Community
Notebook
The Former
Mary Flagler
Cary Arboretum
Ponderosa lemons, a hybrid lemon whose fruit is even larger than
a grapefruit, at the Institute for Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook
If you look at the greenhouse on the Institute of Ecosystem Studies’
property, you might notice something resembling a giant asparagus shooting
up through one of the glass panels. This stalk is actually part of the
remains of an Agave, or Century Plant, that was more than three decades
old when it died last fall. The Century Plant, native to Mexico, blooms
once in its lifetime. Soon afterwards, it dies. This particular plant
started sending up its stalk last April, before coming to a full bloom
in August. It was estimated to be 35 to 40 years old when it died, according
to Jill Cadwallader, a spokesperson at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
The plant reached heights of approximately 30 feet. “The closest
thing in terms of a plant that I can think of is the one in the ‘Little
Shop of Horrors’,” said Cadwallader.
The Greenhouse—located in Millbrook and open to the public—is
home to more than 1,500 plants, ranging from native to tropical varieties,
according to David Bulkeley, manager of the Institute’s greenhouse
complex. In the approximately 15,000 square feet of space, there are
scented Geraniums that leave their perfume-like fragrance on your fingers
when you touch their leaves, there are Mimosas, whose leaves retract
at the faintest touch, there are the magnificent Birds of Paradise and
Staghorn Ferns, and there are even primitive Cycads.
“In the movie Jurassic Park, if you look in the background, you’ll
see these plants,” said Bulkeley, referring to the Cycads.
One of the more interesting aspects of the greenhouse is the Integrated
Pest Management program, which is used to control the populations of
mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and whiteflies—all anthropods that feed
on the plants. Instead of using chemicals to keep the pest populations
down, Bulkeley introduces several species of predatory anthropods to
the greenhouse, including lacewings, Australian lady beetles, and predatory
mites. Because the nature of these introduced-bugs is to eat other bugs,
they leave the plants alone, allowing the greenery to flourish without
much of a threat from pests.
The greenhouse itself is just a small part of the Institute of Ecosystem
Studies. Although they are not open now because of the season, there
are a number of outside gardens on the property, including the Perennial
Garden and Fern Glen. In addition, there is a Deer Browse Garden, where
plants that are usually left untouched by deer are grown. There are
also a number of longer trails for the public to meander on.
Besides the gardens, there are several education programs for adults
and children to enjoy. On the first Saturday of every month, the institute
hosts free ecology programs. On February 2, the theme will be “Winter
Is For The Birds.” March’s theme is “Ecology of Maple
Sugaring.” Both programs are geared towards children and take place
from 1 to 3 pm. They begin at the Gifford House Visitor and Education
Center before moving outdoors.
In addition to these programs for children, there are several Continuing
Education classes for adults at IES. The subject matter focuses on different
ecological and horticultural issues. Classes may look at native plants,
or they may explore the art of writing about gardens, design, plants,
and people. There’s even a class on hydroponics. To students who
want to take a number of courses, certificates in Gardening and Landscape
Design are offered. The instructors are top professionals, including
Jane Brook Barba, a garden designer, lecturer, and instructor at The
New York Botanical Garden.
Behind the scenes at the Institute, a number of ongoing research studies
regarding the ecosystems of the Catskill Mountains, The Hudson River
and other areas around the country are being undertaken. These projects
are run by the more than 30 scientists affiliated with the Institute.
“We are doing innovative studies on Lyme Disease,” said Cadwallader.
“We have a diversity of research studies.”
The Institute got its start when Mary Flagler Cary, who died in 1967,
put in her will to preserve her 14 farms and other properties. She wanted
the property used for the public’s benefit. In 1971, Cary Trustees
chose The New York Botanical Garden to oversee the property, soon to
be known as the Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum. In the 1980s, The New York
Botanical Garden expanded the role of the Arboretum and the Institute
for Ecosystem Studies was founded. In the 1990s, the organization became
an independent, not-for-profit corporation. “The emphasis is on
long-term studies,” said Cadwallader.
To contact the Institute, call 677-5359 or visit www.ecostudies.org.
The Institute is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm and
on Sunday from 1 to 6 pm. (The greenhouse closes at 3:30 pm.) Free permits
are required by visitors. They can be obtained at the Gifford House
Visitor and Education Center, located on Route 44a in Millbrook.
—Mike Lynch
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