Institute of Ecosystem Studies
The Institute of Ecosystem
Studies combines research and education in fulfillment of its scientific mission. Central to the
Institute's mission is the creation, dissemination, and
application of knowledge about ecological systems. A society
with a basic understanding of ecological systems and an
appreciation of their role in the quality of human life
is essential if natural areas are to be sustained.
Founded in 1983 by the eminent ecologist
Dr. Gene E. Likens, the Institute is one of the largest
ecological programs in the world. More important than
size, however, is the quality, range and influence of
this program. Scientific books and articles published
by Institute ecologists influence scientists and policy
makers in the United States and abroad. Innovative curricula
developed by Institute educators and scientists provide
new ways of thinking for teachers and students throughout
the country. International conferences and workshops
at IES provide a forum for today's and tomorrow's leaders
in ecological research. Institute leadership will enable
students, policy makers and the general public alike
to have a better ecological understanding and will better
equip them to make sound ecological decisions.
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Dr. Gene E. Likens' vision as the
founding director of the Institute of Ecosystem Studies
was to build an ecological center of excellence, free
of the red tape and distractions so inhibiting to creative
thought and productivity. He wanted to incorporate the
best qualities that universities have to offer and to
discard the worst. With E.F. Schumacher, Dr. Likens
believes that small can be beautiful. Excellence at
IES is an enduring goal and has several components:
- Promotion and nourishment of creative
thoughts and ideas
- Innovative interaction among bright
people
- Academic freedom to express and
debate ideas
- Cooperative pursuit of new ideas,
based on Dr. Likens' experience that several bright
and inquisitive minds often achieve major insights
beyond the reach of a single individual
- Time and support to pursue important
ecological problems in depth
At the start, the Institute was an
experiment. With funds from the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable
Trust and administrative freedom from The New York Botanical
Garden, Dr. Likens assembled a team of remarkable scientists
and support staff, guided by a few simple, but essential
policies. The experiment got off to an excellent start
and the Institute has had many successes on its way
to becoming an acknowledged, center for innovative research
and education in ecology.
The Earth's environmental systems
increasingly are assaulted at all levels. Ecological
understanding and education offer tangible hope for
addressing such multifaceted and potentially devastating
environmental problems. Thus, the maintenance of a vibrant,
intellectual environment at IES can contribute imaginative
ideas and creative approaches to help solve these complex
environmental problems. Unraveling ecological complexity
and communicating the results to decision makers in
a useful way are monumental tasks, yet these are the
challenges Dr. Likens and his scientific staff have
accepted.
The Institute of Ecosystem Studies
is dedicated to the creation, dissemination and application
of knowledge about ecosystems. Toward this end, many
of the Institute's 778 hectares (1,924 acres) have been
set aside for scientific research. Specific trails and
roads have been designated for visitors, and IES grounds
provide visitors with a unique opportunity to connect
with nature and view local wildlife. When planning your
visit to IES, please reference our hours as they change
seasonally.
Attractions include:
Hiking Trails - The Institute's hiking trails take you through a number
of ecosystems, these varied habitats allow for great
bird watching and nature observation. Look for signs
of ecosystem disturbance, examine the lichens on a fallen
tree, or just relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of
nature.
The Gifford
Garden - Situated behind the Gifford House Visitor
and Education Center, the Gifford Garden is a perennial
garden that is both educational and beautiful. Dedicated
in 1987, the garden's history dates back to past ties
with the New York Botanical Garden. The garden's plant
collections are grouped to convey themes or design concepts.
Among the Gifford Garden attractions, visitors can expect
to see plants that are preferred by pollinators, such
as butterflies and hummingbirds, plants known to have
poisonous qualities, and hearty plants that are resistant
to deer browse. Many beds feature educational brochures
that enable visitors to take information home and apply
it in their own yards and gardens.
The Fern Glen - It appears to be a plain pond with a simple bench,
a quiet place for a minute's rest. Yellow daisies line
the shore and ripe elderberries hang heavy over the
banks. The glossy black shell of a turtle slips from
a log into the water. Camouflaged in a patch of algae
are three tiny striped faces, baby painted turtles concealed
from predators. Dragonflies and damselflies swoop, dive
and chase each other through the cattails. Some are
slender needles of vivid blue, iridescent teal, or tomato
red. Others are remarkably large, with striped wings
and thick torsos.
The Greenhouse - For the thousands of people who visit each year, the
Institute of Ecosystem Studies greenhouse is a lush
tropical paradise. The array of botanical beauty is
a sensory feast- from prehistoric looking cycads and
Venus flytraps to fruit-laden trees and delicate orchids.
For IES researchers, educators and gardeners, the greenhouse
complex offers more than beauty. It is a controlled
environment for ecological research about plants, a
living classroom where students explore plant growth
and biodiversity, and a plant propagation site for public
displays.
The Institute of Ecosystem Studies
is open to visitors year-round, with each season offering
its unique beauty. In spring, wildflowers abound along
our hiking trails, and native plants enliven the Fern
Glen. Gifford Garden is a living tapestry of form and
color from early summer into fall (see Garden Highlights),
when the glorious shades of autumn come to the Hudson
Valley. In the depths of winter, the IES Greenhouse
is an oasis of tropical splendor. Please see the weather
and what to bring page for more information.
Groups are welcome to visit IES for
self-guided tours. Groups larger than 10 are asked to
notify the Education Office (845-677-5359) prior to
their visit; the group leader will be responsible for
assuring that all Institute rules for visitors are followed.
Guided tours are also available for
groups. Arrangements must be made with our Visitor Services
Office (845-677-7600, ext. 317). Guided tours should
be scheduled well in advance, and are dependent upon
the availability of our garden and greenhouse staff.
For the safety of visitors, hiking
trails and roadways are closed from November 16 - April
14 due to deer hunting season and the fact that internal
roadways are not cleared of snow and ice cover. During
this time, visitors are welcome to visit the IES Greenhouse.
Picnicking is permitted behind the
Gifford House Visitor and Education Center, with a few
tables available for this purpose.
Please remember: Parts of the property
are set aside for long-term research on ecosystem disturbance
and recovery. There is no public access to these areas.
Please do not collect any plants,
animals, rocks, etc. during your visit. These things
are all part of the Institute's ecosystem.
Visitor Attractions - grounds, gardens,
roadways: Open: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 15 - November
15
Please note: for the safety of visitors,
hiking trails and roadways are closed from November
16 - April 14 due to deer hunting season and the fact
that internal roadways are not cleared of snow and ice
cover. During this time, visitors are welcome to visit
the IES Greenhouse.
Greenhouse: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,
every day year round |
