Tour of the woods and genetic engineeringÂ
Constitution Island Garden Day celebrates the garden writings of Anna Warner, who was a gardening pioneer, writing her first garden book in 1872.  Her three garden books remain in print today. Activities this year will touch upon a range of topics, including genetic engineering. The program features two guest speakers: John T. Mickel, Ph.D., who worked for the New York Botanical Garden, and Craig Hibben, Ph.D., who worked for the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.  When guests first arrive in the morning they will have an opportunity to take a guided tour through the woods of Constitution Island with Mickel, an expert on ferns. Hibben will speak about a genetic engineering project at Lasdon Park in Westchester to develop a disease-resistant chestnut.
In the afternoon, Ted Winser, a survivalist and gardener, who spoke last year on “Edible Plants and Surviving in the Wild,” will return to present a cooking demonstration. Association gardeners will be present to answer questions about home gardens. Guests can picnic or purchase lunch from the Chalet on the Hudson. Books and plants will be available for sale and a limited number of Constitution Island day lilies will be available for sale to benefit the Association.
Garden Day takes place on July 30, from 10 a.m. through 3:45 p.m. Visitors may park free of charge in the Cold Spring Metro-North parking lot.  A shuttle bus will bring visitors to the island all day.  The last bus will leave the island at 3:45 p.m. The suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children and tickets may be purchased on the day at the far end of the Metro-North parking lot.
Photo courtesy of Constitution Island Association
