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Ash tree sapling in a planter
In the News
Cornell Botanic Gardens finding new ways to fight invasive species targeting ash trees

WENY-TV (Elmira, NY) – December 18, 2025 Todd Bitner discusses how Cornell is protecting native ash trees by nurturing those with natural resistance to the destructive emerald ash borer, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, The U.S. Forest Service, and citizen science.

Male with teal jacket and woman with purple sweater on group planting an ash tree sapling in the Cornell conservation bank
In the News
Is there hope for decimated ash trees? Why Cornell researchers think so

The Ithaca Journal – January 7, 2026 Jillian McCarthy reports on how ash tree saplings planted at Cornell Botanic Gardens are helping restore ash species threatened by the invasive emerald ash borer. This story was published by 40 media outlets in 17 states.

Healthy, full grown ash tree standing alone with a blue sky background
In the News
Cornell collects rare ash tree cuttings in race against invasive beetle

Syracuse Post-Standard, Syracuse.com – January 9, 2026 Steve Featherstone of Syracuse Media Group reports on the collaboration between the Ecological Research Institute’s Monitoring and Managing Ash program and Cornell Botanic Gardens in collecting and propagating ash trees across New York State that are resistant to the invasive insect emerald ash borer. This coverage appeared in multiple news outlets, including Syracuse.com, NYup.com, and Europe Says.

Evidence of Emerald Ash Borer infestation in an ash tree that was felled in Mundy Wildflower Garden in order to mitigate risk from the invasive species
In the News
Tug Hill Commission to host Winter Wildlife Webinar Series

The Rome Sentinel – January 13, 2026 The Tug Hill Commission in Watertown, NY, hosted a webinar, “Saving Ash Trees for Future Forests: Combating the Threat of the Emerald Ash Borer,” to share knowledge on ash tree conservation and restoration efforts, including the work at Cornell Botanic Gardens. Webinar presenters included Todd Bittner, director of natural areas, and Keith Miller, arborist, at Cornell Botanic Gardens. The webinar and ash tree project were both covered by the Journal & Republican in nearby Lowville, NY.

Ash trees with pink rubber markers wrapped around them
In the News
Studying lingering ash saplings as potential invasive beetle solution

Spectrum News NY– February 4-5, 2026 Spectrum News highlights researchers at Cornell and Cornell Botanic Gardens working with lingering ash saplings to eventually help repopulate New York’s forests in the face of the invasive emerald ash borer. This segment aired 108 times, across multiple Spectrum News stations, including Rochester, Syracuse (CNY), Buffalo, and the Capital Region (Albany).

Male with teal jacket and yellow beanie squats down and plants a black ash sapling
In the News
Cornell works to develop ash trees resistant to emerald ash borer

WWNY (Johnson City, NY) – December 2, 2025 Todd Bitner discusses the science behind Cornell Botanic Gardens’ propagation of ash trees that are resistant to the invasive emerald ash borer. This story also had multiple mentions in Watertown, NY.

snowy landscape with trees
In the News
Acres of Natural Beauty: Fascinating Facts About the Botanic Gardens

Have a look at this round up of interesting facts, fun figures, and beautiful images.

Christopher Dunn head shot in front of a pink flowering bush
In the News
Botanic Gardens’ Director to Retire

Christopher Dunn led the university’s living museum through changes that made it more focused on mission and impactful beyond the Cornell campus.

Beebe Lake, Dam, and Falls in autumn.
In the News
This upstate New York town is a showstopper for scenery

Cornell Botanic Gardens' Cascadilla Gorge trail and cultivated gardens contribute to CNN's ranking of Ithaca, New York, as the #1 town to visit in 2025.

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