CORNELL PLANTATIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
e-mail: cu_plantations@cornell.edu
A place of exceptional diversity and opportunities, Cornell Plantations comprises the university's botanical garden, arboretum, and natural areas. Its nearly 3,000 acres include the woodlands and gorges bordering campus, as well as specialized gardens and the 100+-acre arboretum that features a field flower meadow and trees and shrubs native to New York State. Cornell Plantations provides unique outdoor laboratories and plant collections for Cornell's academic programs and research in disciplines that include agronomy, biology, ecology and systematics, entomology, floriculture and ornamental horticulture, fruit and vegetable science, geology, landscape architecture, natural resources, plant breeding, and plant pathology. While much of Cornell Plantations' resources are on or near campus, several thousand acres in and around Tompkins County preserve quality examples of native vegetation and rare plants and animals. The lands include bogs, fens, glens, swamps, wet and dry forests, vernal ponds, and meadows. Arrangements to use these areas for classes and research can be made by calling Cornell Plantations.
For those seeking less-strenuous experiences, Cornell Plantations offers relaxation, rejuvenation, and inspiration. The vast open spaces provide room to breathe; the intimate gardens shelter you. Visitors always discover surprises and learn something new in the gardens, which feature herbs, flowers, heritage and modern vegetables, international crops, weeds, alpine and rock garden plants, peonies, poisonous plants, groundcovers, rhododendrons, and plants native to the Cayuga Lake Basin.
Students are encouraged to volunteer as photographers, authors, tour guides, and gardeners. Maps, information, publications, and class brochures (for noncredit classes and workshops) are available in the Garden Gift Shop in the Lewis Headquarters Building at the botanical garden. Non-credit courses in horticulture, plant science, geology, free-hand drawing, and other natural history topics are offered throughout the year. A one-credit seminar series is offered each fall, and a three-credit course, HORT 485 Public Garden Management, is offered every other spring semester.
