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

Gene flow of red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) Bradley Cosentino Hobart and William Smith Colleges

RESEARCH Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve

Diversity and Abundance of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with Tsuga canadensis infested with hemlock woolly adelgid Matthew Thomas Amoia SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry

RESEARCH Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve

Local adaptation of Amphicarpa bracteata to soil microbiota Jacob Elias Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University

RESEARCH Bald Hill and Caroline Pinnacles, Fischer Old-growth Forest, Monkey Run, Polson Preserve, Renwick Slope, Lick Brook

Collective Decision-Making in A Slave-Making Ant Julie Miller Neurobiology & Behavior, Cornell University

RESEARCH Mundy Wildflower Garden

investigation of estrogenic and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities. Manuel A Aregullin School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University

RESEARCH

Meadow knapweed demography and population studies Lindsey Milbrath US Dept. of Agriculture - Agriculture Research Service

RESEARCH

Toad tunnel herpetalogical use evaluation Kipling Haviland-Hack Cornell Sustainable Design

RESEARCH Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve

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

RESEARCH Dunlop Meadow

Honey bee goldenrod nectar flow Michael Smith Neurobiology & Behavior, 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. 

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Garden and Plant research opportunities

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

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Education research opportunties

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

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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