Cornell Botanic Gardens is one of Cornell University’s greatest treasures. Together, our cultivated gardens, the F.R. Newman Arboretum, and protected natural areas comprise one-third of the Ithaca campus. We are a living museum, dedicated to celebrating biodiversity, raising awareness, and motivating action. Our mission is to inspire people—through cultivation, conservation, and education—and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of plants and the natural world. Every dollar we receive through our annual fund supports this mission and takes us closer to realizing our vision of a world of beauty, diversity, and hope.

Make your gift to the Botanic Gardens now
Summer walk through the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, lovingly maintained by the Cornell Botanic Gardens staff.
Summer walk through the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, lovingly maintained by the Cornell Botanic Gardens staff.
Okra pictured amongst other plantings at the Cornell Botanic Gardens. The Cornell Botanic Gardens is hosting “Seeds of Survival and Celebration: Plants and the Black Experience,” a garden installation of plants of significance to Black culture.
Okra pictured amongst other plantings at the Cornell Botanic Gardens. The Cornell Botanic Gardens is hosting “Seeds of Survival and Celebration: Plants and the Black Experience,” a garden installation of plants of significance to Black culture.
Students in the Learning by Leading program enjoying time in the natural areas.
Students in the Learning by Leading program enjoying time in the natural areas.
The F.R. Newman Arboretum from the air in fall, with Grossman Pond and Houston Pond.
The F.R. Newman Arboretum from the air in fall, with Grossman Pond and Houston Pond.

In the past, Botanic Gardens Annual Fund dollars have supported:

Future priorities for the Botanic Gardens Annual Fund include:

How the Botanic Gardens would use future gifts at the following levels:

  • $6,000will support a summer intern in the Learning by Leading program, providing opportunities to develop leadership skills and explore careers in conservation, landscape architecture, and garden stewardship.
  • $9,500will support a student co-leader in the Learning by Leading program for an entire academic year.
  • $25,000will enable the installation of a pollinator meadow in the F.R. Newman Arboretum.

Message from the director

Christopher P. Dunn, Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director

“The Botanic Gardens Annual Fund plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing Cornell’s 3,700 acres of natural landscapes, conservation efforts, and scenic beauty. From the Cascadilla Gorge Trail and Beebe Lake to Comstock Knoll and the F.R. Newman Arboretum, donations to this fund are crucial for preserving the campus environment we all cherish.

Contributions to the annual fund are instrumental in funding our day-to-day operations, enabling us to organize public programs, host informative webinars, and offer valuable student internships. In fact, approximately 20% of our operational budget relies on donations to the annual fund. We deeply appreciate the support from those who contribute to sustaining our mission.”

—Christopher P. Dunn
Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director

Contact

Connect with us to learn more about ways to give to the Cornell Botanic Gardens by contacting a member of our team.

Every dollar adds up

We can do so much more with your support this year—and every year.

Make your gift to the Botanic Gardens