Read the latest news stories on Cornell Botanic Gardens and articles tapping the knowledge of our staff experts
In the News
Peep These Leaves
Ithaca Times — September 14, 2023
Daniel Weitoish, our lead arborist, shares the science behind the color of fall leaves.
In the News
Managing invasive species: Woolly adelgids and the Hemlock Initiative
Tompkins Weekly — September 13, 2023
Cornell Botanic Gardens is featured for our efforts to combat the invasive hemlock wooly adelgid and conserve our local forests.
In the News
A Viable Alternative to Conventional Lawn? Cornell May Have Found One.
New York Times – September 13, 2023
Cornell Botanic Gardens’ native lawn was featured in the New York Times as a viable alternative to conventional lawns and an action every homeowner can take to address the climate crisis and give nature a helping hand.
In the News
Akwe:kon Garden Hopes to Heal and Honor Indigenous Students
Cornell Daily Sun— August 31, 2023
A new garden developed in collaboration with Cornell Botanic Gardens’ Learning by Leading program, offers Indigenous students a place for healing and belonging.
In the News
How to properly maintain your garden when heat rises
News 8 WROC — July 27, 2023
Director of Horticulture Emily Detrick shares the secrets for caring for plants in hot weather.
In the News
Wilt no more: Local horticulture expert shares tips on proper watering amid scorching heat
CNY Central — July 26, 2023
Director of Horticulture Emily Detrick explains how to best care for your garden as temperatures rise.
In the News
Summer Fun Fridays: Inside Cornell Botanic Gardens
WENY News — July 21, 2023
The Cornell Botanic Gardens was featured for our abundance of flowers, pollinators, birds, and beautiful natural scenery.
In the News
Don Rakow Retires after 38 Years of Service to Public Gardens
American Public Gardens Association— July 5, 2023
Don Rakow, former executive director of the Cornell Botanic Gardens, is honored for his extensive impact on the field of public gardening.
In the News
CCE plans educational programs
Eagle News Online — June 9, 2023
Natural Areas Horticulturalist Krissy Boys will present on natural shorescaping, planting strategies, and natural shoreline management.
In the News
NY firefighters helping battle wildfires in Canada
Fox 5 New York — June 8, 2023
Todd Bittner, Director of Natural Areas, is interviewed about wildfire causes and prevention.
In the News
How Cornell protects its ash trees from the emerald ash borer
The Ithaca Voice — June 1, 2023
Cornell Botanic Gardens aids in the effort to protect and conserve Cornell’s treasured ash trees.
In the News
New York on a Budget: Free and Low Cost Things to Do in the Finger Lakes
I Love New York — May 26, 2023
Cornell Botanic Gardens is highlighted as a “must-visit destination for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts.”
In the News
Arborjet | Ecologel To Visit Cornell University To Treat Historic Ash Trees
Turf Magazine — May 26, 2023
Cornell Botanic Gardens work alongside Arborjet | Ecologel and university staff to treat historic ash trees as part of the Saving America’s Iconic Trees project.
In the News
14 Things To Do In Finger Lakes: Complete Guide To New York’s Scenic Region
The Travel — May 23, 2023
Cornell Botanic Gardens is featured as one of the best places to visit in the Finger Lakes.
In the News
Collaboration Brings Healing, Honoring Garden to Akwe:Kon
Morning Ag Clips — May 18, 2023
Our Learning by Leading team and Indigenous students from the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program bring a medicinal garden to life.
In the News
National Public Gardens Week
Westside News — May 15, 2023
During National Public Gardens Week, Cornell Botanic Gardens was highlighted as a place that inspires and encourages visitors to learn about plants and gardening methods.
In the News
Varying Global Responses to Climate Change Discussed in Botanic Gardens Event
The Cornell Daily Sun — April 24, 2023
On April 18, environmental experts discussed the global dimensions of climate change as part of Verdant Views, a Cornell Botanic Gardens webinar series.
In the News
Flat Rock Bridge: Meeting place, a legacy
Tompkins Weekly — April 19, 2023
The Cornell student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers renovates the Fall Creek pedestrian bridge.
In the News
A Toast To The Finger Lakes: Exploring 10 Of Wine Country’s Best-Kept Secrets
The Travel — April 3, 2023
Cornell Botanic Gardens scores a spot on the list of the 10 places everyone should visit in the Finger Lakes.
In the News
Must-visit cherry blossom, lilac, and other spring flower festivals in Upstate NY
New York Upstate — March 29, 2023
Cornell Botanic Gardens is highlighted for its diverse array of flowering trees.
In the News
Finger Lakes Adventure: Exploring The 10 Best Outdoor Activities & Attractions
The Travel — March 18, 2023
Cornell Botanic Gardens is listed as a must-visit stop for any Finger Lakes trip.
In the News
A healing garden for student health
A new garden designed and installed by Cornell students brings the healing power of nature to Cornell Health.
