Exploring eco-science at the Cary Institute

The Cary Institute’s headquarters, the Tozer Ecosystem Science Building, at dawn.
Courtesy Cary Institute of Ecosystem studies/Photo by Seamus Payne
The Cary Institute’s headquarters, the Tozer Ecosystem Science Building, at dawn.
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is well known in Millbrook and the area surrounding it for its 2,000 acres of nature walks, trails, ferns and plants as well as its many forums and presentations.
Over the past few years, the institute was completely renovated. There are new buildings clad in copper; a courtyard; and progressing nicely, a field of native pollinating plants.
What is most important about Cary, however, is what we don’t see: the work that goes on in labs, in fields and streams, not just in this area but across the world. President Joshua Ginsberg is justly proud that Cary is a force behind much of the research concerning important ecological issues of the day and how that research can impact local, state, federal and international laws and decisions.
It is difficult to prioritize Cary’s research and contributions to science and the environment; all of the projects are important.
Cary was founded in 1983 by Gene Likens, the co-discoverer of acid rain in North America. His research and experiments on precipitation and chemistry in streamwater, carried on in the 1960s at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, became the foundation in shaping environmental legislation. He was an advisor to governors in New York, New Hampshire and Connecticut as well as advisor to a U.S. president and the author of 26 books and more than 600 scientific papers, and was awarded the National Medal of Science by President George W. Bush in 2001
His research strongly influenced the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which greatly expanded federal control of toxic air pollutants. To this day, Cary is known for having the longest running continuous data set on acid rain.
Invasive insects
Cary was instrumental in taking the initiative on researching invasive forest pests that come into the U.S. by various means. The late Cary scientist Gary Lovett perceived the problem of invasive species early on; New York state had the more new invasive pests in their forests than any other — 62 types were discovered in the state. These pests, such as the Asian long-horned beetle, discovered in 1996 in Brooklyn, the hemlock woolly adelgid, the emerald ash borer and others, come in through international trade, in lumber and packaging and in live trees and plants.
Scientists sought to strengthen laws regarding the problem, and brought attention to it in highlighting the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. Yet the problem persists; just recently in this area, there was a huge problem with the spongy moth and the spotted lanternfly.
Lovett was concerned that not enough was being done and a set of science-based policies were developed, and recommendations made, to block the importation of insects and diseases brought in through international trade systems. Cary scientists, along with others, continues to work with legislators and through partnership to implement Tree-SMART Trade legislation.
A petition was started April 8, 2022, to ask Congress to do something about it. With Lovett and Cary Institute spearheading the petition, it was delivered with over 1,700 signatures to the House and Senate agricultural committees, requesting action be taken in the form of a congressional hearing on these invasive forest pests. On April 4, 2023, a bill was introduced to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for action by the Senate.
Foliage fans
Cary scientists understand the importance of trees in ecology. They are studying the impact of forest fires on our ecological system. They conduct research in the U.S. and around the world.
When rain forests below the equator are burned or plundered, we lose all the potential medicines and other undiscovered treasures that they’re hiding.
Trees produce shade, which cools temperatures, and they release water vapor through their leaves. This also helps cool the air. This has an effect on energy costs for the consumer. With three carefully placed trees, a homeowner can save $100-$250 yearly on energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, releasing the oxygen back into the air and storing the carbon. This helps in reducing the effects of climate change. A mature tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide and will provide oxygen in its place.
Animals also benefit from trees, as a source of both shelter and food. Trees produce fruits and nuts, as well as some spices, which we use daily, and provide lumber for building.
Water protection
Water is an element we can’t live without. Emma Rosi, recently retired from Cary, studied how failing wastewater infrastructure plays a part in polluting streams and creating antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” Rosi’s research showed how prescription and illicit drugs that invade our waterways impact freshwater quality and the aquatic life it should support.
After earning her master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Georgia, Rosi took on a leading role in the area of freshwater science and researching how emerging contaminants shape these systems. She has served on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board.
Disease prediction
Joining the Cary Institute in 2014, Barbara Han got her doctorate in zoology from Oregon State University. Her research involves ecology, global health and computing, all of which she uses to predict outbreaks of new zoonotic diseases, the ones that jump from animals to humans. Of the many cases reported each year — over 1 billion — most can be attributed to zoonotic pathogens.
Han has partnered with collaborators at IBM and NASA on predicting global disease and has also helped the U.S. government and the World Health Organization to apply this specialized research to disease prevention.
