The F.R. Newman Arboretum is closed to vehicular traffic, and will remain closed until weather permits in spring 2026. This step is taken during the winter months for public safety and to protect the collections of trees within this living museum.

Timing of this annual closure is based on current weather trends and the probability for below-freezing temperatures and precipitation patterns.  Vehicle access resumes in spring, when conditions permit.

Cornell Botanic Gardens practices environmental stewardship by not using salts to treat slippery surfaces. Road salts carry a high environmental cost, as they contaminate water supplies and burn the roots of nearby plants. Keeping the roads clear without using salts requires physical labor and other resources not available to the botanic gardens.

Visitors sometimes ask why arboretum roadways remain closed in winter, even when there appears to be no snow on the road. While some roads may seem clear of frozen precipitation, others in the shaded hills often are not. Seasonal closure of the Arboretum is necessary to ensure the safety of guests during the cold-weather season when conditions vary greatly.

Pedestrians are welcome to explore the arboretum year-round from dawn to dusk.