News
Repairs to Flat Rock Bridge span two generations
A newly restored footbridge over Fall Creek serves as the most direct access point for more than 20 miles of Cornell Botanic Gardens trails and is used by 35,000 visitors a year.
In the News
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.
In the News
Finger Lakes Retreat: 10 Towns To Relax & Recharge In Scenic Surroundings
The Travel — March 16, 2023
The Travel describes Cornell Botanic Garden’s bioswale garden as a place where “nature lovers find their heaven,” and cites our diverse collection of plant species.
In the News
The World’s Most Breathtaking College Campuses
Cheapism — August 8, 2022
Cornell was ranked among the world’s most beautiful campuses for our abundance of gardens, hiking trails, and natural areas.
In the News
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.
News
Dinners explore intersection of plant history, cuisine
Cornell Botanic Gardens presents our “Seeds of Survival and Celebration: Plants and the Black Experience” exhibit as part of an initiative with Cornell Dining to share the traditional dishes of the African Diaspora.
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.
How to cultivate a green thumb
New York Times—June 24, 2022
Missy Bidwell, horticulturist and greenhouse manager, shares expert advice on success with both indoor and outdoor plants, including the wisdom that there aren’t “mistakes” in plant care. “You didn’t make any mistakes,” she said. “You just learned something new about a plant. I’m always tweaking my garden, because I still haven’t gotten it right.”
The Yarb Woman
Snacks (Alumni Affairs and Development news)—June 22, 2022
The Yarb Woman sculpture by Elfriede Abbe ’40 is featured with a photo and description. The sculpture is displayed in the Robison York State Herb Garden.
Another stop on the discovery trail this summer
WHCU-Radio—June 17, 2022
Esther Racoosin, youth educator, talks about the Wildflower Explorations Program that brings hundreds of area third graders to the Mundy Wildflower Garden each spring for hands-on interaction with and learning about native wildflowers.
Alumni Diversity Leaders at Cornell Botanic Gardens
Snacks (Alumni Affairs and Development news)—June 16, 2022
During Reunion 2022, Matt Palumbo ’83, president of the Cornell Asian Alumni Association, coordinated a meeting with fellow alumni diversity leaders to set preliminary plans to engage more diverse alumni with the botanic gardens.
How to make the most of your Cornell summer
Medium (Cornell University)—June 16, 2022
Cornell Botanic Gardens is featured in this post and accompanying video produced by University Relations. The video and article were elevated on the university’s Instagram and Twitter feeds.
This Arbor Day, show the trees some love
Medium (Cornell University)—April 28, 2022
In this Arbor Day post by University Relations, Todd Bittner, director of natural areas, highlights the critical role of trees as a foundation of the food web. “An oak tree, for example, supports over 4,000 species of insects and animals,” he says.
How to climate-proof your garden
Sierra magazine—April 25, 2022
Sonja Skelly, director of education, talks about Climate Change Demonstration Garden. It was established in 2014 “to use plants as the lens to help tell the story of climate change,” she tells the magazine of the Sierra Club. The garden also serves as a way to show the public that climate change isn’t an abstract phenomenon happening elsewhere in the world—it is happening here as well.
A Cacti Expert’s Vast L.A. Garden Is a Drought-Tolerant Wonder
Cornellians (Alumni Affairs and Development news)
Park Nobel ’60, BEP ’61, supporter of Cornell Botanic Gardens’ planned Asian Summer Garden, is profiled, along with his 1.6-acre garden of succulent plants in Los Angeles.
In the News
Gillibrand secures $700K in federal funding for Dryden Rail Trail Bridge project
Ithaca Voice – May 6, 2022
When completed, the trail will connect three of Cornell Botanic Gardens natural areas across 16 miles and provide a safe, sustainable commuter route.
News
Trading coal cars for e-bikes, rail trail promotes sustainability
Cornell Chronicle – November 17, 2021
A trail that once brought coal now brings commuters on e-bikes: Dryden Rail Trail
In the News
25 Best Upstate New York Day Trips
VacationIdea – Novemeber 30, 2021
Cornell Botanic Gardens and its Cascadilla Gorge trail are noted in this listing of top day trips in New York State.
In the News
Eight reasons to visit Tompkins County
Oswego County Today-September 3, 2021
Cascadilla Gorge, F. R. Newman Arboretum, and gardens around Nevin Welcome Center are mentioned.
In the News
Nine stunning Upstate NY Public Gardens
CNY News – WDOS-AM-September 7, 2021
Cornell Botanic Gardens is noted as one of the most beautiful public gardens in Upstate New York.
In the News
Where to go: walking and running
Ithaca Times-August 30, 2021
Trails at the Monkey Run and Beebe Lake natural areas are highlighted.
In The News
Cornell town-gown, gardens’ power
Tompkins Weekly – July 21, 2021
Tompkins Weekly gives a complete overview of the gardens in light of the upcoming partnership with the Tompkins County Public Library on August 6th, including descriptions of when Cornell Botanic Gardens was founded, its recent accomplishments, and its mission and goals.