Lyme prevention
Richard Ostfeld and Cary Institute partnered with Bard College, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New York State Department of Health and the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health on The Tick Project, a five-year study that began in 2016 to find out if neighborhood-based prevention would have an effect on the amount of cases of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases were contracted.
Simple methods believed to be safe for the environment were used on both humans and pets. Twenty-four neighborhoods were chosen to participate, each consisting of 6 to 10 blocks. They used bait boxes to catch rodents and MET52 insecticide spray. The number of ticks in the yards with bait boxes was reduced to about half the usual number, while the spray had no effect on the number of ticks found. Neither method had an effect on people’s incidences with ticks, but pets’ diseases from tick-borne infection was lower by about 50% in yards using either the traps or the spray.
Cary is a nonprofit. Its website at caryinstitute.org includes forums, scientific papers, biographies and notes on its scientists as well as a place to donate.
AMENIA — The first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School went smoothly, with teachers enthusiastically greeting the eager young students disembarking from buses. Excitement was measurable, with only a few tears from parents, but school began anyway.
Ready for her first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School, Liliana Cawley, 7, would soon join her second grade class, but first she posed for a photo to mark the occasion.Photo by Leila Hawken
Demitasse owner Hayden McIntosh Geer said she is excited by the shift to online sales.
MILLERTON — Some might have argued that launching an in-person retail business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t advisable. But against all odds, Demitasse in Millerton managed not only to build a thriving, mission-based brand in a small storefront on Main Street, it developed a loyal customer base and provided a welcoming space for visitors. Last week, Demitasse announced it is closing-up shop and moving fully online.
“We are excited,” said owner Hayden McIntosh Geer, who opened Demitasse with her husband, Richard, in 2020. “Though we will miss our customers and the camaraderie on Main Street, it feels right and there was no second guessing.”
The building that houses Demitasse and neighboring Candy-O’s is on the market, leaving the future uncertain. Geer said she and Richard will continue supporting their favorite Millerton spots, now with more time to enjoy local businesses and neighbors.
Known for its carefully selected gifts and home goods, Demitasse has received frequent praise for its curation. Yet Geer is quick to deflect. “I didn’t know I was creative until I opened the store,” she joked. “When anyone talks about the curation I just point to the makers. They are the ones who create the beautiful items that hold purpose and intention. That’s what made our place special.”
The decision to open a gift shop was never part of a master plan, Geer said. “We found our way as we went along and it happened very organically.” But from day one, she knew she wanted to support marginalized artists and makers.
Demitasse owner Hayden McIntosh Geer, right, and her husband, Richard, sitting on the bench in front of the Main Street storefront. Photo by Jessica Yurko
For example, Sidai Designs, which makes beaded jewelry in Africa, provides work for 120 Maasai women and helps support their communities. Maison d’Haiti, which produces handcrafted goods in Haiti, employs nearly 100 women at fair-trade wages, giving them a reliable income through sales in the U.S. and Haiti.
One of the highlights of having a storefront — and a true testament to what she and her husband had created — came when the editor of a major culture and lifestyle magazine told Geer how much she loved shopping at Demitasse for its quality and mission-driven products.
“I could have quit right there,” Geer joked, reflecting on the highs and lows of the last five years.
Just as thoughtfully as the products were curated, every element of the store reflected care and craftsmanship. Hayden and Richard incorporated their tastes and skills into every nook and cranny, including shelving made from reclaimed wood from their home. Some of those shelves now have a new life at The Beehive, a boutique in Mount Kisco, New York.
Today, their digital shelves continue to highlight a diverse range of makers, with biographical details available on each product listing. The website carries the same aesthetic found in-store, maintaining the mission to support LGBTQ+ makers, environmentally friendly products, and Black- and women-owned businesses.
Looking ahead, Geer says, “We want people to know that if they enjoyed shopping in our store, they’ll love our website.” Shoppers can still expect beautiful gift wrapping and flexible exchange policies, and Geer is offering personal deliveries within driving distance on a limited basis.
Above all, Geer says her heart is full of gratitude for her customers. “They came in, shared life stories and became friends. We love Millerton, and I hope people will remain in touch.”
Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik shows off the new gear. Brand new police cruisers arrived last week.
MILLERTON — The Millerton Police Department has received two new patrol cars to replace vehicles destroyed in the February 2025 fire at the Village Water and Highway Department.
