Rakow, Donald A.

Associate Professor
In addition to serving as the Elizabeth Newman Wilds Director of Cornell Plantations, I conduct research and write on the scientific and cultural implications of the history of public gardens in Europe and America, as well as on the creation and management of public gardens.

research

research and scholarship focus

I research the rise of public gardens in Europe and America, and how these movements reflect societal developments in science, technology, religion, and cultural attitidues.,I research the rise of public gardens in Europe and America, and how these movements reflect societal developments in science, technology, religion, and cultural attitidues.

primary investigator of

affiliations

head of

faculty appointment in

administrative appointment

member of graduate field

other Cornell affiliations

teaching

teaching focus

My instruction focuses on all aspects of public garden manageemnt and related issues.,My instruction focuses on all aspects of public garden manageemnt and related issues.

service

current professional activities

American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta
  • Member, Board of Directors, 1999-2002
  • Chair, College and University Gardens Committee
  • Chair, Awards Committee

International Society of Arboriculture

  • Arboricultural Research and Education Committee
  • I.S.A. Certification Exam Committee

background

educational background

  • Ph.D. Ornamental Horticulture, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. 1987.
  • M.P.S. Ornamental Horticulture, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. 1977.
  • B.A. English, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 1973.

awards and distinctions

  • Scholars Award, New York State Arborists, 1992
  • Outstanding New Extension Publication Award, New York State Association of County Agricultural Agents, for "Pruning: An Illustrated Guide to Pruning Trees and Shrubs," jointly with Richard Weir, 1991
Keywords: ecological horticulture, garden administration, garden history, human-plant interactions, public gardens