News & Highlights

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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).

Image of person with short black hair and yellow pom pom earrings

Lecture

Plants & Our People: Rooted in Indigenous Community: Keynote Address for the Ivy Native Conference 2026

Join Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell on Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 a.m., for a lecture by Indigenous and environmental activist, Giiwedin, Two-Spirit Influencer, Anishinaabe (Ojibwa).

In the News

Cornell works to develop ash trees resistant to emerald ash borer

WBNG (Johnson City, NY) – December 2, 2025 Todd Bittner 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.