own.
There is a modest admission fee to help maintain the beautiful gardens and the 52 acres of nature in the heart of Brooklyn. However, admission is free for BBG members year-round and children under 12. There are also community tickets whereby a portion of each day’s tickets are available free of charge to those who need them. There are several other groups eligible for free admission to the botanic gardens, go to www.bbg.org to see the various lists.
Some folks enjoy the New York Botanic Garden located in the Bronx. That beautiful plot of land encompasses 250 acres in the heart of the Bronx with quite a bit of tree, bird, and floral diversity as well. And, of course, there’s always Central Park in Manhattan and Prospect Park just a few blocks from the BBG.
However you choose to celebrate spring, whether you’re birding throughout the five boroughs or enjoying the cherry blossoms at the BBG, I hope you will take a moment to enjoy the new energy and new leaves surrounding you. As the weather (slowly) gets warmer, we will hopefully see new attitudes and new commitments to the beauty that surrounds us. Throw on a little jazz and start strolling through your neighborhood if you can. Dust off your binoculars and start looking at the birds returning from South America. And be sure to stock up on allergy medication as needed! Enjoy the newness of springtime and all of the possibilities it brings.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of book “How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams” and “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream” and is co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.