The 2020 Mid-Hudson Young Environmental Scientist (MH-YES) Program took place remotely from July 7 through August 14. Eight Dutchess County high school students, working in two groups, convened daily on Zoom with their mentors - research scientists, undergraduate students, and local high school science teachers – and with program leaders to develop original scientific investigations pertaining to their home ecosystems in the context of regional watershed ecology. Students performed fieldwork independently in their backyards and neighborhoods and synthesized results during virtual discussions with their team members. One research team created water budgets for members’ “home ecosystems,” representing inputs and outputs in schematic diagrams. The other team investigated the differences in soil water quality between deciduous and coniferous environments following a major storm event. At the end of the six-week program, students presented their findings at a virtual symposium. Students also participated in several virtual enrichment activities offered by MH-YES program leaders, the regional network of high school research programs and Cary Institute’s REU program. MH-YES participants - both students and mentors - reported a positive summer experience despite significant challenges with virtual programming. High school students in particular reported social, emotional, and intellectual gains as a result of program participation.