Ecological Leadership
This June, Luke Gascho will complete 22 years serving as Executive Director of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College, in Wolf Lake, Indiana. Building on a legacy of conservation and education rooted in the vision of founders Mary Jane and Lee Rieth, Gascho helped Merry Lea continue holding a vital space for environmental and theological inquiry, inviting learners young and old to “re-create” and explore the beauty and complexity of nature.
In April, 2019, we visited Luke at Merry Lea and at his home to gather video footage to share at a Wide Angle Films and Talks event on May 9. We invited Luke to reflect on how core virtues of leadership helped guide emerging awareness and understanding of sustainability and systems thinking in education. Our goal was to highlight specific programs and practices that have emerged out of Luke’s work at Merry Lea — to present at the event and to be woven together in an extended interactive format. This page will share these outputs as they emerge, leading up to and following the event.
Video Map
Edited Videos
Longer Un-Edited Videos
Extra Bite-Sized Snippets
Clips from the WAFT Event
Mennonite Creation Care Network
Mennonite Creation Care Network (MCCN) is a Christian organization affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA and the Mennonite Church Canada. Our primary focus is the Mennonite community, but anyone who wishes to be part of a faith-based network of people engaged in caring for creation is welcome to join us.
MCCN is based at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center.
Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center
Merry Lea is a nature sanctuary located near Wolf Lake, Indiana. Most of the habitats found in northeastern Indiana are present in the 1,189 acres of Merry Lea. Unique geological features such as peat bogs, a marl pit, and glacial gravel formations are present.