Recent Headlines
File photo: SUNY ESF Summer Science Week
ESF Summer Science Week at the MOST Kicks Off July 21
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – July 16, 2025 – From a bioblitz along the Creekwalk to a walk-and-talk tour through historic Armory Square and a water and wildlife field trip at Barry Park, campers attending SUNY ESF Summer Science Week will dive into hands-on environmental exploration July 21–25. The camp is held in partnership with The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST).
This immersive week of fieldwork and discovery introduces rising ninth graders to environmental science concepts, careers, and real-world applications. The program begins with opening ceremonies at noon on Monday, July 21, on the campus of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
“ESF is proud to continue its collaboration with the MOST for Summer Science Week,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “Giving students the chance to work alongside our scientists in the field and witness the real-world environmental impact of their efforts is a powerful way to inspire future environmental leaders.”
“Summer Science Week with MOST and SUNY ESF has evolved into a model of what a holistic, hands-on STEM partnership should be," said Lauren Kochian, MOST president. "Whether it’s ESF students as counselors or the rising ninth graders getting a contextualized free week of environmental science camp across CNY, this is a true collaboration. At a time when the demand for these careers is growing rapidly, we hope to expose students to the possibilities of an education at ESF and a career in Onondaga County. As always, we are grateful to SUNY ESF, SUNY ESF Foundation, and President Mahoney for their commitment to making sure MOST students get exposure and access to ESF at a young age.”
Originally launched over a decade ago to spotlight the cleanup of Onondaga Lake and its watershed, the camp has grown into a premier opportunity for students to gain field experience and build foundational skills in inquiry, observation, and problem-solving—both in the lab and outdoors.
Throughout the week, students will explore local natural and built environments, examining sustainability, environmental engineering, and climate solutions in the Syracuse area. Campers will have the learning opportunities at the Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center in Liverpool, the Reworld Waste to Energy facility in Jamesville, the Otisco Lake Water Treatment Plant. The majority of the camp takes place outdoors, encouraging students to engage directly with the environment.
The week concludes with a student showcase on Friday, July 25 at 4 p.m., where campers will present their projects to family and friends.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.
The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST)
The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) is a hands-on science and technology museum located in historic Armory Square in downtown Syracuse. The MOST is focused on dynamic science education that engages learners of all ages and abilities. It features 35,000 square feet of interactive permanent and traveling exhibits plus the state-of-the-art National Grid ExploraDome theatre. The museum operates numerous STEM education programs and community outreach events throughout the year. The MOST's mission is to provide informal science learning experiences that ignite curiosity, encourage discovery, and inspire investigation. The MOST is open from 9:30 to 5, Thursday through Sunday, and is open for most school holidays and breaks. To learn more, visit most.org.