Cornell Botanic Gardens is an integral part of the Cornell University, local, and regional communities, as well as an expert voice in the broader world of thought and ideas. Learn more on educational opportunities in our gardens, arboretum, and natural areas, and how we are inspiring others to embrace biological and cultural diversity.

Latest Updates

Check out the latest news, events, and happenings at Cornell Botanic Gardens.

Pedestrians stroll along daffodils in F.R. Newman Arboretum
Update
The F.R. Newman Arboretum opens April 11

Another sign of spring: The Arboretum gates will open from dawn to dusk, welcoming vehicle traffic, beginning on April 11, 2025.

3up_native_lawn
News
Campus grasslands grow environmental solutions

Projects across Cornell are exploring how the university’s grasslands – including Cornell Botanic Gardens’ native lawn – can protect birds, encourage biodiversity and sequester carbon to fight climate change. .

Young people in native grass lawn
Webinar
Cultivating a Sustainable Future: Cornell Botanic Gardens’ Native Lawn

Todd Bittner, director of natural areas, leads a webinar for the Mass Pollinator Network about a new lawn paradigm that champions native biodiversity and mitigates climate change.

News & Highlights

See what we’ve been up to recently, as we advance our mission to connect plants and peoples

Young people in native grass lawn
Podcast
Native Lawns with Todd Bittner

Nature Calls podcast–June 28, 2024
Todd Bittner, director of natural areas, shares his perspective on creating more environmentally sustainable lawns using native grasses as an alternative to traditional turf.

Leedy's roseroot
News
Rare blooms find shelter in Cascadilla Gorge

Cornell Botanic Gardens has successfully established a population of the federally threatened plant Leedy’s roseroot in the walls of Cascadilla Gorge.

Smiling woman tends plants in greenhouses.
News
Students ‘Learning by Leading’ in the Cornell Botanic Gardens

Student-led teams embrace a growth mindset while creating projects, taking risks, and learning to lead through experience.

In the News

Read the latest news stories on Cornell Botanic Gardens and articles tapping the knowledge of our staff experts.

Flower
In the News
How to Plan a Garden With Climate Change in Mind

New York Times – March 28, 2025

Sonja Skelly, director of education and academic initiatives, shares solutions to gardening in increasingly erratic weather, based on Cornell Botanic Gardens’ experience and practices.

onondaga
In the News
Medicinal garden at Onondaga Nation School grows opportunity

Cornell Chronicle – November 14, 2024
Students in the Learning by Leading program engaged extensively with the Onondaga Nation School on native plants and design ideas.

picture of Robison Herb Garden
The beauty of May and June are highlighted in CNY Magazine

CNY Magazine—May/June 2024

Cornell Botanic Gardens gets a large share of this feature on regional botanic gardens.

Media Inquiries

Our experts can address a range of topics, from practical gardening, to global plant conservation, to safeguarding indigenous cultures. Let us know how we can help you, by contacting Shannon Dortch, associate director, communications and marketing, (607) 255-8618.

Contact Us

Have questions on our news and expertise, or want to share a thought? Let us hear from you!