In The News
Cornell Professor Engineers Radar Tools to Monitor Space Weather
New York Ag Connection – July 15, 2021
The Zeman Lab Radar, a new radar to be used to monitor space weather, will be installed in Cornell Botanic Gardens.
In The News
Hydrangea Talk Is Sunday At Highfield Hall
The Enterprise – July 14, 2021
“Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Hydrangeas but were afraid to ask!”, a talk about the many varieties of hydrangea and their special characteristics, will be given by Barbara Conolly at Highfield Hall & Gardens on July 18th.
In The News
Beat the summer heat and explore Ithaca’s natural beauty
Ithaca.com – July 8, 2021
Cornell Botanic Gardens is mentioned as one of the best places in Ithaca to visit in the summer and enjoy its natural beauty.
In The News
Dryden board invites input on Rail Trail bridge design
Cortland Standard – June 24, 2021
The town of Dryden is planning a public information session for people to check out the Dryden Rail Trail project’s design, which includes passage through the wetlands area that is part of Cornell Botanic Gardens.
In the News
Collaborations power progress of Dryden Rail Trail
WHCU Radio-July 27, 2021
Todd Bittner, director of natural areas, provides an update on the community- and university-driven Dryden Rail Trail. Once completed, will provide a continuous 20-mile off-street connection from East Ithaca and Cornell University to Dryden Lake and beyond.
In The News
2021 Cornell Floriculture Field Day
Perishable News – June 10, 2021
The Cornell Floriculture Field Day is an informal outdoor event that will be held July 28th. The day will consist of morning viewing of annual flower & foliage trials, tours of Cornell Botanic Gardens, education stations, displays, and networking.
In The News
Splendor in the Grass
Cornell Alumni Magazine – May/June 2021
A collection of photos of the gardens in Cornell Botanic Gardens for the Alumni Magazine.
In The News
Cornell Highlights Gorge Safety and Trail Closures
New York Ag Connection – May 19, 2021
Todd Bittner, director of natural areas for Cornell Botanic Gardens, is quoted discussing the safety regulations for hikers around the gorges and trails.
In The News
Botanical gardens, arboretums to explore in New York State
Newsday – May 6, 2021
Cornell Botanic Gardens is mentioned as one of the best botanical gardens with an arboretum to visit in New York State.
In the News
Cornell Botanic Gardens Plant Hope in the Cornell Community
Cornell Daily Sun – March 25, 2021
Jeannie Yamazaki ‘21, co-lead of the Cornell Botanic Garden Ambassadors, talks to the Cornell Daily sun about the peace and togetherness afforded by the gardens’ accessible outdoor spaces.
In The News
Sustainability Efforts Shine with New Solar Collectors
Cornell Chronicle – April 1, 2021
Cornell Botanic Gardens is mentioned as one of the only sites with solar thermal energy on the Ithaca campus.
In The News
Creating a Native Lawn
Growing Greener – March 24, 2021
Krissy Boys, native plant specialist and curator of the Mundy Wildflower Garden, talks to the Growing Greener podcast about using native, naturally compact grasses and perennial flowers to create a “native lawn” that needs no fertilization or watering once established, and requires mowing just once or twice a summer.
In The News
Cornell wishes Town of Ithaca a happy 200th
Cornell Chronicle – March 11, 2021
Cornell Botanic Gardens is mentioned as one of the university’s important campus resources located in the town of Ithaca.
In the News
Students Flock Outdoors for Wellness Days as Spring Blossoms at Cornell
Cornell Daily Sun – March 12, 2021
Justice Hoff ’24, tells the Cornell Daily Sun that said he enjoyed his Wellness Days with spent time exploring the Cornell Botanic Garden, using it to relax safely with friends.
In The News
Rose Buzz-Reconnecting with land and nature
Rose Buzz—March 3, 2021
Flora Rose House Podcast with guests Todd Bittner and Andy Zepp reflecting on their careers and discussing the connections to the land and natural areas of the Finger Lakes region.
In The News
Author to speak on African Americans’ relationship with the outdoors
Cornell Chronicle – February 11, 2021
Dr. Carolyn Finney will be giving the Class of 1945 Lecture, part of Cornell Botanic Gardens Lecture Series. Her talk will explore this moment of racial reckoning and the creative responses to environmental and social challenges that are emerging.
In the News
Class of 1945 Lecture Covers Racial Equity in Environmentalism
Drawing sociological and historical research from her bestselling book, Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors, Carolyn Finney discussed the historical barriers that still keep Black and Indigenous Americans from engaging in natural spaces.
In The News
Cornell to fell more than 1,700 ash trees infested by beetle
Associated Press – January 5, 2021
Todd Bittner, director of natural areas for Cornell Botanic Gardens, is quoted discussing the decline of ash trees in Ithaca due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer.
News Archive
Browse our news highlights from past years.
In the News Archive, 2020
News highlights from 2020
In the News Archive, 2019
News highlights from 2019
In the News Archive, 2018 – 2017
News highlights from 2018 and 2017