The Ramble - A Jungle In The Middle Of Manhattan

The Ramble is located in the middle of Central Park at the level of 74th to 79th Streets. It's about 36 acres of forest and vegetation, initially designed as to let nature do the rest. It is bounded by the lake on the south, and the wild-life corridor and Belvedere Castle on its north. During the summer, the lush vegetation and the hundreds of species of birds in the Ramble make visitors feel as though they are not in the middle of Manhattan. It is also a popular bird-watching site in the city. In the book Birding Basics, renowned author and artist David Sibley writes, "Migrating birds that find themselves anywhere in the vicinity of Manhattan, gravitate toward Central Park, the largest patch of natural habitat in the area". Shown in the photos are some of the features of the Ramble including the Arch, the Rustic Shelter and the Oak Bridge.

FOREST - Miniature Landscape Made of Fabric

FOREST is an art exhibit at the World Financial Center Winter Garden featuring a landscape of "bonsais" created from used clothing by artists SUZANNE and MATHILDE HUSKY.  The miniature landscape "embodies the beauty and drama of nature." The viewer would be inspired to visually meander this forest, and discover peace and beauty in the fabric patterns creating textured foliage, tree branches, grass and rocks. FOREST is part of "NY's GREENEST," a collaborative effort by Battery Park City's cultural institutions to present Earth Day event and activities aimed at inspiring awareness, education and appreciation for our environment.

"This work replicates nature not only by creating an actual forest, but also in its ever cycling of materials into new life by reusing fabric, and in the uniqueness and singularity of each creation. The hand made piece is in direct opposition to the manufactured object. We choose to depict a place where biodiversity still happens, where seeds are not expected to perform like machines. Ironically, despite the wild subject, the fabrication process asserts an ephemeral and fictional control over nature similar to a formal garden. At the same time, the process of quiet, domestic activities like sewing, ultimately embody the seductive wildness of untouched land." - Suzanne and Mathilde Husky.

The exhibit runs through May 12.