The Cornell Botanic Gardens, originally established in 1935 as the Cornell Arboretum and later renamed Cornell Plantations, is a living museum that includes cultivated gardens, an arboretum, and natural areas. It also functions as an outdoor classroom for seven Cornell colleges and hosts research on pressing ecological issues.

Horticulture Coordinator Melissa Cox highlighted the diverse reasons people visit the gardens, mentioning the universal appeal of nature for activities such as sunbathing, finding solace, or simply appreciating the beauty around them.

The mission of the Cornell Botanic Gardens is to inspire individuals through cultivation, conservation, and education to understand, appreciate, and care for plants and the cultures they support. The gardens and natural areas are open free of charge year-round, from dawn to dusk, with the Nevin Welcome Center open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.