Cary Institute celebrates 40 years of science research with tours, film and cupcakes

MILLBROOK —  Pastel icing on cupcakes, kids at microscopes, and wild animals on screen were all a part of the celebration that took place at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies on Friday, March 24. From 5 to 6:30 p.m., more than 140 people registered to join the institute in paying homage to the 40 years that Cary has been a part of the scientific world, as well as a part of Millbrook.

There were 10 tours scheduled, with people being taken all through Cary, learning about the institute, how it works and what it does for the public. Most people know about the grounds at Cary, the Fern Glen, hiking trails and wildlife, but on the tours, they were able to learn about the many scientists and technicians who work at Cary, and the equipment that is used for ongoing research.

Cary is well-known for the work it has done in many areas, but most notably ticks and Lyme disease; the study of invasive species on native trees and plants; and the effects of forest fires on the future of woodlands, what causes these fires and what the expected outcomes are.

Many of the research projects have had to do with the spread of pandemics; the dangers of medicines being dumped and contaminating public waters; greening urban neighborhoods; and identifying the animals and blights that can damage forest life and cause disease.

Cary is also famous for the study of Wappinger Creek, the Hudson River and the tributaries in the area, studying both the animal populations and the plants and vegetation in the waters and around them. Its ongoing monitoring system is famous throughout the world.

Many budding scientists get training from the institute through summer intern programs, and starting even younger with Data Jam, a program that takes place every year for middle- and high-school students to take on a project, individually or as a group, and to enter into a science project fair with cash prizes and the chance to learn science through the program.

The tours began in the newly renovated Cary headquarters. Also set up there was an ongoing loop of film taken on Cary property of wildlife including bears, foxes, coyotes, beavers and others, all recorded as the animals played, ate and hunted, totally unaware that they were being filmed. Data specialist Adrian Castellanos was on hand to talk about the filming process.

Asked about what the 40th-year celebration meant to him, Castellanos, who has worked at Cary for three years, said: “I think of all the scientists who have been here through those years and the work that they’ve done. Just the sheer knowledge and the gamut of purpose from the people who have been here is amazing.”

That Cary Institute is about the future and not the past was evident in the celebration; there were no speeches from President Joshua Ginsberg, no reflections on past glories, just many ways to learn about what Cary does and how it does it, and a chance to meet with the many scientists and others who make Cary what it is. Those working the event were very pleased with the turnout of people taking advantage of this learning experience.

A room was set aside for children, and there were a great many of them. There were coloring materials for drawing and scientific materials that were age-appropriate, but the most compelling project was the microscopes set up to view the fungi that can be found on the roots of trees. Many of the youngsters were thrilled to be able to observe findings though the microscopes, a way of introducing the very young to the world of science.

Also on hand was Mike Fargione, who was originally introduced to Cary Institute as an undergraduate who worked there in the summer of 1981. He returned to Cary in 2014, and is the manager of field and outdoor programs. Fargione had a multitude of pamphlets containing information on the trails of Cary, as well as the other programs and projects that are a part of Cary’s everyday, ongoing projects of research and discovery.

Adrian Castellanos, data specialist at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, discussed animal life and habitat at Cary during its 40th anniversary celebration on Friday, March 24. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

A room was set up for children with drawing and construction materials as well as microscopes for viewing the fungi that can be found on the roots of trees. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

Mike Fargione, manager of field and outdoor programs, had a table filled with information about Cary and its scientific projects, as well as information on its hiking trails. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

Adrian Castellanos, data specialist at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, discussed animal life and habitat at Cary during its 40th anniversary celebration on Friday, March 24. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe