Beacon Institute Opens Evironmental Center

It was like three openings for the price of one as the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries’ Center for Environmental Innovation and Education opened its doors to an enthusiastic crowd of environmentalists and local citizens and politicians. The structure, formerly known as Building One, will also serve as a visitor center for the 64-acre Dennings Point State Park, as well as a strong example of sustainable design by Gensler.

A clear but cold day kept most of the celebrants indoors, noshing on goodies provided by Homespun Foods of Beacon and milling about the high-ceilinged space, sometimes pausing at one of the standing computer stations or in front of the multiple large monitors mounted to form an oversize screen on the back wall. The facility is beautiful in an understated way, combining the late-nineteenth century brick shell with lots of sustainable technology, including natural ventilation towers, solar hot water, geothermal heating and cooling, and composting toilets. After indulging in several glasses of semi-local Saratoga Springs sparkling water, I was eager to test the last feature, and I’m happy to report the green loos are more or less user friendly, although finding the button that dispenses the ecologically sound bio-foam took a few moments (it’s completely hidden when the lid is in the upright, or in-use, position.)

The shades that came down automatically as Institute director John Cronin kicked off the program gave everyone a brief scare, but it turns out it was operator misunderstanding that had them going in several directions, and they worked flawlessly, darkening the sunlit space for Jim Heron to give a wonderful fifteen minute slide show history of Dennings Point. Jim clocked in at 14:53, but it’s worth it to get the more extensive version in the book he wrote about this fascinating spit of land on the Hudson. As Cronin said in his introduction, it follows the arc of the American story.

How fitting that Dennings Point plays yet another role in that continuing saga, as host of a 21st century institute that Cronin says is “changing the field of environmental science with REON, its educational programs and the strength of its collaborative partnerships.” REON is River and Estuary Observation Network, a joint effort between the Institute, IBM and Clarkson University to create an integrated network of environmental sensors throughout the 315-mile length of the Hudson River. The sensors will monitor real-time changes in the river’s physical, chemical and biological makeup.

Unfortunately perhaps, this reporter couldn’t stay for the full program, as he had to get back to his day job. But as Congressman John Hall said, “Beacon Institute is a Hudson Valley treasure–the research and innovation taking place here in our own backyard will translate into tangible benefits that will resound throughout the international community.” And thehudsonvalleygreen will be back to bring you a more in-depth look at the Institute in the months ahead.

The crowds were indoors for the Beacon Institute opening on a cold December day.