For 100 years, our gardens, arboretum, and natural areas have served as a living museum—celebrating biodiversity, raising awareness, and motivating action. Together, our cultivated gardens, the F.R. Newman Arboretum, and more than 3,700 acres of protected natural areas comprise one-third of the Ithaca campus.

As we mark our centennial, we honor a century of inspiring people through cultivation, conservation, and education—and we look to the future with renewed purpose. Our mission is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of plants and the natural world.

Every gift we receive through our annual fund supports this mission and fuels our vision of a world filled with beauty, diversity, and hope.

Make your gift to the Botanic Gardens now
A Learning by Leading student takes notes in the field.
A Learning by Leading student takes notes in the field.
Aerial view of the Mullstein Winter Garden, Young Flower Garden and Robison Herb Garden.
Aerial view of the Mullstein Winter Garden, Young Flower Garden and Robison Herb Garden. Photo: Ryan Young / Cornell University
Our staff leading a tour of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail.
Our staff leading a tour of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail.
Comstock Knoll in full bloom.
Comstock Knoll in full bloom. Photo: Ryan Young / Cornell University)
Cornell Botanic Gardens's Native Lawn demonstration area.
Cornell Botanic Gardens’s Native Lawn demonstration area.

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

“Gifts to the Botanic Gardens Annual Fund help keep our 3,700 acres of gardens, natural areas, and trails thriving. Your support powers everything from hands-on student learning opportunities and critical conservation work to public events that connect people with nature. Because of our annual fund, we are able to keep Cornell Botanic Gardens free and accessible to all. Every gift makes a difference—and we’re so grateful to those who help bring our mission to life every day.”

—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