The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY is hosting a free 25th Anniversary Celebration on May 16, 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. Lots of interesting-sounding science going on here. (As I’ve said before, no relation to this Cary.)

Here’s email from Pam Freeman:

“Join us for a family-friendly evening of science demonstrations, lab
tours, and folk music!

“At 7pm, we will host the kick-off event for the Millbrook Book Festival:

“A nature and science writing panel featuring New York Times reporter
Andy Revkin

4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Lab Tours, Poster Session, and Science Demonstrations

Have you ever wondered what happens in the Cary Institute’s Plant
Science Building? Now is your chance to find out! In addition to viewing
research posters and participating in hands-on demonstrations, visitors
can tour select labs to see science in action.

“PSB Lobby Activities
What Lives in the Water: This display will encourage visitors to explore
aquatic ecology, including microscopic organisms that many of us
overlook. Cary Institute educators will help guests identify
invertebrates and learn about insect life cycles.

“Invasive Species in the Hudson River Valley: Are you curious about the
types of invasive species that are impacting the Hudson Valley Region?
Learn more about Cary Institute research on zebra mussels, water
chestnut, and earthworms.

4:15 p.m. Lab Tours Begin

”(1) The Strayer Lab: Researchers in the Strayer Lab focus on aquatic
ecology. Observe local fish in our aquaria and learn about aquatic
sampling techniques, including how to use a dissecting microscope. Did
you ever wonder how you age a clam? During a hands-on experiment,
participants will learn how to cut, stain, and count clam rings.

”(2) The Analytical Lab: Chemical analysis is a crucial part of many
ecological research projects. Lab staff will give tours of the Rachel L.
Carson Analytical Facility, including demonstrations of high-tech
instruments used to process ecological samples. Learn how, why, and what
kinds of samples we analyze. There will also be a hands-on pH
demonstration for children.

”(3) The Weathers Lab: In certain ecosystems, fog is an important source
of water, sulfur, and nitrogen. The Weathers Lab is interested in how
fog distribution impacts ecosystems. Learn about several current
projects and techniques used to collect fog.

”(4) The Ostfeld Lab: Lyme disease occurrence is connected to ecosystem
variables, such as small mammal populations, tick presence, and acorn
abundance. Investigate ticks up close and personal with a dissecting
scope and learn how to identify different tree seeds.

”(5) The Groffman Lab: Soil is full of living organisms that consume and
release important greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane,
and nitrous oxide. Learn about how soil microbial activity influences
the Earth’s atmosphere while observing gas chromatograph readings.

4:15 p.m. Weather Station Tour

“The Cary Institute’s weather station is constantly gathering data about
climatic conditions, such as temperature and rainfall. This information
is essential to tracking environmental change and supporting onsite
research projects. Explore the facility with Environmental Monitoring
Program Manager Vicky Kelly.

6:00 p.m. Reception in the Auditorium Lobby

Enjoy refreshments while viewing research posters and listening to
Bindlestick Bill’s folk-infusion.

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. The Uncertain Journey Toward 6 Billion: Communicating
Ecology on a
Crowding Planet

Featured guest Andy Revkin and a panel of Cary Institute staff will
address the importance of engaging individuals in ecological thinking.
Mr. Revkin will draw from his popular New York Times blog, Dot Earth,
which can be viewed online at http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/”