flowers at the rotary
Image by Janine Willis

The Rotary on Old Elmira Rd is sponsored by Ithaca Rotary Club.

Pump house planting

The Pump House is sponsored by NYSEG.

Sponsor a Beautification Site

Since its inception, the Beautification Program has been supported by funds from the Tompkins County Tourism Program. This funding is expected to continue at its present level and support the existing program.

As the Beautification Program looks to expand its plantings and reach throughout the City of Ithaca and surrounding areas, we are seeking additional funding sources, including sponsorship of existing and new planting sites by businesses, groups and individuals. Funds will be used to support new plantings as well as to add staff to the program.

Sponsorships are on an annual basis and benefits include visibility and branding at the planting site, as well as recognition on the Beautification Program website.

See more about existing plantings and current sponsors at Ithaca Public Plantings.

Sponsorship Levels

  • Existing Sites:  A range of sponsorship from $250 for a small site to large $1,500.
  • New Sites: A range of sponsorship specific to the site from $400 to large $2,500.
  • Container Planters:  Containers include existing or new W. State, N. & S. Cayuga St planter boxes adjacent to street trees, and Commons moveable planter boxes.

The Ithaca Rotary Club has sponsored the Rotary planting with a cash contribution since 2015, prompting the Rotary Rotary designation.

Adopt A Planting Site

Specific adoption opportunities also exist for groups who wish to provide gardening work on the sites: planting, weeding, watering and picking up trash throughout the season (typically April through November). The Beautification Program will work with groups to provide the work. Adoptions are on an annual basis and will be recognized with a metal sign visible in the site as well as recognition on the Beautification Program website.

The Pump House has been adopted by NYSEG since 2015, providing plants, sculpture, a Star Magnolia tree, trellises, a bird house, a garden bench and garden care. A second Pump House on Cherry St. has also been established. A native and pollinator planting in 2018 at Brindley Park by the flood control channel behind Cayuga Medical Center/Island Fitness is also sponsored by NYSEG.

Contact

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

Last updated February 7, 2024