Featured
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.
Cultural Connection
Winter Solstice Heralds the Return of Light
The winter solstice has a great deal of meaning to human cultures because it is literally about life and death. The cycle of the seasons with life, death, and rebirth is crucial to the survival of all...
News
Cornell ash trees aim to beat back borer insects
Ash saplings newly planted on Cornell land are potentially resistant to devastating emerald ash borer insects, making the university the first propagation center in New York state.
Upcoming Events
Event
February 6, 2026:
Guided Mindfulness Meditation with the Let's Meditate Initiative at Cornell Botanic Gardens at Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center
All are welcome to join this free, guided meditation session, led by Travis Winter, LCSW, in partnership with Cornell Botanic Gardens and the Nature Rx Initative. This...
Event
February 7, 2026:
Discovery Cart in the Gardens at Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center
Visit Cornell Botanic Gardens and stop by our discovery cart inside the Nevin Welcome Center or around the gardens. Learning by Leading Youth Education team members will offer...
Event
February 22, 2026:
A Garden in Winter at Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center
Come enjoy a guided walk through the Mullestein Family Winter Garden with horticulturist Emily Norsen. This unique circular garden with its raised sandstone beds is designed...
Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' (the Cayuga Nation), members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Cornell Botanic Gardens embraces and actively works to increase diversity among all the communities with which we engage.
News
Medicinal garden at Onondaga Nation School grows opportunityStudents in the Learning by Leading program engaged extensively with the Onondaga Nation School on native plants and design ideas.
Our Gardens and Natural Areas
We are responsible for the natural beauty of the Cornell University campus including cultivated gardens, an arboretum, and natural areas. Together these comprise one-third of campus, and with off-campus natural areas, a total of 3,600 acres.
What to see in winter
Winter provides a season of stillness and quiet beauty throughout our gardens and natural areas. Explore our Winter Garden and collections of plants designed to showcase winter interest.