Summer vacation in the Amazon

Gregory Lee of Belmont learned in school about slash-and-burn agriculture, or the practice of cutting and burning acres of forest to make way for crops, but it wasn't until he traveled to the Brazilian Amazon that he was able to judge its true impact.

Lee, who is majoring in mechanical engineering at Stanford University, was one of 16 college juniors selected nationwide to participate in a research expedition as part of the Environmental Leadership Program sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund and Nissan North America. Now in its second year, the program provides student leaders with the opportunity to examine environmental issues and advocate for conservation.

During the two-week trip earlier this month to the Brazilian Amazon, he helped farmers reforest the land and conducted field research alongside conservation scientists focused on protecting the rainforest habitat and endangered species such as the black lion tamarin. Students also participated in cultural activities with locals who have firsthand experience of the area's destruction through illegal logging and other activities.

"The slash-and-burn agriculture we saw seemed so destructive, but then I realized it was this family's only livelihood and only environmental impact," said Lee, 21, noting that the $5,000 cash prize he received will help further his self-financed development of an inexpensive, solar-powered cooker for Third World populations.

"In America," he added, "we're much more removed from the environmental impact of things we do every day."

RUN/WALK FOR A CURE: Despite being a pediatric nurse, Patty Flynn of Medford said she wasn't aware her 1-year-old son had neurofibromatosis until a fellow nurse identified what Flynn thought were large freckles as a telltale sign of the genetic order. Now 10, Dylan Flynn also has numerous tumors inside and on his body, learning disabilities, seizures, and low muscle tone. Neurofibromatosis can also cause deafness and cancer.

Eager to raise awareness and research funds for the disorder, Flynn joined a committee of the Burlington-based Neurofibromatosis Inc. Northeast, which will sponsor the first Steps 2 Cure NF Run/Walk on Sept. 9 at Horn Pond in Woburn. Admitting she's "not a big runner," Flynn plans to walk with her husband and three other children. Dylan raised more than $300 in their neighborhood.

"I worry about Dylan's future, what lies ahead for him, like any parent would," Flynn said. "He's had a lot more challenges thrown his way, but he's a strong and happy kid."

Runners and walkers are invited to register in the Steps 2 Cure NF Run/Walk on race day from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. The run, which leaves at 10 a.m., consists of two laps around the 2 1/2-mile pond course. Walkers begin their single lap around the pond at 10:15 a.m. On race day, the entry fee is $25 for adults and $20 for children 6-17. For more information, visit nfincne.org.

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