Membership
Cornell Botanic Gardens is open to everyone, free of charge, so we rely on support from our members and other donors to fund all of our programs. Memberships, charitable gifts and endowment income provide 85% of our operating budget and strengthen every aspect of our mission. Your annual membership gift enables us to create beautiful gardens, preserve irreplaceable natural areas, and offer unique programs for people of all ages about the importance of plants in our lives.
Benefits for ALL Members:
- Free admission to our summer drop-in garden tours
- Lower registration fees for our classes and workshops
- Discounts at the Garden Gift Shop in the Nevin Welcome Center
- Discounts at Ithaca-area garden centers
- Reciprocal benefits at 300+ Public Gardens in North America
- Invitations to art exhibit openings and special member-only events
- Expert advice and expanding knowledge through our e-newsletter and other publications
3 easy ways to join Cornell Botanic Gardens:
- Join online below!
- Print and mail membership form with your check.
- Call us at (607) 255-8734.
Membership Levels
Please click on the level of your choice to make your membership gift through Cornell's secure website.
IRIS
All of the benefits above
- $75 Family membership (2 membership cards)
- $50 Individual membership
IRIS for students, seniors (65+), or Botanic Gardens volunteers:
- $50 Family membership (2 membership cards)
- $25 Individual membership
PEONY ($100 - $249)
All benefits above, plus:
- $20 registration credit for one class or workshop program
AZALEA ($250 - $499)
All benefits above, plus:
- Museum Reciprocal Benefits at over 800 cultural institutions
TRILLIUM ($500 - $999)
All benefits above, plus:
- Free IRIS gift membership for a friend
- Recognition by Cornell University's Charter Society
OAK ($1,000 - $2,499)
All benefits above, plus:
- Private garden or natural area tour for up to 10 people
- Recognition by Cornell University's Quadrangle Club
CASCADILLA CIRCLE ($5,000 or more)
All benefits above, plus:
- Private garden or natural area tour led by our Executive Director for up to 20 people, including a reception wtih light refreshments
- Discount on our facility rental rates
- Recognition by Cornell University's Tower Club
Garden Center Discounts
Show your membership card at Ithaca Agway, Baker's Acres, Cayuga Landscape, Der Rosenmeister, Magic Garden, GreenTree, The Plantsmen, or R.C.'s Plants & Produce and receive a 10% discount on the purchase of regular-price plants, gardening supplies and materials, up to $500 (maximum discount $50). Discount cannot be used with any other rewards program, and does not apply to sale or already-discounted items, everyday low-priced items, power tools and equipment, delivery fees, installation, design-build, and/or landscape maintenance services.
Public Garden Reciprocal Benefits
Do you enjoy visiting other public gardens when you travel? Show your Cornell Botanic Gardens membership card to gain free or discounted admission and other benefits at more than 300 beautiful destinations across North America!
When you join Cornell Botanic Gardens, you'll receive the American Horticultural Society (AHS) Reciprocal Gardens Brochure, which lists all participating living museums. The list is also updated regularly on the AHS online directory.
Museum Reciprocal Benefits
Donors of $250 or more also receive free admission and member discounts at over 800 museums and cultural institutions in North America, through our partnership with the North American Reciprocal Museums Association (NARM) and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM).