From the very beginning, since Ezra Cornell's and A. D. White's time, the university has consulted leading urban planners and landscape architects in designing the campus's layout. The impact of planning pioneers such as Frederick Law Olmsted, who was the main mind responsible for Central Park in New York City, can be seen and felt throughout Cornell's campus.
Cornell always has upheld a tradition of environmental stewardship and protection. In addition to its administrative policies, the university's research programs are world leaders in studying how to balance human growth and economic needs with environmental and resource sustainability.
Cornell Plantations
Cornell Plantations meticulously tends 4,000 acres of botanical gardens, an arboretum, and natural areas with diverse habitats that seamlessly blend the built areas of campus in with their natural surroundings. Used for research, education, and recreation, these areas complement the university's mission
Arnot Teaching and Research Forest
Just south of Ithaca is 2,400 acres of mature forest that holds a diversity of habitats including open land, ponds, a sugarbush (for maple syrup), and stands of different types of pine.
Stormwater Management Wetland Demonstration Project
This project is along side the East Ithaca Recreation Trail and it protects nearby Cascadilla Creek. The project helped to revitalize an already existing wetland area, which is now being studied and maintained. The wetland retains and treats stormwater from the developed area on Palm Road, an area or warehouses, and building trade shops.
Fuller Wetlands
Cornell created this habitat to mitigate environmental impacts from its Lab of Ornithology. In addition to increasing the diversity of wildlife attracted to the area, the Fuller Wetlands are a living research laboratory into the creation and protection of wetlands.
Natural Areas Protection
Cornell Plantations manages 3500 acres of biologically diverse natural areas both on and off campus. This land is maintained and protected for research and education as well as for the benefit of all visitors.
