Research at Cornell Botanic Gardens

We are engaged in numerous research efforts to conserve plants and the cultures that sustain them. Our staff work with Cornell faculty, graduate & undergraduate students, and botanic gardens around the world to facilitate research on plants and the natural world.

FEATURED RESEARCH

Learn more about these featured research projects or search for research by specific location or key word.

Beebe Lake and Woods

Researchers have used our Beebe Lake natural area to study a variety of topics from invasive species to American crows to aquatic habitats.

Mundy Wildflower Garden

This natural area and naturalistic garden is an active research site for native plant conservation, invasive plant management, and herbivore effects on plant communities.

Robison Herb Garden

With over 500 varieties of herbs, this garden is used by faculty from many disciplines to enhance their teaching and research.

Urban Trees

Our urban tree collection showcases trees that flourish in urban environments. Research efforts have examined soil health, environmental conditions and tree health.

Climate Change Garden

This garden educates visitors about climate change and demonstrates how higher temperatures may affect plants grown in the upstate New York area.

Sustainability

Our gardens, natural areas, and our LEED gold certified Nevin Welcome Center provide ample opportunities for sustainability research.

DISPLAYING 9 OF 157 RESULTS

RESEARCH

The Effect of Sunlight on the Growth of Buckthorn Owen MacDonnell Field Biology Course, Cornell University

RESEARCH Palmer Woods

The Effects of Drought on the Decomposition of Leaf Litter Alexis Wilson Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

RESEARCH

Transmission networks in trait-based communities: implications for disease in bees Scott McArt Entomology, Cornell University

RESEARCH Fall Creek Valley, Etna Preserve

The effect of supplemental food availability on foraging strategy and spatial use of birds Rachael Mady Natural Resources, Lab of Ornithology

RESEARCH Etna Preserve

Ionospheric Research at Zeman Lab David Hysell Earth & Atmospheric Science, Cornell University

RESEARCH Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve

Biological Control of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Mark Whitmore Natural Resources, Cornell University

RESEARCH Polson Preserve

Atkinson Center Deer Browse, Invasive Species & Biodiversity Plots Bernd Blossey Natural Resources, Cornell University

RESEARCH Monkey Run

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Biological Control Mark Whitmore Natural Resources, Cornell University

RESEARCH Mundy Wildflower Garden

Monitoring of environmental climate in the Mundy Wildflower Garden David Weinstein Natural Resources, Cornell University

Natural Areas Research opportunities

Our natural areas provide opportunities for research across a diverse set of high-quality natural communities and rare species habitats. These sites are managed to provide research opportunities for faculty and students. 

Learn More

Garden and Plant research opportunities

Our cultivated gardens, arboretum and plant collections provide opportunities for research by faculty and students. 

Learn More

Education research opportunties

We offer a wide range of educational programs which provide opportunities for research and evaluation. 

Learn More

Natural Areas Research Application

Let us know about your proposed project in our natural areas and how we can work with you.  Researchers are required to submit a research application.

Research Application