By Elise Jacobs and Anita C. Wright Hot and sticky weather did not discourage the Group for the South Fork's Summer Field Ecology students from exploring, learning and playing in some of the most beautiful natural places on the East End! Here are some of the highlights. MONARCHS July 15th - 19th: Each day of the week, our young Monarchs students visited a distinct ecosystem learn about the diverse habitats of the South Fork, and how to enjoy what each has to offer! Throughout the week, we hunted for blue crabs and body-surfed at Sagg Main Beach; observed and identified turtles and dragonflies in the Long Pond Greenbelt; seined for silversides and held mud snail races on the shores of Northwest Harbor; sketched in journals atop the bluffs overlooking the ocean in Montauk; and snacked on wild blueberries in the Walking Dunes! OSPREYS July 25th - 29th: The Ospreys program is designed for older children, including some who have participated for seven years in a row! This year.s activities went beyond field study - and included visiting the workplaces of people who make a living enhancing and protecting the East End environment. During the week, we visited the East Hampton Shellfish Hatchery's barge in Napeague Harbor and received a hands-on introduction to the town.s shellfish seeding program; explored Atlantis Marine World with Marine Biologists and Marine Educators; and toured The Nature Conservancy's .green. nature center at the incredible Mashomack Preserve. The week ended with a day of kayaking in Alewife Brook, stargazing at the Cedar Point Lighthouse and camping out in Cedar Point County Park. We could not carry out these summer programs without the help of our amazing interns Adrien Charbin, Peter Saltanis and Lucy Block. Thank you for your time, energy and enthusiasm! Thank you also to the law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin, Reale & Quartararo LLP for the generous donation that enabled us to provide scholarships and transportation. We rely on community support to enhance our programs, and the commitment of our sponsors reinforces the message we are sending to the children. If you would like to support Summer Field Ecology, or have questions regarding our Education Programs, please send inquiries and donations to: GSF Summer Field Ecology, P.O. Box 569, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 or contact Elise Jacobs at ext. 21 or ejacobs@hamptons.com.