The Cornell University and the Environment statement details that Cornell will practice environmentally sound stewardship of its properties and strive to preserve and protect the biodiversity of its lands. This page is a gateway to information on land use, preservation and protection programs here at Cornell.

Environmentally Regulated Areas Map
The Environmentally Regulated Areas Map is geared to Cornell’s construction project managers. It is a visual database of information including lands that are protected or regulated, species habitats, flood zones, soil types, and more. This resource is helpful in all stages of the planning and permitting process.

Natural Areas Protection (coming soon)
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.

Wetlands Creation
The goal of preserving and enhancing the biodiversity of land that Cornell owns has led to the development and revitalization of wetland areas and habitats. These wetland programs are an important piece of Cornell’s efforts in land stewardship.

StormWater Management Wetlands 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.

The Fuller Wetlands at the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity (coming soon)
In coordination with the construction of the new Lab of Ornithology, three acres of new wetlands were created to mitigate the impact on wetland habitat during construction as well as to increase the diversity of wildlife attracted to the area.

Arnot Teaching and Research Forest (leaving ECO web)
"Embracing a conservation ethic through support of research and education that balances sustainable production and the maintenance of ecological function." In nearby Spencer New York, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences operates a 4075 acres facility. In addition to 2,400 acres of mature forest, the Arnot includes some 100 acres of open land (grass and goldenrod), 1,345 acres of old field, saplings, brush and pole timber; 170 acres of softwood plantations, 20 acres of field campus, plus 10 ponds and Banfield Creek.