Featured
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.
Update
Arboretum Seasonal Closing to Vehicles
The F.R. Newman Arboretum closes to vehicular traffic during the winter months for protection of tree collections and public safety.
Upcoming Events
Event
January 23, 2026:
Winter Wonders: Mindful Botany Walks at Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center
Join Cornell Botanic Gardens staff to observe the beauty and peacefulness of the season on these special winter versions of our popular “Mindful Botany” series. While...
Event
February 27, 2026:
Winter Wonders: Mindful Botany Walks at Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center
Join Cornell Botanic Gardens staff to observe the beauty and peacefulness of the season on these special winter versions of our popular “Mindful Botany” series. While...
Event
March 20, 2026:
Winter Wonders: Mindful Botany Walks at Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center
Join Cornell Botanic Gardens staff to observe the beauty and peacefulness of the season on these special winter versions of our popular “Mindful Botany” series. While...
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.