GET THE LAY OF THE LAND

Use this section to explore our cultivated collections around the Nevin Welcome Center and within the Newman Arboretum, as well as over 30 natural areas on the Cornell campus and throughout the county.

CHECK OUT OUR INTERACTIVE MAP

NEVIN WELCOME CENTER AND GARDENS

Start your visit here to learn what to see and do from our visitor services staff, check out our exhibits, shop our Garden Gift Shop, and step outside to explore specialty gardens.

explore the welcome center

F. R. NEWMAN ARBORETUM

Explore the #1 most beautiful college arboretum, a place of beauty and scientific study, featuring collections of trees, shrubs, and specialty gardens.

EXPLORE THE ARBORETUM

FEATURED GARDENS AND COLLECTIONS

Treman Woodland Walk

This intimately-scaled, hemlock-shaded, streamside garden displays moisture-loving plants that cannot be grown well elsewhere at Cornell Botanic Gardens.

Young Flower Garden

Explore a collection of flowering plants that hold symbolic meaning by cultures around the world.

Comstock Knoll and Rhododendron Collection

Explore over 100 varieties of rhododendrons and a rich mix of shrubs, trees, and herbaceous perennials on this small hill.

ON-CAMPUS NATURAL AREAS

Explore eleven natural areas on Cornell University’s campus including Beebe Lake, Cascadilla and Fall Creek Gorges, Mundy Wildflower Garden and more!

FEATURED ON-CAMPUS NATURAL AREAS

Upper Cascadilla

Enjoy a walk along Cascadilla Creek and buffering woods via the East Hill Recreation Way.

Mitchell Street Hawthorn Thicket

More than 100 species of birds have been observed at this site.

Beebe Lake and Woods

Beebe Lake is a sanctuary of water, woods, and wetlands in the heart of the Cornell Campus.

OFF-CAMPUS NATURAL AREAS

We steward over 30 off-campus natural areas throughout Tompkins County, each offering a unique sense of place and opportunities to explore and study.

FEATURED OFF-CAMPUS NATURAL AREAS

Carter Creek Preserve

Carter Creek cuts between two steep hillsides of old growth, second growth, and young forest.

Fischer Old-growth Forest

Majestic, magical, inspirational, with trees over 150 feet tall, this site is a sanctuary in every sense of the word.

Cayuta Lake

This aquatic system is relatively pristine and noted for the presence of rare species and high biodiversity.

ON DISPLAY

We display plant-focused art and create seasonal exhibits in the Nevin Welcome Center lobby that explore plants indispensable to cultures around the world.

LEARN MORE

EXPLORE US YOUR WAY

There are many ways to explore Cornell Botanic Gardens!

Learn From our Plants

Learn from our plant tags and other interpretive labels throughout the gardens.

Garden Inspiration

Where we recommend visiting for gardening inspiration.

Family Fun

Visiting with family? Check out these spots to make your family visit extra fun!