Visit the Lab, Hours, Directions, Sapsucker Woods, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Take a virtual tour of the Cornell Lab

Explore Ithaca's Discovery Trail.

All Events

Wednesday, February 01, 2012 to Wednesday, February 29, 2012

"A most singular group of finches" on display

Specimens of the Galapagos finches that inspired Darwin are on display in the Visitor Center through the month of February! If you have a smartphone, youcan also scan special codes next to each specimen to hear its unique voice!
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Saturday, February 18, 2012 to Tuesday, May 01, 2012

"Shakespearean Flocks and other Follies", art exhibition by Jenny Pope

Jenny Pope is a local full-time artist known for her large, beautiful color-reduction woodcut prints, often featuring compelling juxtapositions of well-knownspecies with odd or interesting elements from their natural histories.
For this special show at the Cornell Lab, Pope has put together an exhibition that showcases her interest in endangered species, invasive species, and the bizarre mythologies that have been created to help explain the amazing things that birds do.
As she explains in her artist statement, “I make this work because I believe that with education and understanding of the environment, people will learn to respect and attach importance to our own backyards and beyond. My hope is that my work provides an interesting avenue for people to contemplate our environment.”
This exhibition is sure to be one of the highlights of the year.

We’ll be hosting a special reception on Thursday, April, 12 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. for you to meet Jenny, learn more about the color-reduction woodcut process, and enjoy light refreshments in the spring light. We hope to see you here! For more information on Jenny’s art, check out www.jpopstudios.com. ...expand entry

Saturday, February 18, 2012 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Guided Beginner Bird Walks in Sapsucker Woods

Saturdays during October-March come to Sapsucker Woods for a leisurely walk through the Sanctuary to look for birds. These walks are aimed at beginnerbird watchers, begin at 9:30 A.M., and last approximately 1-1.5 hours. Some binoculars may be available. Walks are cancelled in the case of heavy rain, thunderstorms, or other inclement weather.

WHO: You! Walks will be led by Cornell Lab of Ornithology volunteer docents
WHAT: Bird walks in Sapsucker Woods
WHERE: Meet in front of the Visitor Center at 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY
WHEN: Walks leave at 9:30 AM and last approximately 1-1.5 hrs.

Dress for the weather and bring a pair of binoculars and field guide (if you have them).

Hope to see you there! ...expand entry

Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
1-800-843-BIRD (1-800-843-2473)

The Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary is open every day, dawn to dusk.

Visitor Center Hours

Monday–Thursday: 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.
Friday: 8:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Saturday: 9:30 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Sunday: 11:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M.
Hours may change due to special events. We are closed on some holidays.

Holiday Hours

Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and December 24-January 2. Open 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. Open until 4:00 P.M. November 23.

Where to Stay

Located just minutes away from the Cornell Lab, the Courtyard by Marriott offers Lab visitors special reduced rates starting at $109. This rate is based on availability and subject to change. Free shuttle service is available to and from the Cornell Lab by appointment on the hour from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Please call 866-541-3600 and ask for the Lab of Ornithology visitors' rate, or visit the Courtyard by Marriott website.

Admission is free. We appreciate donations and member support to help with trail maintenance and local outreach programs.