The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world-renowned institution dedicated to understanding and protecting birds. It is closely affiliated with Cornell University and located on the campus in Ithaca, New York. However, the exact relationship between the Lab of Ornithology and Cornell University is often a source of confusion. In this article, we’ll examine the history and mission of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and clarify its connection to Cornell University.
Background on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology was founded in 1915 by Arthur A. Allen, an ornithology professor at Cornell University. Allen envisioned the Lab as a center for the study and appreciation of birds that would also educate the public and conserve avian wildlife.
In its early years, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology was housed in various buildings on Cornell’s campus and received funding from the university. The Scope of Ornithology, the Lab’s member magazine first published in 1936, described the Lab as the “ornithology department” of Cornell at that time.
The Lab gained more independence in the 1950s and built its current headquarters, the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity, in 1953. The construction was financed primarily by membership dues and private donations rather than Cornell funds.
Today, the Cornell Lab carries out its mission through research, education, conservation action, and citizen science programs. It manages large databases of bird observations, such as eBird, that scientists use to study bird populations and behavior. The Lab’s educational offerings include bird biology courses, training programs, and multimedia resources to engage people with birds and nature.
Relationship with Cornell University
Despite its autonomy, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology maintains close ties with Cornell University in several ways:
Funding
– The Lab receives some funding from Cornell University, though membership dues and other external sources provide more financial support. Cornell’s funding allows the Lab access to campus facilities and resources.
Staff
– Many Lab staff members have dual appointments or affiliations with Cornell academic departments, especially the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. These faculty study birds and teach ornithology courses through both the Lab and Cornell.
Facilities
– The Lab’s 175-acre campus is adjacent to Cornell’s campus and includes offices, labs, classrooms, and wildlife sanctuaries with public access. The Lab buildings are owned and maintained by Cornell.
Academics and Research
– Ornithology graduate students enrolled at Cornell take courses and conduct research through the Lab. Undergraduate students can participate in the Lab’s research too. The Lab and Cornell share access to equipment, libraries, databases, and computing facilities to facilitate collaboration.
Public Programs
– The Lab offers public education programs, lectures, and bird watching activities on and beyond Cornell’s campus. Cornell community members can easily participate.
So in many ways, the Cornell Lab functions as Cornell University’s ornithology department—but it is independently operated and funded. The Lab leverages its Cornell affiliation to access facilities and collaborate with university researchers and educators. This relationship enables its mission in science, conservation, and public education about birds.
Key Milestones in the Lab’s Relationship with Cornell
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1915 | Cornell professor Dr. Arthur A. Allen establishes the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. |
| 1953 | The Lab constructs its headquarters, the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity, with funds mostly from external donors rather than Cornell University. |
| 1970 | The Lab is officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization, with its own membership program and board of directors. |
| 2004 | Construction begins on the Lab’s Fuller Evolutionary Biology Building, made possible by a $2 million grant from Cornell and $5.5 million in external donations. |
This timeline demonstrates the Lab’s evolution toward financial and operational independence while maintaining a productive affiliation with Cornell University.
Facilities Jointly Used by the Lab and Cornell
The close relationship between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cornell University allows them to share world-class facilities in support of ornithology and broader environmental science. Some key facilities used by both include:
Macaulay Library
– This massive archive contains audio and video recordings representing 95% of the world’s bird species. The library advances research and education about animal behavior.
Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary
– This preserve provides critical bird habitat and offers public access for recreation, including more than four miles of trails.
Center for Conservation Bioacoustics
– Researchers utilize the center’s specialized sound analysis technology and computing power to study wildlife and environments through sound recordings.
Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates
– The museum holds 150,000 specimens, including extinct and rare birds. The collection serves as an invaluable reference for taxonomy and evolution studies.
Imaging Facility
– Shared microscopes, cameras, and other imaging equipment allow high-resolution visualization of specimens. Advanced imaging aids ornithology and biodiversity research.
These shared resources maximize efficiency, innovation, and scientific impact for both the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cornell University. Their collaboration facilitates groundbreaking discoveries about birds, wildlife, and ecology.
Notable Cornell Lab and Cornell University Collaborations
Project FeederWatch
– This long-running citizen science program allows the public to contribute data on bird populations while learning about their backyards. Cornell researchers helped design the project methodology.
Birds of North America Publication
– Cornell Lab scientists and university faculty collaborated on this seminal book series describing the range, behavior, and ecology of over 700 bird species.
Cornell Nest Cams
– Live streams of birds nesting on campus provide entertainment while enabling researchers to study breeding behavior without disturbance. The cams are a beloved collaboration.
Cornell Ornithology and Canisius Ambassadors
– Cornell undergraduates visit local high school classrooms with Lab educators to teach interactive bird curricula, gaining communication experience.
Cornell Atlas of Birds
– This new book highlights Cornell’s collection of bird photos, specimens, and sound recordings to depict avian diversity. University museums and the Macaulay Library contributed content.
From citizen science to student outreach to ornithological references, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cornell University partners produce resources that motivate public interest in birds and generate knowledge to conserve them. Their combined strengths advance environmental education and research.
Conclusion
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology originated as Cornell University’s ornithology department, but over a century evolved into an autonomous institute that retains productive ties with the university. Though independently operated with its own funding sources, facilities, and mission, the Cornell Lab leverages its special affiliation with Cornell University to access resources and collaborate with leading researchers and educators in ornithology and environmental science. This relationship strengthens both institutions’ abilities to study birds, share scientific findings, train future scientists, engage the public, and protect avian wildlife. From classrooms to cutting-edge laboratories to multimedia bird education, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cornell University work together to deepen human understanding of the natural world.
