Cornell Botanic Gardens embraces and actively works to increase diversity among all the communities with which we engage—Cornell students, faculty, and staff, visitors, supporters, its employees, and its plant collections. We envision a world where biological and cultural diversity are respected, sustained and celebrated.
Learn more
Land Acknowledgement
Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' (the Cayuga Nation), members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Statement on Racism, Violence, and Hope
Our only hope for resilience, and path to meet our need to adapt, grow, and flourish lies in the diversity of people, plants, and all living creatures.
Statement on Anti-Asian Violence
Along with the campus community, we denounce acts of racism, violence and hatred, and stand firmly with our Asian and Asian American friends and colleagues.
Our Efforts
Click on the images below to learn what we are doing to address diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Past Exhibit
Ecological Calendars: Finding Hope in the Face of Climate Change
Enabling people to continue their livelihood activities amid disruption due to climate change
News
Cornell Botanic Gardens brings new Cayuga language class to life
Class instructor Stephen Henhawk, Cayuga speaker and historian, discussed his class in this three-minute video.
News
Collaboration plants seeds for cultural, biological conservation
A campus collaboration with the Gayogo̱hó:nǫ’ (Cayuga Nation) seeks to conserve biodiversity and simultaneously safeguard human cultural values and traditions.
Video
Words Before All Else
Learn more about the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ people by watching and listening to Steve Henhawk, a Cayuga speaker and historian.
Video
Carolyn Finney: 2020 Vision, A Black Walden Pond & Other Musings
Dr. Finney explores the complexities and contradictions of American history as it relates to green space and race.
News
Ornithologist to speak on increasing diversity in conservation
Ornithologist J. Drew Lanham will talk about how conservation efforts benefit from racial diversity among those who advocate for conserving the natural world.
News
‘Sioux Chef’ on restoring indigenous foods, bridging cultures
Cornell Botanic Gardens’ Fall Lecture Series hosted Sean Sherman, founder/CEO of The Sioux Chef, described the connections between indigenous food systems, food security, and health.
Event
Go ‘Wild at Cornell’ with artist, plant stylist Hilton Carter
Artist, interior designer and plant stylist Hilton Carter will inspire audiences to transform their living spaces into green landscapes in “Wild at Cornell,” the Cornell Botanic Gardens’ William J. Hamilton Lecture.
Event
Leaders share global climate change stories, solutions
Members of Cornell’s Humphrey Fellowship Program shared stories of struggle and hope as their countries grapple with climate change during “Global Climate Stories,” an April 22 webinar marking the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day.