News
"Botanical Mandalas" on display in the Nevin Welcome Center
Learn more about Daniel's images at www.sculptedimage.com.
Plantations Road Closed at Judd Falls Road until August 15
Plantations Road at Judd Falls Road will be closed from July 8th - August 15th. Cornell Plantations' botanical garden and Nevin Welcome Center REMAIN OPEN and can be accessed from Plantations Road at Forest Home Drive. For information or questions, please call 607-255-2400.
Click on image to enlarge.
Flood watch
Flash flood watch: With the rain we've received and the potential for more showers, thunderstorms and torrential rainfall, all members of the community are reminded that gorges and trails may be dangerous during storms. Remember to stay on trails or within designated areas, swimming is prohibited, and do not walk on closed trails or other restricted areas marked by fences, gates and railings. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Please check the Special Conditions page for further updates.
Plantations Welcomes Chris Wien as Interim Director
Rakow, who joined Cornell Plantations more than 20 years ago, will return full time to the Department of Horticulture. Reflecting on his tenure, Rakow said: “Our growth, even through budget limitations and challenging economic climates, has certainly been among my greatest satisfactions. For so much of this, I credit Plantations’ amazing staff and our incredibly generous donors and advisors.”
“Don’s leadership has been a key part of the transformation of Cornell Plantations in the last two decades. I am grateful for his expertise, enthusiasm and partnership,” said Kathryn Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The Plantations has established a new fund in his honor.
Get an update on the Cascadilla Gorge trail repairs
Most of the Cascadilla Gorge trail between downtown Ithaca and Collegetown has been closed since 2009 for extensive repairs, but reopening is expected this fall. For a complete update on this project, read the June 20 Ithaca Journal article, "Cascadilla trail's ends to be reunited," or listen to this June 21 radio interivew with Cornell Plantations Natural Areas director Todd Bittner on 1160AM ESPN ithaca.
Gorge work, stewards increase safety of natural areas
Work on trail improvements in Cascadilla Gorge is near completion. Get an update on this and the summer gorge steward program in the June 13 Cornell Chronicle article, "Gorge work, stewards increase safety of natural areas."
Celebrate Don Rakow’s 20 Years of Leadership
At the suggestion of many of our members and friends, we are establishing a new fund in Don Rakow’s honor at Cornell Plantations. Charitable gifts,memberships, and endowment income provide 80% of Plantations' operating budget. Your gift will help Plantations continue to create beautiful gardens, preserve irreplaceable natural areas, and offer unique programs about the importance of plants in our lives.
To make a gift in honor of Don, please click here or send a check to Cornell Plantations, Attn: Beth Anderson, 1 Plantations Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850. For more information, contact Beth Anderson or call 607-254-4727.
Click here to read more about Don's accomplishments.