MILLBROOK — On April 28 at 2 p.m. the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies will be hosting the Fourth Annual Young Environmental Scientists’ (YES) Conference. Students from across Dutchess County will convene at the Cary Institute, where they will share their environmentally-themed science fair projects with leaders in the field of ecology.



Cary Institute scientists will give students constructive feedback about their science fair projects, providing a mentoring experience that is absent from most traditional science fairs. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the Cary Institute’s labs and listen to a lecture by Bill McKibben–author, educator, environmentalist, and founder of 350.org. McKibben will discuss how people around the world are working to address global warming and how people close to home can make a real difference. McKibben’s lecture, to be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Cary Institute auditorium, is free and open to the public.



Instead of focusing on competition, the YES Conference introduces students to the collaborative nature of science. Megan McLean, an Education Program Specialist at the Cary Institute, comments, "Some of today’s most impressive scientific endeavors stem from collaborative efforts and we hope to foster a community of learning that reflects that spirit. Our conference aims to celebrate scientific curiosity while providing students with the feedback and mentorship necessary to pursue their interests in science."



The YES Conference was created to foster a community of learning among science fair participants that are interested in understanding the natural world. All students completing environment-related projects are invited to submit an application to participate. For more information and to register (by April 25th, 2011) contact Megan McLean at (845) 677-7600 x190 or mcleanm@caryinstitute.org.



The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is a private, not-for-profit environmental research and education organization in Millbrook. For over twenty five years, Cary Institute scientists have been investigating the complex interactions that govern the natural world. Their objective findings lead to more effective policy decisions and increased environmental literacy. Focal areas include air and water pollution, climate change, invasive species, and the ecological dimensions of infectious disease. Learn more at www.caryinstitute.org



Source: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies