In order to attract and inspire visitors, and provide them with the opportunity to learn about plants, the natural sciences, and preservation of natural resources, Plantations staff, volunteers and advisory groups, working as a team, will develop, manage, and interpret the arboretum, botanical garden and natural areas, and will develop and maintain facilities and infrastructure in support of these goals.

Mission Statement

The purposes of Cornell Plantations are:

   To hold, manage, protect and enhance the living botanical collections and the natural areas and gorges of Cornell for the benefit and use of the university community and the public.

   To be a vital center for the plant and natural sciences on campus, presenting and interpreting these sciences through its botanical collections, natural areas, display gardens, and educational programs, and providing resources and opportunities for research, education, and cultural growth for the Cornell community.

   To represent Cornell among major botanical gardens and arboreta, and to serve as a resource for the people of New York State in fulfillment of Cornell's land grant college mandate.