It Takes a Village
Millbrook is home to the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, a world leader in the ecological research field and the host of the festival’s opening on Friday, May 16. Senior research specialist Heather Malcom is “exceedingly excited” by the symbiosis. “The whole scientific community goes to the bookstore–everybody knows Scott,” she explains. “This was a perfect match—we’re celebrating our 25th anniversary, and here’s someone who wanted to bring the public to us.” From 4 to 6pm, the institute will offer open lab tours and activities for all ages, including fog collecting, determining the age of Hudson River clams by counting shell ridges like tree rings, checking water Ph content, and viewing Lyme-bearing ticks through a microscope (“They’ll be dead ticks,” Malcom reassures with a laugh). A reception from 6 to 7pm will feature refreshments and a performance by eco-folksinger Bindlestick Bill. At 7pm, New York Times science writer Andrew Revkin will headline a panel discussion on the population explosion and climate change.