Nature in Danger
April 6, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - April 22, 2025 @ 5:00 pm
Nature in Danger is a series of events and activities organized to help focus attention on our collective place in nature. With an exhibition of photographs, a panel discussion of experts and interactive cultural events during Earth Month, we will explore the environmental tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, where war’s footprint extends far beyond the battlefield. In partnership with Ukrainian Jersey City (UJC), the UIA will create a space for crucial conversation about how the war continues to ravage Ukraine’s natural environment—from its ancient forests and waterways to its vital wildlife.
SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2025
OPENING DAY PROGRAM
1:00 PM Take a Nature Walk in NYC’s Central Park, guided by Calvin Norman, Professor of Forestry at Penn State University. Experience the beauty of this diverse ecosystem in the heart of Manhattan. The meeting point will be provided upon registration. Meet at the Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 East 79th Street, NYC.
Tour tickets: $30/person; $20/UIA Member
REGISTER FOR TOUR
2:00 PM In recognition of Earth Month, we are pleased to present an exhibition and activities focused on nature in Ukraine.
-
- Denys Kryyvi: Fighting for His Ukrainian Landscape, an exhibition of photographs by Denys Kryvyi (1988-2023), award-winning nature photographer, featuring images of Ukraine featured in National Geographic magazine. Each of the framed photographs will be available for purchase.
-
- Recordings of the sounds of nature in Ukraine will be played to accompany the visual elements of the exhibition.
-
- The exhibition will include an information center where visitors can learn more about Denys as well as the devastating toll that the war is taking on the landscapes and ecosystems of Ukraine.
-
- The Nature Pop-Up Shop will feature a selection of unique items inspired by nature in Ukraine as well as Raffle Tickets to win a framed photograph from the exhibition.
The exhibition of photographs will be on view through April 22, 2025. Proceeds of the sale of photographs and the raffle will benefit demining initiatives in Ukraine via the Come Back Alive Foundation.
2:30 PM Welcome Remarks and Presentation about demining work in Ukraine, to increase public awareness of the devastating impact of the war on Ukraine’s ecosystems.
3:15 PM Poetry Reading
Moderator:
Olena Jennings – Poet, translator and founder of Poets of Queens, focusing on Ukrainian and American literature.
Performers:
Kateryna Mikhalitsyna – Ukrainian poet, author and editor known for her children’s books and poetry collections.
Hanna Leliv – Ukrainian literary translator specializing in contemporary fiction and poetry.
Maria Rewakowicz – Poet, scholar and translator focusing on Ukrainian literature and identity.
Ksenia Rychtycka – Ukrainian American writer and poet, author of Crossing the Border.
Vera Sirota – Poet and writer exploring themes of resilience, history and identity.
This event is free and open to the public. Advance registrations are requested and contributions are appreciated.
REGISTER FOR PROGRAM
ABOUT THE PROJECT
About The Ukrainian Institute of America: The Ukrainian Institute of America has been at the forefront of promoting Ukrainian culture and democratic values to the world for over 75 years. Through its vibrant programs, the Institute serves as a bridge between Ukraine and the American people, fostering cultural interaction, mutual understanding, and appreciation of shared values and goals. Located on Museum Mile in the heart of New York City in a National Historic Landmark building, the Institute is Where the World Meets Ukraine.
About Ukrainian Jersey City: Founded in 2020, Ukrainian Jersey City promotes Ukrainian arts, culture and community. Since the war’s outbreak, the organization has expanded to support Ukrainian refugees, orphanages and humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. For more information, visit ukrainianjc.com.
Ukrainian Jersey City’s “Nature in Danger” Project: This initiative aims to raise awareness about the environmental devastation in Ukraine and its global implications. The project’s primary goal is to fundraise for the demining of Ukrainian territory, which is crucial for restoring safety and biodiversity. All proceeds from the gallery exhibitions, panel discussions, and awareness campaigns will be directed towards demining efforts, addressing the urgent need to clear the country’s vast mined areas.
About Denys Kryvyi: Denys Kryvyi (Денис Кривий) was a Ukrainian nature photographer who worked with National Geographic Ukraine since 2013. A recipient of multiple photography awards, including two FIAP Blue Ribbons, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2022 and was killed in action in Bakhmut on May 11, 2023.
About Come Back Alive: We Live Here 2.0 is the second joint project of the “Come Back Alive” Foundation and Kyivstar on demining of the country.We aim to raise UAH 100 million for engineering unmanned systems support companies of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.Deminers of these newly created units will receive essentials for demining the territory of Ukraine, such as robotic platforms, vehicles, means of communication, and power, as well as an aerial module to keep situational awareness and ensure remote demining by detonation.
Acknowledgment
We express sincere gratitude to Halyna Volhyna, widow of nature photographer, Denys Kryvyi, for her support, collaboration and engagement with this project. All photographs in the exhibition are included courtesy of and with the express permission of Ms. Volhyna and the images in the exhibit may not be reproduced or used without her authorization.
We are grateful to the members of Ukrainians of Jersey City (UJC), who conceived and organized the photo exhibition. Thanks to UJC members Natalia Bezpalko, Oksana Condon, Inna Dremliuha, Oleksandra Gordynchuk, Olena Jennings, Tamara Syby-Holovko, Roksolana Karmazyn, Anastasiya Kowal, Oksana Kukurudza, Yaroslava Kutsai, Vanessa Marisak, Ksenia Rychtycka and Halyna Volhyna for their work to realize the exhibition as well as the full day of nature and poetry.