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Southbury, CT, April 19, 2006—Bent of the River Audubon Center announced today that it has partnered with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide high school students with the opportunity to participate in a one-week field research program called Summer SEARCH, which allows them to do hands-on research while learning about and helping protect the environment.

Established in 1986, Summer SEARCH is an award-winning residential program directed by Alberto Mimo, Director of DEP's Center for Environmental Research Education. This year Summer SEARCH will offer four week-long sessions, beginning on July 10 and ending on August 4. While attending the 5-day program, participants will camp at Kettletown State Park in Southbury, CT, where they will prepare their own meals, arrange their schedules and work cooperatively as a group to complete the research projects.

This summer's research will include a survey of invasive plants and dragonflies found on the Audubon sanctuary's 610 acres. Research will be conducted at the Audubon Center at Bent of the River in Southbury. Nestled in the Pomperaug River Valley, the 610-acre National Audubon sanctuary includes upland and floodplain forests, meadows and scrub fields, vernal pools, ponds, and the Pomperaug River.

"This is a great opportunity for high school students who are interested in scientific research to get unique first-hand experience," said Summer Search Director Alberto Mimo. "Many former SEARCH participants go on to study biology or environmental science in college and pursue careers related to environmental research."

Bent of the River Audubon Center is currently accepting applications for Summer 2006. SEARCH weeks fill up quickly, so Audubon recommends sending in applications as soon as possible. First time applicants must provide a complete registration form, one letter of recommendation from a teacher or other adult, and a one-page essay entitled "Why I Want to Participate in Summer Search," to Ellen Turner at eturner@audubon.org. Past Search participants need to send only the registration form.

The SEARCH staff consists of present or recent college students majoring in biology or environmental science, and often are former SEARCH participants. Summer staff attends a week-long training session that includes certification in CPR and First-Aid, as well as training on research and education. Staff acts as not only the research project's team leaders, but also as a professional and personal support group for participants. The Summer SEARCH program is licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

"What is most important as an adult working with Summer SEARCH is meeting children who, at such a young age, are environmental stewards," says Rachel Sunny, DEP Office of Communications and Education, and Assistant Director of Summer SEARCH. "These are the children who are not left inside but have an innate love and understanding of the environment and for the world."

Summer SEARCH charges a fee of $375 a week, in order to cover the cost of staff, food, camping equipment, program expenses, scientific equipment, and transportation; however, there are a limited number of $50 and $100 scholarships available for students with demonstrated need.

For more information or to receive a registration form, contact Ellen Turner, Bent of the River Education Director at 203-264-5098 or eturner@audubon.org.

Audubon Connecticut is the state organization of the National Audubon Society with more than 10,000 members statewide. Audubon works to protect birds, other wildlife and their habitats using education, science and conservation, and legislative advocacy for the benefit of people and the earth’s biological diversity.