Explore the Cornell Botanic Gardens

On and off the campus at Cornell University, Cornell Botanic Gardens is a living museum, outdoor classroom, and research and conservation center comprised of 3,600 acres of great natural beauty including cultivated gardens, an arboretum and distinct natural areas, waterfalls and gorges. The first day of spring arrives Friday, March 20 and from noon to 1:30 pm you can join a nature walk to see the first signs of awakening life in the Mundy Wildflower Garden. Bordering scenic Fall Creek, this natural area includes forested slopes, floodplain forests, wetland meadows and a remarkable variety of plants native to the Cayuga Lake Basin. Take the walk from downtown at the Commons up to the Botanical Gardens on the Historic Cascadeilla Falls Trails - the most gorgeous trail in our area and criss-crosses the gorge that flows through the campus.

Founded in 1865, the area on campus has developed into twelve specialty gardens including streams, ponds and meadows. Stroll beneath the green branches of the arboretum, admire artistic sculptural installations, hike the trails, experience old-growth forests, take a birdwatching excursion or share a romantic moment in a pergola at Grossman and Houston ponds. Look for the first blooms of the 70,000 bulbs planted outside the Nevin Welcome Center, including a mix of four varieties of daffodils. From the Kienzle Overlook enjoy a panoramic view of the gardens and their dwarf conifers, perennials and small flowering trees. Wander through rock gardens, herb and vegetable plantings, perennials, ornamental grasses and ground coverings.

In addition to the tranquil landscape filled with mature trees, interesting plants and vibrant flowers, rotating exhibits are always on display. Currently featured is Being Part of the Whole, an exhibit of student art expressed through lithography, screen printing and woodcuts. A showcase of the invasive ash bore devastation is portrayed in the exhibit, Ash Trees: A Story of Relationships, Loss and Hope, and how the loss of millions of ash trees has impacted Indigenous people.

Plant knowledge is something that we share with our ancestors in real time.

― Sean Sherman, The Sioux Chef