The flower van used by the Beautification Brigade

Image by Martha Gioumousis

The planters on the Commons

Hardy hibiscus blooming on Sign Triangle

The bright zinnias and sunflowers at Purity Point

Iris blooming on Dryden Road

Community Beautification

The Tompkins County Community Beautification Program was established in 2002 with funds from the Tompkins County Tourism Program and the Hotel Room Tax, an additional 5% paid by guests at local hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts to support tourism initiatives. The goal of the program is to improve the landscaping and appearance of places where tourists might go. Visit the pages in this section to see our work.

Beautification Brigade Trainings

Trainings for 2020 were cancelled due to COVID-19 Concerns. If you would like to volunteer with us, please email us at beautification@cornell.edu.

FAQs

"Who painted your van?" and "Is this kale edible?" are just a couple of the questions our volunteers are asked. See more questions -- and answers -- here!

Ithaca Commons

These gorgeous new planters were installed on The Ithaca Commons following the renovation of this popular public space in 2016.

E. State St. Triangles

At the east end of the Commons, several roads intersect in an area known as the tuning fork, forming three triangles of land: the Aurora St. Triangle, Sign Triangle and Zelkova Triangle.

Business planters at the Kitchen Theatre are planted by Beautification volunteers each year.

Business Planting Day

Every year in early May, the Community Beautification Program offers downtown businesses the opportunity to have their containers planted with lovely and dramatic foliage and flowering plants.

Ithaca Traffic Rotary

The Rotary on Old Elmira Road is filled with spring bulbs, followed by summer flowers--a mix of annuals, perennials and ornamental grasses.

Contact

Janine Willis
Community Beautification Program Assistant
beautification@cornell.edu
(607) 272-2292

Last updated September 26, 2020