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.
Old-growth forest preserve gains acreage through local partnership
Cornell Botanic Gardens acquired 81 acres adjacent to the Fischer Old-Growth Forest to further protect some of the county’s most mature trees and the surrounding ecosystems.
Collaboration brings healing, honoring garden to Akwe:kon
A new garden at Akwe:kon, established by students from the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program and Cornell Botanic Gardens, aims to honor Indigenous students and their connection to the land.
Dryden Rail Trail: Celebration of Connected Communities
Tompkins Weekly-May 17, 2023
Todd Bittner, director of natural areas, writes about a new crosswalk that connects two sections of the Dryden Rail Trail.
News and Highlights
See what we’ve been up to recently, as we advance our mission to connect plants and peoples
Reduce your carbon footprint in the garden
In this podcast with New York Times gardening columnist Margaret Roach, Sonja Skelly offers practical steps for reducing your carbon footprint in the garden, such as opting for organic rather than synthetic fertilizers, and planting native and low-growing grasses instead of traditional lawn grasses. Sonja is director of education and academic initiatives for Cornell Botanic Gardens and leads its Climate Change Demonstration Garden.
Flat Rock Footbridge from Above
View the restored footbridge over Fall Creek from above in a one-minute video.
Soar above the herb and flower gardens
Soar over two of the most beautiful outdoor spaces at Cornell University—the Robison York State Herb Garden and Young Flower Garden.
In the News
Read the latest news stories on Cornell Botanic Gardens and articles tapping the knowledge of our staff experts.
International collaboration strengthens conservation actions for threatened plants
Taiwan News—March 22, 2023
Christopher Dunn and other directors and representatives of nationally important botanical gardens spoke at the international symposium “Plant Ark: 2023 Taiwan Botanical Garden Conservation Action” in Taipei.
How green is your Pinterest-perfect plant collection?
CNN Style-September 1, 2022
Missy Bidwell, greenhouse manager, discusses the substantial inputs required to grow and transport indoor foliage plants and offers solid advice on sustainable practices for plant keeping.
Summer interns explore Ithaca’s natural areas
Cornell Moments (Cornell University YouTube)—July 18, 2022
Students in Cornell Botanic Gardens’ engaged-learning programs learn about the ecology of Upstate New York bogs in an outing led by Botanic Gardens’ Field Botanist Robert Wesley. The Learning by Leading program cultivates a new generation of environmental leaders through stewardship, co-creation, and sense of place.
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!