New York: The Cornell Plantations

As mentioned in a previous post, when we visited Cornell in Ithaca New York we spent time in three natural areas managed by Cornell, The Ornithology Lab, The Cornell Plantations, and the Fall Creek Gorge with it's multiple waterfalls.  Due to the length I'll deal with each in a separate posting.  Here I'll cover the Cornell Plantations.

Welcome Center
photo from Cornell's website

It always helps to have a plan so our first stop was the Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center and you can't miss this with the unique architecture.  The building and surrounding vegetation promises an adventure.  After speaking with a host and obtaining a map we exited to the gardens.

One of the many gardens
Herbal Flowers

 Passing through a few shrubs, all labeled, we entered an herb garden; however, with the bright blossoms one tends to forget these are medicinal herbs.  I could have stayed here all day enjoying the picture show provided by mother nature.  However, after admiring these beauties we strolled through a traditional herb garden and on to another flower garden.  The area is hilly and these gardens were carved into the hill with flat spaces and stone walkways.

Bright with bloom
the flowers are amazing

Crossing the road we entered the shrub area which appeared manicured at first glance but that was not the case.  The master gardener designed the area so each shrub would be the perfect size and not require pruning.  There were no clip marks, only evidence of full growth.

Tastefully arranged shrubs and herbs
no need to manicure these

We continued on into the natural woods which were rather dark due to the tall trees.  Again many trees were labeled but there was no evidence of planned planting.  In this area Mother Nature seemed to have full range.  Here we descended a hill into a deeper forest before hearing the rush of water.

Fall Creek runs through the Cornell Plantations

Following the sound of water we happened on a trail that followed the edge of Fall Creek to the bridge that initially brought us into the area.  I must say Fall Creek is delightful whether you are in the gorge or simply along the river's edge.  And there are ample falls along the full range of this creek.

In most areas the herbs, vegetables,
shrubs, and trees are identified

Being time to return for our next adventure we returned along the river to the main gardens.  After a stop in the Welcome Center to say thank you.  In speaking with the host he recommended we see the Fall Creek Gorge and provided a map and directions.  So, once again we were on our way with many wonderful memories.