Cornell’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Aviary Approved in Ithaca 

The Town of Ithaca’s Planning Board has approved Cornell University’s plans for a new 6,816-square-foot Wildlife Rehabilitation Aviary, to be located adjacent to the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital on Hungerford Hill Road.  

The specialized facility will expand Cornell’s ability to care for and rehabilitate large raptors, including eagles, with the goal of safely returning them to their natural habitats.

The aviary will include five rehabilitation mews, a large flight area, and site improvements such as ADA-compliant sidewalks, a gravel fire access drive, stormwater management facilities, and outdoor lighting. Constructed with open-air wood-slat siding, the design will expose recovering birds to natural conditions, preparing them for release back into the wild.  

Bohler’s Rochester team provided key site civil and design services, including a topographic survey; grading, drainage, and stormwater/SWPPP design; electric and water service utility connections; and the layout of ADA-compliant sidewalks with ramps, handrails, and steps connecting the aviary to the main hospital. Bohler also prepared the application documents for the Town.  

One of the project’s unique challenges involved meeting the Town of Ithaca’s rigorous stormwater mitigation standards, which exceed those of NYSDEC. With limited land area available for stormwater controls, Bohler developed creative solutions to satisfy requirements under the close review of the Town Engineer.  

Now approved, the aviary represents a significant enhancement to Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. It will provide a dedicated space for rehabilitating injured raptors and other large-flighted birds, ensuring they are well-prepared for a successful return to the wild.