The Cary Institute keeps Millbrook in step with the future

MILLBROOK— Millbrook has some well-kept secrets, or partial secrets, of places, people and institutions that are important to the community but may not be commonly known.

Trevor Zoo, at the Millbrook School comes to mind. So does the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. While many residents make occasional treks to the facility, aside from the fact that it is a research facility on Route 44, it remains something of a mystery.

The Cary is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, so it’s no stranger to the area. But the scope of its programs, what it does and how it does it, is not that well known. Its research is extensive, and deals in many issues of urgent importance in the region, such as streams, vegetation, trees, pests and infectious diseases.

The Cary Institute lists its goals as understanding the ecological system, providing information and education, and in the process of educating, helping to solve ecological problems and to enhance the ecological literacy of students, policy makers, and the general public. It also works toward training the ecologists and resource managers of the future.

Some residents attend Friday Nights at Cary, free forums that are given once a month. The talks often touch upon such topics as climate change, the health of area freshwaters, invasive species of plants and vegetation found in this area, as well as urban ecology, infectious diseases and biochemistry.

Resident Howard Schuman, a member of the town of Washington’s Conservation Advisory Committee (CAC), spoke of the Cary’s role in the community.

“My experiences with the Cary Institute have always been positive. Over the years, several of their experts have served on the CAC bringing their best particular expertise to bear on issues before us,” he said. “It’s nice to know that you have world-class experts on environmental issues available in your community whom you can call on if needed. The Cary Institute also acts as a protective steward for large tracts of environmentally sensitive areas as well as much needed open space for our local plants and animals — it’s a part of the cachet and ambiance that makes Millbrook, Millbrook.”

Under the direction of Cary President Joshua Ginsberg, it is one of the largest ecological programs worldwide. Its scientists and researchers contribute articles and writings that are lauded and discussed globally, and help to integrate ecological thinking with classroom instruction.

Cary’s widely respected and acclaimed scientists and research experts travel around the globe to bring back and share the knowledge they collect, all of it pertinent to this locality.

Aside from having a campus that is almost 2,000 acres, Cary also employs, counting seasonal workers, about 123 people, many of whom live in Millbrook or nearby. Their children attend local schools, and they are an integral part of the community.

Millbrook Mayor Rodney Brown had this to say about Cary.

“The Cary Institute, having been a member of the town of Washington community since the early ‘80s, is the type of neighbor that is instrumental in maintaining a large tract of property for educational purposes,” he said. “The village residents and guests can visit and participate via the institute’s events that are highly educational, free and which generally attract a full house.

“The research industry is highly sought out as a partner to the community because of the intrinsic value,” he added, “not necessarily monetary value although the events do generate traffic and expose the goodness of our village and community to persons not familiar with the area.”  

For the past 31 years, Cary  has hosted a research program for undergraduate students at its campus over twelve weeks of summer. Working with mentors, the students create a project, carry out research, learn to analyze data and finally present their findings at a symposium.

The program is funded by the National Science Foundation and students from all over apply. Those selected earn a small stipend, along with room and board at the institute, perhaps inspiring future scientists who may very well contribute to the good of mankind. 

Some recent programs have included a Forest Ecology Walk, which was a part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble with forest ecologist Charles Canham. 

Another was about invasive species, and understanding the impact some of these species have on local waterways and forests.

Climate change was another subject, addressing the need to prepare for the future, including extreme weather and species shifts. 

Yet another program discussed water quality and the need to keep waters clean and safe for people and animals.

The projects are funded by various federal agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and various other private, state and county agencies. Private donations are also welcome, with more information available online.

More information can be found at www.caryinstitute.org.