The Ecosystem Literacy Initiative is the focus of the education program at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. It strives to understand how people learn about ecosystems, to enhance the general understanding of students, policy makers, and the public of ecosystems, and train a new generation of ecologists capable of addressing and solving complex environmental problems.

Ecosystem literacy is essential because human actions are resulting in unprecedented changes to the Earth's ecosystems, and addressing these changes requires an understanding of how ecosystems function and why they are important to society. Ecosystems are inherently complex, and therefore present a challenge for education and outreach. We believe that an ecosystem perspective is essential for making informed decisions that balance the tradeoffs that we face, and that consider the long-term consequences of our actions. At the Cary Institute, we are able to bring together scientists, educators, and learners to improve people's understanding of their connections to the world around them.