Cornell Library Exhibits Highlight Biodiversity Conservation

Three new exhibits explore threats to wildlife and efforts to protect endangered species

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:35am

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the interconnected web of life and the complex challenges facing Earth's ecosystems.An abstract artistic rendering of the delicate ecosystems and intricate natural forces that sustain global biodiversity, as explored in Cornell's new library exhibits.NYC Today

Three new Cornell University Library exhibits explore the beauty and fragility of Earth's biodiversity, from elusive species on other continents to wildlife in our own backyards. The exhibits use historical materials, photographs, illustrations, and specimens to chronicle threats to wildlife and showcase conservation efforts to combat those threats.

Why it matters

These exhibits aim to change public perception about endangered species, showing that biodiversity loss is not just an issue for 'exotic, faraway species' but also impacts local wildlife. By highlighting conservation successes and ways for the public to get involved, the exhibits hope to build support for protecting threatened species and habitats.

The details

The exhibits include 'Going to Gone: Earth's Biodiversity Loss and What We Can Do About It' in the Mann Library lobby, 'Keeping Common Birds Common: Birds and Habitat at Cornell Botanic Gardens and Beyond' on the first floor, and 'Last Call: Bird Decline and the Threat of Extinction' in the main gallery on the second floor. The exhibits feature historical materials, photographs, illustrations, and specimens to tell stories of endangered and extinct species as well as conservation success stories.

  • The exhibits will launch with an opening celebration on April 16, 2026 at Mann Library.
  • The Elizabeth Rowley Lecture 'Keeping Our Common Birds Common' by Douglas Tallamy will be held on April 26, 2026 at 3 p.m. in the Call Auditorium in Kennedy Hall.

The players

Paul Jensen

A collections management and exhibits research assistant at Mann Library who co-curated the 'Going to Gone' exhibit.

Marie Read

A wildlife photographer and retired editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology who contributed photos to the 'Keeping Common Birds Common' exhibit.

Sonja Skelly

The director of education and academic initiatives at the Cornell Botanic Gardens and an adjunct assistant professor who co-curated the 'Keeping Common Birds Common' exhibit.

Irby Lovette

The director of the Cornell Museum of Vertebrates and a co-curator of the 'Last Call: Bird Decline and the Threat of Extinction' exhibit.

Mike Webster

The director of the Macaulay Library who collaborated on the 'Last Call' exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“Through this exhibit, I hope we can change the perception of endangerment and extinction as only affecting exotic, faraway species to something that also happens right in the places we call home.”

— Paul Jensen, Collections management and exhibits research assistant, Mann Library

“When you combine the two, you can reach more people more effectively.”

— Sonja Skelly, Director of education and academic initiatives, Cornell Botanic Gardens

“Sadly, in some cases our museum specimens are the only physical evidence that remains of species that are now completely extinct, making them both scientific resources and powerful reminders of what has been lost.”

— Irby Lovette, Director, Cornell Museum of Vertebrates

“To me the important thing is that there is hope. The exhibit shows heartbreaking stories of birds that have been lost, never to be seen or heard again, but also stories of birds that were teetering on the brink but have come back.”

— Mike Webster, Director, Macaulay Library

What’s next

The exhibits will be on display at Mann Library throughout the spring and summer of 2026. The opening celebration on April 16 will feature a talk by Cornell Lab of Ornithology researcher Jordan Boersma titled 'Finding Hope in the Search for Lost Birds'.

The takeaway

These exhibits highlight the fragility of Earth's biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation action, but also showcase inspiring stories of species that have been brought back from the brink of extinction. By engaging the public through art, science, and personal narratives, the exhibits aim to build support for protecting threatened habitats and wildlife, both locally and globally.