The new Ford Interceptors are custom-built for law enforcement. “They’re more rugged than a Ford Explorer,” said Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik, noting the all-wheel drive, heavy-duty suspension and larger tires and engine. “They call it the ‘Police Package.’”
Olenik worked with The Cruiser’s Division in Mamaroneck, New York, to design the vehicles.
“We really want to thank the Pine Plains Police Department for their tremendous support,” Olenik said. After the fire, “they were the first ones to come forward and offer help.”
The new police cruisers are outfitted with lights with automatically adjusting brightness to best perform in ambient conditions.Photo by Aly Morrissey
Since February, Millerton officers have been borrowing a patrol car from Pine Plains. With the new vehicles now in service, Olenik said he plans to thank Pine Plains officers by treating them to dinner at Four Brothers in Amenia and having their car detailed
Erin Rollins of Millbrook in the Fashion Feed booth, open year round, at the Millbrook Antiques Mall. All proceeds from Fashion Feeds go to the Food of Life Pantry.
MILLBROOK – In a time when optimism and unity can feel elusive, sometimes a walk down Franklin Avenue is enough to feed the soul. With Millbrook Community Day just around the corner, one highlight will be Fashion Feeds, a community effort led by Millbrook native Erin Rollins, whose mission is to fight local hunger.
The concept is simple. People donate new or gently used designer fashion, which is sold at affordable prices, and all proceeds benefit The Food of Life/Comida de Vida Pantry at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia.
Since hosting her first charitable clothing swap 12 years ago, Rollins has raised nearly $100,000 for the pantry. She expects to hit six figures this month.
“Food insecurity is a real issue, and when I’m able to walk into the church and hand over money to a need that is so significant, it fills my cup,” Rollins said.
Fashion Feeds plays a vital role in sustaining the pantry, which serves 653 individuals from 156 households each week. Rev. AJ Stack, priest-in-charge at St. Thomas Episcopal Church and executive director of the Food of Life Pantry, said Fashion Feeds has become one of the pantry’s most successful fundraisers. “With the rising costs of food, housing, healthcare, and transportation, food pantries have become essential for families’ survival,” Stack said.
Fashion Feeds clothing is available year-round at the Millbrook Antiques Mall, but the annual pop-up will take place during Community Day. This year’s sale runs Sept. 18-20, featuring racks of one-of-a-kind finds on the patio and inside Corcoran Country Living from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
New this year is a $25 pre-sale Sip & Shop, which includes a glass of prosecco or sparkling water and early access before doors officially open Friday morning.
From J.Crew to Giorgio Armani, shoppers can find designer clothing and accessories at unbeatable prices — from $5 to the thousands — with every dollar going to local families.
An interior designer by trade, Rollins backs up her artistic eye with research to ensure garments and accessories are priced to sell, while also respecting the value of each donation.
“It’s time-consuming,” Rollins said. “But you want to make sure you’re valuing everything that’s donated to you.”
After becoming empty nesters in 2013 and selling their Millbrook landscaping and garden center business, Rollins and her husband were ready to start a new chapter. Rollins found inspiration after attending a clothing swap in Rhinebeck.
“On the way home, I thought, ‘I can do that,’ so I planned my own event that fall and had my friends donate their clothes,” she recalled, laughing about how she made soup for more than 30 women.
While soup is no longer served, the warmth of community continues to fuel the mission.
Millbrook Antiques Mall donates a year-round booth to Fashion Feeds, allowing all profits to go directly to the pantry. When donations outgrew Rollins’ basement, Global Self Storage offered a free unit to hold garment racks — donated by J.McLaughlin — and boxes of designer items. Corcoran Country Living also provides space during Community Day for the annual sale.
“It’s a true community effort in support of our neighbors,” Rollins said.
Beyond feeding families in eastern Dutchess County, Fashion Feeds also aims to address climate change and reduce pollution by promoting secondhand shopping. “Fast fashion is the second biggest polluter in the world, and by donating or purchasing vintage clothing, we’re preventing items from entering the waste stream,” Rollins said.
Though she has stitched Fashion Feeds from the ground up, Rollins prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Lakeville resident Susan Simmons discovered Fashion Feeds last year and was inspired by the mission. She now helps amplify Rollins’ work.
“She is an unsung hero because she does it all herself,” Simmons said, who is helping organize the Thursday Sip & Shop event. “It’s incredible what she quietly does for members of our community.”
Shoppers can support the cause by purchasing items from Fashion Feeds. Accepted payment methods are cash, check or credit card through Zeffy, a platform designed for charitable organizations.