Since childhood, Harry and Sonia Blumenthal have been mesmerized by the natural world. Growing up in a small town in Germany, Harry learned about plant and animal life by exploring the Taunus Mountains on old Roman pathways. Raised in Berlin, Sonia has fond memories of peering though a microscope with her grandfather. In the 1930s, Nazism forced Harry and Sonia to emigrate. On arriving in Paris, Sonia enrolled in the Eclaireuses de France, the French Girl Scouts. Excursions to the tranquil Pyrenees left a lasting impression on her. In Sonia's words, "Nature is to be admired, protected, and above all understood." For over 30 years, Harry and Sonia resided in the Hudson Valley, an area they describe as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Typical of people who are always questing after new experiences and information, they attended events at the Institute. A member of the Adirondack Mountain Club, Harry also led numerous hikes on the IES grounds. Years of sustained relations with the organization, including membership in the Aldo Leopold Society, fostered a strong bond between the Blumenthals and IES.

"Sonia and Harry Blumenthal's strong commitment to our mission and extraordinary generosity have truly made a difference in the life of our organization. We are deeply grateful for their friendship and their support." Ms. Susan Roeller Brown, Past Chief Development Officer

Sonia comments, "What struck me most about the Institute was the synergy among the staff. The open collaboration that I saw was inspiring and unique. Instead of being proprietary about knowledge, IES scientists strive to share what they know for the betterment of our natural environment. Their efforts are supported by educators, who bring this fascinating information to lay-people like me."

When it was time to leave the Hudson Valley for retirement in Baltimore, a deep personal interest in the environment motivated Harry and Sonia to leave a legacy behind. Half of the proceeds from the sale of their home was donated to the Institute. This generous gift will allow IES to continue doing what it does best — innovating and sharing knowledge about the ecosystems that support life.

Sonia's commitment to investing in the collective future is supported by her Quaker ideals. She notes that, "I believe in giving back to what I cherish. From acid rain and Hudson River health to the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, IES staff members are tackling important problems. It is in the interest of society that we understand these things. I am thrilled that our gift will help support the effectiveness of the organization."

Harry adds, "The work that IES is doing is getting more and more vital. As time goes by, problems like suburban sprawl and air pollution are magnifying. On a recent visit to Shenandoah National Park the pollution was so thick that we couldn't see the majestic valleys. To me, this is a tragedy. We need more people like Gene Likens who are actively researching ways to remedy the impact pollutants are having on our natural areas."

A bronze sign in the IES Fern Glen marks the Blumenthal's gift. Situated on a wooden platform overlooking the East Branch of Wappinger Creek, the plaque commemorates Sonia's grandparents, Else and Hermann Schaefer, who first introduced her to the gift of the great outdoors.

To learn more about memorial tributes, contact the IES Development Office at (845) 677-7600 x220