Cornell University

Nature Rx

Holistic well-being through connection with nature

Lush garden surrounded by stone works

Willard Straight Rock Garden

Activities:
Meditation, Relaxation
Difficulty:
While the garden is small in size, its stone stairs and changes of terrain require that one is mindful of what’s underfoot to avoid tripping hazards.
Duration:
One can walk the garden in as little as five minutes or linger for an hour while forgetting about assignments that are due.
Distance from You:
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Campus Nature

The Willard Straight Rock Garden was created in 1933 by Edith Ouzt, then social director of Willard Straight Hall. It was redesigned in the 1980’s by faculty and students from the departments of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture. Much of the garden lines the banks of the waterfall-filled stream known as Wee Stinky Creek (a name that harkens back to when the College of Veterinary Science was located nearby and drained chemicals and animal waste into the creek). Among the garden’s treasures are a fine weeping hemlock, mature tulip trees, dwarf conifers, flowering shrubs, and colorful perennials. The somewhat unkempt condition of the current garden lends it a romantic air, a perfect spot for moonlit strolls.

Campus Nature

The Willard Straight Rock Garden was created in 1933 by Edith Ouzt, then social director of Willard Straight Hall. It was redesigned in the 1980’s by faculty and students from the departments of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture. Much of the garden lines the banks of the waterfall-filled stream known as Wee Stinky Creek (a name that harkens back to when the College of Veterinary Science was located nearby and drained chemicals and animal waste into the creek). Among the garden’s treasures are a fine weeping hemlock, mature tulip trees, dwarf conifers, flowering shrubs, and colorful perennials. The somewhat unkempt condition of the current garden lends it a romantic air, a perfect spot for moonlit strolls.

Highlights

Without entering the garden, one can view it from Ho Plaza. Within the garden, the best views are from the bench at the top which allows one to take in the entire garden and parts of Libe Slope below.

Entrance

From either Ho Plaza at the top or the side door of Willard Straight Hall.