Featured
News
Ari Novy named executive director of Cornell Botanic Gardens
Biologist, science educator, will lead the botanic gardens starting March 1st, 2026
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...
Upcoming Events
Event
February 20, 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 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...
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...
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.