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 Beebe Lake and Woods, Upper Cascadilla

New York’s Freshwater Ecoacoustics Valverde Montellano Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

RESEARCH McLean Bogs

Pitcher plants in McLean Bogs Amelia Weiss Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

RESEARCH Bluegrass Lane and Bull Pasture Ponds, Ringwood Ponds

Salamander Migration Educational Studies & videography Lang Elliot Miracle of Nature Not for Profit

RESEARCH Fall Creek Valley, Fischer Old-growth Forest

Seed collection via climbing Kate O'Connor Hemlock Initiative

RESEARCH Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve

Swallow-wort collection for biocontrol studies Lindsey Milbrath US Dept. of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service

RESEARCH Monkey Run

The function of shed snake skins in bird nests Vanya Rohwer Lab of Ornithology

RESEARCH Turkey Hill Road Meadow

Assessing the effects of artificial light at night on behavior and physiology in free-living tree swallows Allison Injaian Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

RESEARCH Turkey Hill Road Meadow

Assessing the fitness consequences of intra-population variation in movement patterns in breeding Tree Swallows Jennifer Uehling Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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