Research at Cornell Botanic Gardens

We are engaged in numerous research efforts to conserve plants and the cultures that sustain them. Our staff work with Cornell faculty, graduate & undergraduate students, and botanic gardens around the world to facilitate research on plants and the natural world.

FEATURED RESEARCH

Learn more about these featured research projects or search for research by specific location or key word.

Beebe Lake and Woods

Researchers have used our Beebe Lake natural area to study a variety of topics from invasive species to American crows to aquatic habitats.

Mundy Wildflower Garden

This natural area and naturalistic garden is an active research site for native plant conservation, invasive plant management, and herbivore effects on plant communities.

Robison Herb Garden

With over 500 varieties of herbs, this garden is used by faculty from many disciplines to enhance their teaching and research.

Urban Trees

Our urban tree collection showcases trees that flourish in urban environments. Research efforts have examined soil health, environmental conditions and tree health.

Climate Change Garden

This garden educates visitors about climate change and demonstrates how higher temperatures may affect plants grown in the upstate New York area.

Sustainability

Our gardens, natural areas, and our LEED gold certified Nevin Welcome Center provide ample opportunities for sustainability research.

RESEARCH Monkey Run

Biological and chemical monitoring of Fall Creek David Weinstein Community Science Institute

RESEARCH Fischer Old-growth Forest, Lick Brook, Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve, Coy Glen, Fall Creek Valley

Permanent plots to study canopy defoliation Mark Whitmore Natural Resources, Cornell University

RESEARCH

Soil Moisture Thresholds Kathryn Hofmeister Natural Resources, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University

RESEARCH Mundy Wildflower Garden

Micobial Mediation of Plant Pollinator Interactions Kyle Martin Plant Biology, Cornell University

RESEARCH

Forest Inventory and Analysis David Berger Jr. US Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service

RESEARCH Cascadilla Gorge

Transport, mixing and transformation in the environment Omar Tinoco School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Cornell University

RESEARCH

Epigenetic diversity in invasive Japanese knotweed Acer VanWallendael Fordham University

RESEARCH Monkey Run

Trapping survey for Sirex nigricornis Tonya Bittner Entomology, Cornell University

RESEARCH Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve

Swallow-wort biological control Lindsey Milbrath US Dept. of Agriculture - Agriculture Research Service

Natural Areas Research opportunities

Our natural areas provide opportunities for research across a diverse set of high-quality natural communities and rare species habitats. These sites are managed to provide research opportunities for faculty and students. 

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Garden and Plant research opportunities

Our cultivated gardens, arboretum and plant collections provide opportunities for research by faculty and students. 

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Education research opportunties

We offer a wide range of educational programs which provide opportunities for research and evaluation. 

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Natural Areas Research Application

Let us know about your proposed project in our natural areas and how we can work with you.  Researchers are required to submit a research application.

Research Application